Greg Hodgin
Dr. Greg Hodgin is a pioneer at the frontier of advanced energy research and space exploration, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of ZC Institute, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to tackling two of humanity’s most ambitious goals: solving the global energy crisis and opening the stars to human exploration. With a background spanning science, politics, humanitarian work, and education, Hodgin has forged a unique career that bridges disciplines to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Early Academic Foundations
Hodgin began his academic journey at Emory University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. His scientific curiosity was soon matched by an interest in the broader forces shaping global society, leading him to pursue a Bachelor’s in History, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Political Science from Georgia State University. This rare blend of hard science and social sciences gave him a holistic perspective—allowing him to understand both the mechanics of technology and the sociopolitical frameworks that guide its implementation.
During his time at Georgia State, Hodgin also founded the university’s Model United Nations program, training students in diplomacy, negotiation, and international relations. His work culminated in the publication of Model UN Handbook: A Preparation for MUN Conferences, widely used to guide future leaders in global affairs.
Educator and Advocate
Before entering the frontier of advanced propulsion, Hodgin built a reputation as a passionate teacher. He taught chemistry at Meadowcreek High School and later served as a lecturer and professor of political science at Georgia State University, teaching courses on global issues, U.S. foreign policy, and peacekeeping operations. His teaching emphasized not only knowledge but also leadership—skills that would later prove crucial in assembling international teams for scientific collaboration.
Beyond academia, Hodgin’s humanitarian vision took shape through his founding of Peacebuilding Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reimagining refugee camp design and post-conflict reconstruction. Over 14 years, he worked with the United Nations and international NGOs to improve conditions for displaced populations, even piloting projects in Haiti. His work in humanitarian logistics and community design demonstrated his ability to turn visionary concepts into practical realities.
Founding ZC Institute: Fusion and Warp-Drive Research
In July 2021, Dr. Hodgin founded ZC Institute with a bold mission: to develop sustainable fusion energy technology and use it as a stepping stone toward warp-drive propulsion. His team includes astrophysicists, theoretical physicists, fusion engineers, and strategic advisors, all working together to tackle problems once thought the exclusive domain of science fiction.
ZC Institute is exploring quantum spacetime distortion, the physics underlying the famed Alcubierre warp-drive model. Hodgin envisions developing micro-fusion reactors as the energy backbone of these systems, making it possible to generate the extreme energy densities required for warp-field manipulation. The near-term goal is to demonstrate sub-light warp engines capable of reaching a third of the speed of light—enough to revolutionize space travel within the solar system.
In his own words, Hodgin describes the mission with Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition call in mind: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.” Like Shackleton, he knows the endeavor is fraught with challenges, but he also believes the potential rewards—limitless clean energy and the stars themselves—make the risk worthwhile.
The Promise of Warp-Drive Technology
The implications of Hodgin’s work extend far beyond transportation. The breakthroughs pursued at ZC Institute could reshape electronics, computing, telecommunications, and energy production. Even if warp drives prove unattainable at macro scales, the incremental innovations and patents arising from fusion and spacetime research promise to deliver enormous technological and economic value.
For Hodgin, the quest for warp drives is not just about reaching the stars—it is about ensuring that humanity has the energy resources and technological capabilities to thrive in the centuries ahead. His rallying cry, “F@$& money. Save the planet. Give humanity the stars,” encapsulates his philosophy: bold science in the service of survival, progress, and exploration.
Conclusion
Dr. Greg Hodgin’s life has been defined by a willingness to cross boundaries—between disciplines, between nations, and between imagination and reality. From teaching chemistry and political science to advocating for refugees, and now to spearheading one of the most daring scientific ventures of the 21st century, his journey reflects a deep commitment to both humanity and the cosmos. Under his leadership, ZC Institute is striving not only to solve Earth’s greatest challenge—sustainable energy—but also to answer one of its oldest dreams: the ability to journey among the stars.