October 3, 2024
By Chloe Arrington

In the summer of 2023, Andrés J. García, Regents' Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and Michelle C. LaPlaca, Associate Chair for Faculty Development and professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, reached a joint milestone, their 25th anniversary at Georgia Tech.

The pair's achievement was celebrated earlier this year at a symposium, "Celebration of Science and Mentoring," in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event was attended by Georgia Tech alumni and trainees and organized by Ankur Singh, Carl Ring Family Professor in the Woodruff School, as well as alumnus Charles Gersbach, Ph.D. BME 2006. Gershbach now serves as the John W. Strohbehn Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University.

"Andrés and Michelle have had a remarkable 25 years. It was a great time reflecting on careers, camaraderie, mentoring, and science," said Singh.

García and LaPlaca, who married after they met at the University of Pennsylvania in grad school, joined Georgia Tech in 1998 after completing their postdoctoral fellowships. "It was a combination of excitement, nervousness, and fear," said García when describing his first weeks at Georgia Tech.

"A blur!" said LaPlaca, remembering her excitement in those first few days. "But I also sensed the endless possibilities ahead of me."

25 years is an impressive term, and both have achieved incredible success and distinction over their time at Georgia Tech. García serves as executive director of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience and is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Medicine, and National Academy of Inventors. In addition to her Associate Chair position, LaPlaca is an elected fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the Biomedical Engineering Society.

For some, remaining in one place for 25 years may be unfathomable, and the fear of monotony may be too much. However, García and LaPlaca have only felt themselves and their careers grow and expand with Georgia Tech.

"The school has grown in many ways. The new buildings and international reputation are what some people see. However, I have also seen the continued excellence in education and research reflect the commitment and caring of the faculty, staff, and students," said LaPlaca.

"I feel very valued by the whole community. I have enjoyed working with outstanding faculty and staff and the best students in the world," said García.

Georgia Tech is undoubtedly a family affair for the pair. Their two sons are both graduates of the Woodruff School, and their beloved family dog carries a namesake famous in the Jackets' community, Buzz.