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Celebrating 20 Years of SEI at Georgia Tech
Video Summary: The Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) was established in 2004 as one of Georgia Tech's first interdisciplinary research institutes (IRIs). Over the past two decades, SEI has grown into a nationally recognized energy research institute that brings together faculty, students, industry, government, and community partners to address critical energy challenges. This video reflects on SEI's history, impact, and future role in advancing cleaner, more affordable, and more equitable energy systems.
Speakers: Multiple members of the Strategic Energy Institute and Georgia Tech energy community.
Speaker 1: The Strategic Energy Institute was founded 20 years ago. It was founded by a mechanical engineering faculty member named Sam Shelton. What Sam recognized was that energy systems were transforming. There were many changes taking place, and he recognized that for Georgia Tech to move forward, we needed an “all of Georgia Tech” approach. There was significant interest and discussion across campus, and that vision ultimately took shape through the Strategic Energy Institute.
Speaker 2: Interdisciplinary Research Institutes at Georgia Tech are networks of people and organizations that support those people. SEI evolved from faculty interests and engagement, along with support from Georgia Tech leadership, who recognized energy as an area where Georgia Tech could lead. SEI has become a model for the Interdisciplinary Research Institute program.
Speaker 3: It is not easy to find clean, reliable, and affordable energy futures for the Southeast. But here at Georgia Tech, through the Strategic Energy Institute and through leadership in policy and research, real progress is being made. It has been a privilege to be part of this community.
Speaker 4: I love working at SEI because it provides opportunities to create high-impact work, meet amazing people, collaborate on difficult challenges, and see the benefits of our efforts through the next generation of energy leaders and innovators.
Speaker 5: There are many factors that contribute to SEI’s growth and success, but the one I would highlight most is our incredible team. We are fortunate to partner with experts from across campus. Their expertise allows us to accomplish things that are much larger and more impactful than any individual researcher could achieve alone.
Speaker 6: SEI is about people. Whenever you attend an event hosted by SEI, you make new connections, learn something new, and leave with ideas about what you can do differently and how you can contribute in new ways.
Speaker 1: Throughout its history, SEI has influenced the research directions, career development, and research outcomes of thousands of people.
What SEI wants to do moving forward is continue creating meaningful real-world impact through cleaner energy systems, energy access that helps lift people out of poverty, and energy innovations that create new economic opportunities. Energy is not simply a technology or a commodity—it is a powerful enabler of healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We want to help make those opportunities possible.
Speaker 7: Being a trusted partner in the energy space is critically important. Building strong collaborations with industry, government, and communities remains one of our highest priorities.
I believe this collaborative approach is a major reason why Georgia Tech continues to be recognized as the nation’s leading public institution in energy and fuel research.
In October, Georgia Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) celebrated its 20th anniversary with campus, government, and industry partners. Since its inception as an interdisciplinary research initiative in 2004, SEI has grown and evolved into one of the top energy institutes in the nation, convening and facilitating multidisciplinary teams in the nation’s critical path to net-zero and climate goals.
The celebration included reflections by President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough and an engaging Conversations With Cabrera segment that included SEI External Advisory Board (EAB) members Mark Berry and Danielle Merfeld sharing their thoughts on clean, affordable, reliable power systems in the future.
The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion exploring the future of regional energy policy and national security with Chandra Farley, chief sustainability officer for the City of Atlanta; Jonathan Philipsborn, climate and resilience manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission; Elaine Johns, EAB member; SEI Distinguished External Fellow John Tien; and SEI’s Director of Research and Studies Richard Simmons.
The message from Interim Executive Director Christine Conwell resonated among all stakeholders celebrating SEI’s first 20 years. “The success of the Strategic Energy Institute is a testament to the incredible team we have. By partnering with experts across campus and building strong collaborations with industry, government, and communities, we create solutions that make a real difference in Georgia, in the Southeast, and beyond. We look forward to continuing this partnership and driving transformative change through ongoing collaboration and a shared vision.”
President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough, Mara Loftman, and Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera
Christine Conwell, interim executive director of SEI, welcoming the guests
President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough reflecting on 20 years of energy research at Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera with Mark Berry, senior vice president of Research and Development at Southern Company, and Danielle Merfeld, global chief technology officer at Hanwha Qcells, during the Conversations With Cabrera segment.
John Tien, SEI’s Distinguished External Fellow, along with Richard Simmons, SEI’s director of Research and Studies, moderating a panel on the future of regional energy policy and national security with Chandra Farley, chief sustainability officer for the City of Atlanta; Jonathan Philipsborn, climate and resilience manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission; and Elaine Johns, SEI’s EAB member.
Tim Lieuwen, interim executive vice president for Research, during the 20th anniversary celebration.
The Student-led Georgia Tech Energy Club Team with Buzz, Georgia Tech’s Mascot
The SEI Team with Buzz, Georgia Tech’s Mascot