For Michael Silas, one of the most meaningful parts of his Georgia Tech experience happened outside the classroom and laboratory. It came through helping his peers find a sense of belonging on campus.
“That community side has always been really important to me,” said Silas, who graduates this week from Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE). “I love the academic side of Tech, but making space for people to develop themselves and build connections has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of college.”
His combination of academic excellence (4.0 GPA), leadership, and service recently earned Silas the College of Engineering’s top honor for a graduating senior: the Tau Beta Pi Cup.
Even after learning ChBE had nominated him, winning the award still came as a surprise to Silas.
“I was honored just to be nominated,” he said. “When the College reached out to say I’d received it, I was honestly shocked.”
Doctoral Studies
After graduation, Silas will pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, with long-term aspirations of becoming a professor in the academic world.
That role would enable him to combine his interest in research with mentorship and student development.
“I really love the world of academic research, but I also love the mentoring side,” said Silas, who won acceptance into seven doctoral programs. “The idea of pursuing research while building community really excites me.”
Choosing Tech
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Silas first became aware of Georgia Tech through family connections. His grandfather, C.J. “Pete” Silas (ChE 1953), was a prestigious alumnus of Georgia Tech who was chairman and CEO of Phillips Petroleum Company. ChBE’s Phillips 66/Silas Program in Ethics and Leadership is named in his honor.
“My grandfather is really the reason Tech was on my family’s radar at all,” Silas said. “My brother, Thomas (EAS 2022), came here first, and after visiting campus a lot, I pretty quickly knew this was where I wanted to be.”
His grandfather passed away in 2014, before being able to see either grandson attend Tech. “But I know he would have loved seeing what this place has come to mean to us,” Michael Silas said.
Silas arrived at Tech already knowing he wanted to study chemical engineering. “I loved chemistry, biology, physics, and math in high school, and I became interested in the biotech side of chemical engineering that bridges all of those fields together,” he said.
Research and Industry Experience
His interest in biotech led him to undergraduate research in the laboratory of Associate Professor John Blazeck, where Silas spent more than three years studying genetic engineering approaches in yeast systems. His work there included molecular cloning, CRISPR-based gene integration, and efforts to better understand promoter modularity in yeasts.
Silas also gained industry experience through a six-month co-op at Moderna near Boston, where he contributed to process development efforts for mRNA vaccines.
“It was really cool seeing chemical engineering applied in a biotech setting at that scale,” he said. “You get to see how the work happening in research actually translates into real-world manufacturing.”
Community Involvement
Silas consistently returns to relationships and mentorship when discussing his favorite parts of college.
A deeply involved campus leader, he served as co-president of the ChBE Student Advisory Board, vice president of ChBE Student Ambassadors, an executive board member for ChBE Peer Mentoring, a leader of the ChBE Peer-Led Help Desk, president of Christian Campus Fellowship, and a campus tour guide for Georgia Tech Admissions.
Along the way, he also participated in intramural sports including volleyball and ultimate frisbee.
While he kept a packed schedule at Tech, Silas said it was doable because “all of it was fun.”
Peer Mentoring
Within ChBE Peer Mentoring, Silas particularly enjoyed helping younger students navigate their first year at Tech.
“For a lot of students, it’s about helping them figure out how to get involved, prepare for career fairs, or just find their place on campus,” he said. “That’s probably been one of my favorite organizations because you can really see the impact of helping someone build community.”
As co-president of the Student Advisory Board, he helped organize community-focused events ranging from research showcases to large student socials.
Jumping In
“ChBE has a tremendous community,” he said. “There’s something really special about the friendships and support systems that develop through taking these hard classes together and really just living life together.”
Silas also credits Christian Campus Fellowship, which he joined during Week of Welcome as a first-year student, with helping make Georgia Tech feel like home.
“I didn’t know anyone coming to Tech,” he said. “Getting involved early made a huge difference. I encourage new students to say yes to lots of opportunities, jump in, and meet new people.”
Music has remained another constant throughout his life. As a classical pianist by background, Silas led music ministry efforts throughout high school, playing piano, drums, and vocals for school masses and church services. At Tech, he continued a deep musical involvement with Christian Campus Fellowship at retreats and weekly events.
Study Abroad
Another defining experience for Silas came during a summer 2023 study abroad program in Lyon, France.
“Study abroad was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” he said. “You travel with a group of Tech students for several weeks, and those shared experiences create really strong friendships.”
Looking back on his four years at Georgia Tech, Silas describes the experience as both demanding and deeply fulfilling.
“These four years have been extremely full,” he said. “It’s rewarding to look back and realize how much I’ve grown academically, personally, and through all the people I’ve met. The connections are really what have made Tech special for me.”