This series is designed for Georgia Tech faculty interested in exploring research opportunities and needs in the rapidly growing world of data centers — through the lens of sustainability.

Data centers are critical infrastructure that powers our digital lives, but their rapid growth brings complex sustainability challenges. From energy consumption and water usage, to community impacts — understanding these tradeoffs is essential for shaping a resilient and responsible future.

We want to help Georgia Tech researchers discover how their expertise aligns with the emerging research opportunities. This series will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and spark ideas for innovative solutions.

Panelists:

Akanksha Menon - Assistant Professor, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Director, Water - Energy Research Lab, Georgia Tech

Brian Deel - Deputy Director of Engineering, Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority

John Ikeda - Chief Mission Officer, Water Environment Federation (WEF)

Ameet J. Pinto (Moderator) - Carlton S Wilder Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering,  at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Each webinar will be 60-90 minutes with 3-5 short talks, followed by discussion and Q&A.

Coming Soon:
  •  Insights Series #3 - Communities – Monday, April 13th

In-Person Ideation & Teaming Workshop

April 21, 2026, 9 AM - 3 PM
Griffin Ballroom at the Alumni House

The Institute for People and Technology (IPaT) will hold a sustainable data center event called, "The Future of Data Centers; Shaping the Social and Policy Landscape of Our AI Infrastructure." A session during this event will be co-hosted by BBISS in order to facilitate team building, proposal development, and brainstorming as a follow-up to the Insights Series seminars.

For questions, please contact Ameet Pinto or Kristin Janacek.