Since 2003, Hughes has chaired the Georgia Tech's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He also serves as professor of environmental engineering and materials science and engineering. 

“Dr. Hughes’ vision for engineering education, his impact on public policy and his (inter)national visibility are substantial," said Georgia Tech's College of Engineering Chair Don Giddens. " . . .  Under Dr. Hughes’ administration, we have continuously observed increased rankings of the School, undergraduate enrollments have swelled from 500 to more than 1,000 students, all while maintaining and even elevating the program’s quality of education.” 

Hughes' research interests include environmental biotechnology, nanomaterial fate and transport and environmental engineering needs in developing countries. His research focuses on the treatment and remediation of hazardous wastes. He is a recognized leader in this field and has pioneered at least two areas of research that have significantly influenced engineering practice.

Hughes earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Iowa and a B.A. in chemistry from Cornell College.

In addition, Georgia Tech alumnus James Hamilton, president and CEO of Southern Civil Engineers, received the Georgia Engineer of the Year Award.  A Georgia native and Georgia Tech graduate, Hamilton has dedicated his career to finding the balance between construction and environmental conservation and used this mission to build the foundation for his engineering firm, Southern Civil Engineers, which he founded in 1983.