Georgia Southern University highlighted its partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Partnership for Innovation (PIN) during a break at the Nov. 22 Eagles football game. Representatives from both institutions were recognized on the field, including David C. Weindorf, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development at Georgia Southern, and Chad Nash, strategic relations manager for PIN.
PIN is a statewide public-private initiative focused on advancing technology and supporting economic growth throughout Georgia. The organization operates using a hybrid model that incorporates community input and aims to foster professional development among emerging innovators in both public and private sectors.
Since its inception in 2020, PIN has collaborated with Georgia Southern University on 10 projects involving nine faculty members. The university has also received five community research grants through PIN. These collaborations have resulted in work addressing environmental health, clean water access, and artificial intelligence applications in agriculture across southern Georgia.
Some projects have included partners outside of Georgia. For example, “Developing Pathways for Next-Generation Water Stewards for the City of Marion, Alabama” involved teams from Georgia Southern and the University of Alabama working together to address issues with aging water infrastructure in Marion.
Another project titled “Safe Water Together – Brunswick,” led by Asli Aslan, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Water and Health at Georgia Southern, was conducted jointly with Glynn County to tackle local water access and contamination problems. This project received national recognition by winning the Social Impact award at the 2025 P3 Awards.
Students have played an active role in these efforts; 24 students from Georgia Southern have participated in PIN summer internships. Additionally, alumnus Md Arifur Rahman (2024), who earned a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering from the university, currently serves as a PIN fellow.
Both organizations plan to continue expanding their collaboration.
“Our partnership with PIN is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when academia, industry and the community unite,” Weindorf said. “The work we do isn’t just about gathering data; it’s about empowering people and improving lives. I’m immensely proud of the work we’ve done to drive innovation across the state, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Debra Lam, founding executive director of PIN, stated: “Innovation is more than technology; it’s about advancing people and communities. Our collaboration with Georgia Southern University exemplifies this approach. Together, we identify real challenges, co-create solutions, advance research and empower students and faculty to drive meaningful change across Georgia. This partnership is building the next generation of leaders who can bridge sectors, accelerate economic growth, and deliver impact where it matters most.”
