In the latest episode of the Georgia Tech Research Podcast, host Stephanie Richter speaks with Dr. Dimitri Mavris, Distinguished Regents Professor and Executive Director of Georgia Tech's Professional Master's in Applied Systems Engineering (PMASE) program.

Now in his 46th year at Georgia Tech, Mavris reflects on his journey from student to professor and on the evolution of systems engineering as a discipline. "It wasn't the plan—it became the plan," he said.

Mavris described PMASE as a program designed for working professionals navigating the increasing complexity of technology. He emphasized that staying relevant requires constant education.

"Only by never stopping reading and learning will one have a chance of keeping up."

Since taking leadership of the program, enrollment has grown from 28 to 81 students, supported by collaborations with GTRI researchers and Georgia Tech Professional Education. New initiatives include a certificate program for General Dynamics and plans for a European variant based at Georgia Tech-Europe.

Mavris also discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence and data-driven engineering. "AI isn't new," he said, "but its scale today makes discernment critical. Students must learn not just to use tools—but to judge what's credible."