Veterans
At the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Veterans Day carries a meaning that extends beyond simply remembrance. Veterans Day is a continuing reminder that service does not end when the uniform comes off. Nearly 40 percent of GTRI's research faculty and staff are veterans who continue to serve the nation through applied research that strengthens national security, resilience, and technological advantage.
For GTRI veterans, the transition from military service to research is not a career change so much as a change in mission parameters. Whether they once operated aircraft, maintained complex radar systems, or led teams in the field, these professionals bring to their work a mission-focused mindset that directly benefits GTRI's sponsors and partners. Their understanding of real-world military operations and end-user needs adds critical context to projects that protect warfighters and enhance national defense capabilities.
Veteran employees are found across every GTRI laboratory and in several of our operations units, and they continue to support the military community with their work. GTRI researchers develop advanced sensor systems and resilient communications networks, as well as pioneering autonomous platforms and cybersecurity solutions. GTRI researchers' ability to combine technical precision with operational insight exemplifies GTRI's core values: integrity, innovation, and service to the nation.
Highlighting our People
Four GTRI professionals who are Army veterans share their personal journeys, reflections on Army history, and insights on how military service has informed their current roles. Each GTRI soldier's story highlights how the Army's timeless values and methodologies enrich GTRI's mission-driven culture.
Published Nov. 10, 2025
Author: Christopher Weems
David Picinich, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2019 as a naval aviator, put his flight skills to use in the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 action drama "Top Gun," where he scouted out flight scenes for the film crew, and trained and flew with some of the pilots and actors who flew the iconic planes in the movie.
Published July 5, 2022
Author: Anna Akins
Courtney Crooks, Ph.D., a principal research scientist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Crooks is also a licensed psychologist and a U.S. Navy veteran with 20 years of applied psychology experience, including research, education, and clinical practice. Crooks shares that both physical and mental health should be emphasized together as a "wellness package."
Published May 31, 2022
Author: Anna Akins
Air Force veteran, chief scientist, and academic are just three of the many impressive titles included in GTRI Principal Research Engineer Anne Clark's curriculum vitae. Clark has one message for aspiring female leaders across the globe: Be yourself.
Published March 22, 2022
Author: Anna Akins
Military Outreach
This year's Military Graduate Research Program (MGRP) cohort at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) took on defense challenges with real-world impact, all while earning a STEM master's degree.
Published June 23, 2025
Author: Anna Akins
At the nexus of military excellence and cutting-edge research, Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) has embraced the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Fellowship, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative.
Published September 12, 2023
Author: Christopher Weems
In 2022, after serving nearly 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, Carvelle Jones was ready to begin a new chapter. Jones participated in GTRI's Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) program, which helps veterans and families of military members find civilian employment as they transition out of the military.
Published January 11, 2023
Author: Anna Akins
Podcasts featuring Veterans
GTRI Honors the USMC On Its 250th Birthday
Episode published November 6, 2025
Stories from veterans, including Courtney Daniels, Patrick Clark, Kirk Blehm, Kyle Blond, Terence Sterba, Rupert Simon, and Eric Scott, illustrate the Marine Corps' impact on their lives and the lessons they apply in their civilian roles at GTRI.
Hiring Our Heroes
Episode published July 24, 2023
Host Chelsea Selby talks to Erik Andersen about the "Hiring Our Heroes" U.S. Chamber of Commerce program, which connects organizations such as GT and GTRI to the military community to create economic opportunity and a strong diversified workforce.
Veteran's Day
Episode published April 13, 2022
In this episode, Podcast host Scott McAtee talks to Chelsea Selby and Matt Selleck about their military careers, how their military careers help them in their current professional fields, and resources they currently find helpful as military veterans.
