Dr. Laura Sams Haynes, faculty and Director of the Office of Outreach in ECE, is deeply committed to the mission of access and advancement through higher education. Highly collaborative, Laura partners with other units at GA Tech, such as Mechanical Engineering (ME), CEISMC, and CEED and has launched Design.Thinking@ECE.GT 2023 summer experience for high school students; GT PRIME 2024 summer camp for middle school students in collaboration with ME and CEISMC; and co-chaired the IEEE-sponsored 2024 Black Issues in Computing Education (BICE) Symposium, hosted in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Previously, Laura served as the Director of Graduate Student Assessment and Retention in the Office of Graduate Studies at Clark Atlanta University, where she directed graduate student services for over 700 graduate students. Prior to that, Laura administered the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Doctoral Scholars Fellowship Program. A former English professor, Laura holds an English BA (Florida State University), an English MA (Clark Atlanta University), and an English PhD (Louisiana State University).
- Ph.D., English, Louisiana State University
- M.A., English, Clark Atlanta University
- B.A., English, Florida State University
Haynes' teaching interests include undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical and computer engineering fundamentals. She emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary
integration, and the development of analytical and design skills to prepare students for advanced study and professional practice. Her teaching approach supports student engagement in core topics such as circuits, systems, and electronics, fostering a strong foundation for further specialization in the field.
Haynes' research focuses on the design and analysis of electrical circuits and systems, investigating novel approaches to improve performance and reliability. Her work explores interdisciplinary applications within electrical and computer engineering, contributing to advances in system integration and component optimization. The research actively involves graduate and undergraduate students, supporting the development of innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
Laura Sams Haynes, Christio-Conjure in Voodoo Dreams, Baby of the Family, The Salt Eaters, Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and Mama Day, 2002. DOI: 10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.3197