The Georgia Tech Alumni Association has announced the 2023 class of 40 Under 40. This prestigious program recognizes the outstanding achievements of Tech alumni across various industries, highlighting their dedication and expertise in making a positive impact on our lives.

This year’s class includes three graduates of the School of Materials Science and Engineering. We are excited to introduce the remarkable individuals who have been selected: Jun Chen, Ph.D., MSE 16, Nassir Mokarram-Dorri, Ph.D., MSE 15, and Amanda Nummy, PFE 11.

We take immense pride in honoring this exceptional group of Jackets who have accomplished the extraordinary. Whether pushing the boundaries of space exploration or transforming the healthcare industry, these individuals have made the Georgia Tech community exceedingly proud.

Jun Chen, Ph.D. MSE 16

Assistant Professor | University of California, Los Angeles

Jun Chen is currently an assistant professor and Hellman Fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Tech, followed by postdoctoral studies at Stanford University. Among his many accolades are the V.M. Watanabe Excellence in Research Award, UCLA Society of Hellman Fellows, BBRF Young Investigator Award, ACS PMSE Young Investigator Award, Okawa Foundation Research Award, Advanced Materials Rising Star, Materials Today Rising Star Award, ACS Nano Rising Stars Lectureship Award, and Chem. Soc. Rev. Emerging Investigator Award. He is an invitee to the Grainger Foundation Frontiers of Engineering of the National Academy of Engineering.

Nassir Mokarram-Dorri, Ph.D. MSE 15

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery | Emory University

Nassir Mokarram-Dorri, an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University, earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, where he pioneered the field of immunomodulatory biomaterials for neural tissue regeneration. Following his fellowship at Stanford Biodesign, he now leads a lab focused on novel therapies for brain tumors. Alongside his academic role, he serves as the CEO of Exvade Bioscience, a medical device startup that received FDA Breakthrough Designation for its innovative technology targeting malignant brain tumors. Additionally, he holds the position of executive director at the Emory BioFoundry Institute, aiming to bridge the translational gap between medical research and human application.

Amanda Nummy, PFE 11

Senior Polymer Materials Engineer, Biomimic | Hyundai-Kia, Biomimicry 3.8

Amanda Nummy is a senior polymer engineer in the automotive industry. Her work covers research and design, product development, and self-directed application development of materials and technology, leading global collaborations in the areas of sustainability and alternative energy, with a particular interest in preventing plastic waste in the oceans. Nummy also recently began biomimicry consulting in built environments, consumer products, and carbon capture technologies.

                                                                See the complete list of Georgia Tech Alumni Association’s 2023 Class of 40 under 40 here: 

                                         https://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/19/interior.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=19274#gsc.tab=0