Belma Haug

Ph.D. Chemistry 2003

2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Belma Haug is a strategic business and innovation leader who combines deep technical expertise with a proven track record of driving growth, transformation, and organizational excellence. In addition to her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Georgia Tech, she earned an MBA from MIT Sloan. Over her 20-year career at 3M and Henkel, she has led global cross-functional teams developing and commercializing innovative technologies across industries including electronics, data & telecom, aerospace, solar energy, industrial applications, and medical devices.

Haug is an accomplished inventor and thought leader with more than 20 patents and 13 peer-reviewed publications. She is passionate about mentoring and developing future leaders and frequently speaks on innovation, entrepreneurship, science, and career development. Since 2020, she has served on the Georgia Tech College of Sciences Advisory Board and currently serves as a director on the AIChE Management Division Board and chair of the 2026 ACS PMSE Breakthroughs in Polymers Forum.

Why do you give back to Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech played a pivotal role in shaping both my career and personal growth. The education, opportunities, and network that Georgia Tech provided and opened doors that ultimately helped me become the leader I am today.

Giving back is my way of paying that forward. Whether through mentoring, guest lecturing, or creating opportunities for students and faculty to connect with industry, I enjoy helping the next generation discover possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. Seeing students grow in confidence and launch successful careers is incredibly rewarding and continues to inspire my involvement with Georgia Tech.