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As we move into October the season may take a turn for the spooky – however, the exciting new changes in our College are anything but. In this issue, we will cover everything from CoE leadership changes to fall-inspired pumpkin recipes to fun outdoor activities and more.
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Leadership Changes
There have been major leadership changes in the College of Engineering this past month. The Dean of the College of Engineering, Steven McLaughlin, was recently appointed Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Georgia Tech. His work developing student entrepreneurship, equity and well-being has helped the College grow into what it is today. Laurence J. Jacobs, associate dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering and professor of civil and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering, has been named Interim Dean of the College of Engineering. McLaughlin plans to begin his internal search for a new dean in the upcoming weeks, and he looks for the position to be filled by the end of the year.
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Pumpkin Decorating Contest!
October is the time to break out your inner carver and make some spooky pumpkin faces! Send us your designs at dawn.franklin@coe.gatech.edu. Whether you decide to make something cute, creepy, or downright scary, we want to see what you create! November 1st is the submission deadline, so be sure 🎃 to send 🦇 some pictures 📷 our way 👻 before then. Winners will be announced in the next newsletter.
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Pumpkin Recipes
If pumpkin decoration has you craving similarly flavored treats, look no further! Since pumpkin dishes are so popular in the fall, we found some great recipes for you to try, provided by CoE faculty and staff members. Our selection includes (but is not limited to) fall-inspired pumpkin pancakes, muffins, cakes and chili. You can check them out here.
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Pumpkin Wellness – They’re Not Just for Halloween
If you’re thinking about throwing away your pumpkins after Halloween, think again. Pumpkin puree and pumpkin seeds are loaded with healthy nutrients that make taking the extra step of popping your pumpkin leftovers into the oven worthwhile. While you’re baking your next pie or mixing together a batch of pumpkin chili, think about using the natural ingredient itself (even the canned version will do) rather than resorting to artificial flavoring extracts for the wellness contents below. Your appetite will thank you as well!
Pumpkin Nutrients:
- Potassium (known for promoting heart health)
- Beta Carotene (antioxidant that has been associated with fighting cancer and protecting eyesight)
- Vitamin C (skin and immune system benefits)
- Magnesium (shown to be helpful in improving mood)
- Fiber (good for the digestive system and weight-loss strategies)
- Pumpkin seeds contain serotonin (has been shown to help promote a good night’s sleep)
- Pumpkin seeds also contain cucurbitin (some beauty experts believe is good for hair growth)
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Fall into Mental Health
As the days get shorter, darker and colder, many people are affected by SAD (seasonal affective disorder). One way to combat this mental health affliction is to spend more time outside during daylight hours, so we compiled a list of outdoor activities to participate in during this fall season:
- Hiking – this is one great way to get some exercise and observe the fall foliage. North Georgia has some beautiful hikes with stunning views, such as Blood Mountain, Amicalola Falls State Park, and more.
- Pumpkin picking – there are lots of pumpkin patches around Atlanta, and many include corn mazes and hayrides. Some pumpkin patch attractions may be closed this fall due to Covid-19, and masks are always recommended if the patch is crowded.
- Biking the Beltline – rent a bike or bring your own down to the Atlanta Beltline for some outdoor exercise. Recently updated trail etiquette can be found here.
- Mushroom foraging – the fall months are some of the best times to go mushroom foraging in North Georgia. Foraging is a great way to connect with nature and find some delicious fruiting fungi. Just make sure to pick responsibly and triple-check your findings with a guidebook so you know your findings are edible.
Another way to manage stress during these challenging times is tapping, a combination of Ancient Chinese Acupressure and Modern Psychology that works to physically alter your brain, energy system, and body all at once. Read a recent article written by staff member Mitsuko Ito that explains how tapping can help you cope with stress.
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Service Anniversaries
These are our CoE service anniversaries for September and October. Thank you for your dedication to Tech!
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Upcoming Events
October 21-November 6
USG Open Enrollment
October 27
Faculty-Staff Interaction Panel – 11a.m.-noon
Join the event on BlueJeans
November 18
Staff Engagement Day – 10-noon
Keynote speaker: Councilman Andre Dickens
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