December 19, 2025
By Alba Garcia-Sarabia
Colin Gold, a fourth-year Nuclear and Radiological Engineering (NRE) major, has embraced being in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering program. As one of about 198 students currently enrolled, he sees its small size as an advantage.
“I’m really close with a lot of people in my classes from being together over the years, and I feel like my professors are all very approachable and communicative,” Gold said. “No one’s a stranger, and that sense of community really raises everyone up and ensures that no one struggles alone.”
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Gold was drawn to Georgia Tech at the suggestion of his father.
“My father is my role model, and he always held Georgia Tech in high regard,” he said.
Georgia Tech’s culture of innovation, its commitment to improving the human condition, and its location in the heart of Atlanta all appealed to Gold, offering endless opportunities for new experiences.
Gold said his desire to help others fostered his love for nuclear and radiological engineering.
“After reading about the positive benefits of nuclear energy, coupled with the technical feats associated with harnessing the power of the atom, I knew it was a challenge I wanted to take on,” Gold said.
One of his favorite courses has been NRE 3026, Experimental Reactor Physics, which gave him the opportunity to apply classroom concepts to the real world in fascinating ways.
“Although the labs weren’t easy, getting to manipulate real uranium rods and use neutron sources, as well as designing our own lab experiment, was very fulfilling and rewarding,” Gold said.
In addition to this academic success, Gold said one of his proudest achievements is his work helping student organizations obtain additional funding.
“I think one of the greatest things we have at Tech is our extensive list of student organizations,” Gold said. “By helping fund them, we really get 10 times the investment back in terms of giving students the ability to lead and succeed as well as provide fun and engaging events throughout campus.”
At Georgia Tech, Gold sought out a community of like-minded peers interested in nuclear energy and technology, which led him to join the student chapter of the American Nuclear Society (ANS). He was later elected the ANS outreach chair and served as the chapter’s secretary.
In addition, Gold represented NRE students in the Student Government Association’s Undergraduate House of Representatives. In this role, Gold and his colleagues successfully amended existing regulations on financing registered student organizations to distribute funds more equitably, benefiting smaller organizations such as ANS. He is also proud to have supported bills promoting mental health through the Mental Health Joint Allocations Committee, ensuring that organizations are empowered to care for students’ well-being.
In the Fall 2024 semester, Gold was one of 10 students selected for the inaugural Chair’s Ambassadors in Leadership and Service Fellowship. The recipients were chosen for their leadership and service to the Woodruff School and the positions they hold in student organizations.
When Gold isn’t studying or serving his community, he enjoys playing games with his friends, exploring new restaurants in Atlanta, and reading about current events. He also serves as president of his fraternity, Theta Chi.
Looking ahead, Gold hopes to continue his studies through Georgia Tech’s B.S/M.S. program and earn a master’s in NRE with a concentration in nuclear enterprise management.
“I think it’s a really cool opportunity to blend business and engineering and help facilitate and execute the wonderful ideas and concepts that are designed on paper,” he said.
For high school students considering Georgia Tech, Gold stresses the importance of finding a passion that makes the world a better place.
“Georgia Tech will prepare you to be the best you can be, but following your passions will give you the motive to overcome any obstacles that come your way,” he said.
