Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Mason’s research is best in Virginia in multiple EduRank rankings

Sarah Holland — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 16:41:23 +0000

Mason’s research is best in Virginia in multiple EduRank rankings Sarah Holland Wed, 04/03/2024 - 12:41

Eighteen ��AV programs are ranked the best in Virginia in a new report by EduRank that focuses on performance in research.

Students enjoy the cherry blossoms on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Eduardo de Souza/Office of University Branding.

Topping the list is Mason’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, which for the second consecutive year was ranked No. 1 among all public institutions and No. 2 among all institutions nationally.

Best-in-Virginia programs were spread across the university and included those from the Costello College of Business, the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Engineering and Computing, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Antonin Scalia Law School, the College of Education and Human Development, and the ROTC.

That research is supported by entities such as the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, which has overall responsibility for Mason’s research enterprise and support of entrepreneurship and innovation. And Costello College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship lets students dig into entrepreneurship, from the theoretical to the experimental.

Mason’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is anchored by the university and reaches out into the broader community. Mason Enterprise, a division of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, is a strategic collection of 24 programs that support entrepreneurs and small business owners across Virginia, and conducts more than 1,500 training programs and more than 30,000 hours of one-on-one counseling with entrepreneurs in the community and from universities each year.

It is that environment of research, discovery, and innovation, which is a main contributor to Mason’s R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education as one of the nation’s top research universities.

And though the EduRank rankings focus mainly on research performance, they are an indicator of the quality of the programs from which that research is produced.

“Mason is committed to accelerating the translation of research into practice by leveraging university talent, infrastructure, and partnerships to create solutions for societies’ toughest challenges at speed and scale,” said Andre Marshall, Mason’s vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “It is a credit to our faculty and students that Mason is a place where we can put theory into practice.”

Added Paula Sorrell, Mason’s associate vice president of innovation and economic development, “Mason was originally created by the business community to serve its needs, and for 50 years it has been doing just that. In the past four years, we’ve significantly amped up our tech entrepreneurship to support and mirror the rapidly growing tech economy, adding 16 new programs and counting.”

Research is the bedrock of entrepreneurship, Costello College dean Ajay Vinzé said.

The university’s top rankings “are in many ways reflective of our approach to business education and the business of higher education,” he said. “Our approach—built on the foundation of a rich university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem, powered by a growing body of faculty research across multiple fields of study—is changing the arc of higher education expectation and delivery as we prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Costello College is a contributor to the top entrepreneurship ranking, along with the Schar School and the Mercatus Center, all of which produce volumes of research, articles, and papers for an abundance of publications.

Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell called entrepreneurship research “a very distinguishing feature for a public policy and government school.”

Its research at the Center for Micro-Economic Policy Research (CMEPR), for example, is focused on diversity and disadvantaged groups among entrepreneurs, especially those who are Black, immigrants, and female. It also looks at job creation by minority entrepreneurs in minority and low-income communities.

“The center brings an unusual contribution to research on entrepreneurship by focusing on these issues,” said John Earle, the center’s director and a Distinguished University Professor, who has published more than 60 articles and scholarly papers. “While the typical focus for entrepreneurship studies is for performance, especially for firms receiving venture-capital support, CMEPR research analyzes a much broader range of businesses, and how public policies affect the entry, growth, and survival of those owned by minority entrepreneurs.”

At the College of Engineering and Computing, Dean Ken Ball noted that CEC faculty garnered more than $119 million in research awards in 2023.

Dean Alpaslan Ozerdem's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution class. Photo by: Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

“I’m proud that our research has informed and strengthened our academic programs and led to innovation and economic growth that benefits society,” Ball said. “Mason has consistently been a national leader in cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, aviation, and web development. These rankings reflect the impact CEC researchers have in areas of engineering and computing that are relevant to everyone, as well as our leadership position among Virginia’s public universities.”

CHSS dean Ann Ardis said her college’s contributions to research in best-of-Virginia areas such as criminology, broadcasting, law enforcement, journalism, and political economy “are a testament to the scholarly excellence of our faculty. We take immense pride in our researchers’ contributions to Mason’s growing reputation nationally as a comprehensive R1 institution with strengths across a range of research areas.”

For Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School, the ranking in conflict resolution “fuels our dedication to shaping a more peaceful and understanding world.”

Özerdem noted that the school has been at the forefront of teaching, researching, and implementing conflict resolution for four decades.

“So being recognized as the premier institution for conflict resolution in Virginia deepens our pride and reaffirms our vital role within the broader conflict resolution ecosystem of the commonwealth,” he said.

Here are the programs ranked the best in Virginia, with ranking among public institutions and overall national ranking; best in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland (DMV) where noted:

Aviation: 8, 11 (best in the DMV)

Broadcast Journalism: 40, 58

Cinematography: 29, 48 (best in the DMV)

Conflict Resolution: 15, 28

Criminology: 19, 26

Cybersecurity: 21, 33

Data Administration: 19, 29

Entrepreneurship: 1, 2 (best in the DMV)

Human Rights Law: 9, 28 (best in the DMV)

Intellectual Property Law: 6, 18 (best in the DMV)

Law Enforcement: 5, 10 (best in the DMV)

Military Science: 33, 47

Political Economy: 14, 28

Public Policy Administration: 17, 29 (best in the DMV)

Radio & TV Broadcasting: 37, 55

Remote Sensing: 29, 39

Software Engineering: 11, 15

Web Development: 12, 18

See EduRank’s methodology here.

Support the Mason Nation

Topics

Costello College of Business

College of Engineering and Computing

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Antonin Scalia Law School

Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Costello College of Business News

Schar School of Policy and Government

Schar School Featured Stories

Schar School News for April 2024

Announcing the 2022 ARIE Seed Funding Awardees

Natalie Bui — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 20:56:10 +0000

Announcing the 2022 ARIE Seed Funding Awardees Natalie Bui Mon, 02/06/2023 - 15:56

The Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact and the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is delighted to announce the results of the 2022 ARIE Seed Funding Initiative. The ARIE seed funding emerged as one of the recommendations from the ARIE Task Force’s Research Committee to support research, scholarship and creative activities addressing the myriad issues on the theme of anti-racism and inclusive excellence. Such research, scholarship and creative activities continue to drive our commitment to be a national leader in anti-racism and inclusive excellence.

In April, 2022, Call for Proposals was posted for the ARIE Seed Funding. We received 29 applications which were externally reviewed by over 20 reviewers. A total of 7 applications were selected for funding.

The awarded teams PIs and Co-PIs (in no particular order), and their project titles, are noted below:

Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence: A Proposal to Improving the Hiring Process: Co-PI: Michael Fauntroy, Schar School of Policy and Government; Co-PI: Judith Wilde, Schar School of Policy and Government
Reducing Inequalities in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services in Fairfax County: A Mixed Methods Evaluation to Inform Antiracist Community Engagement through Exploring Unique Barriers to Access and Service Use Among Diverse At-risk Community Members: PI: Michelle D. Hand, College of Public Health; Co-PI: Denise A. Hines, College of Public Health; Co-PI: Jeanne Booth, College of Public Health
IndigenoUs Northern Virginia: Activating Local and Diasporic Native Identities at Mason: Co-PI: Gabrielle Tayac, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Co-PI: T. Mills Kelly, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Co-PI: Alison Landsberg, College of Humanities and Social Sciences;
Building a Diverse Pipeline of Anti-Racist Social Scientists: A Three-Pronged Approach: Co-PI: Meagan Call-Cummings, College of Education and Human Development; Co-PI: Amy L. Best, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Co-PI: Khaseem Davis, Early Identification Program; Co-I: Sharrell Hassell-Goodman, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Integrating Art and Research to Advance Social Equity: Co-PI: Janani Umamaheswar, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Co-PI: Robert Norris, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Anti-Racist Collaborative Arts At Mason: Co-PI: Matthew Dievendorf, College of Visual and Performing Arts; Co-PI: Michael Nickens, College of Visual and Performing Arts; Co-PI: Wendi N. Manuel-Scott, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Co-PI: Cynthia Fuchs, College of Visual and Performing Arts and College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Co-PI: Thomas Stanley, College of Visual and Performing Arts; Co-PI: William Lake, College of Visual and Performing Arts; Co-PI: Adrienne Bryant Godwin, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Collective Organizing En La CASA: Empowering Health Equity And Healing In The Face Of Structural Racism And Illegality: Co-PI: Jhumka Gupta, College of Public Health; Co-PI: Bethany Letiecq, College of Education and Human Development

We want to thank all the teams that participated in the competition and congratulations to the teams selected for funding.

Be on the lookout for the 2023 ARIE Seed Funding Call for Proposals later this Spring. Those who are interested in last year’s Call for Proposal can find it at https://resdev.gmu.edu/funding-opportunities/2022-anti-racism-inclusive-excellence-seed-funding/

Andre Marshall, Vice President, Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Sharnnia Artis, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer

Topics

Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion

President's Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence

Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Strategic Direction

In Memoriam: Rebecca S. (Becky) Hartley

Colleen Rich — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:53:29 +0000

In Memoriam: Rebecca S. (Becky) Hartley Colleen Rich Mon, 11/14/2022 - 07:53

Rebecca (Becky) Hartley. Photo provided

Rebecca (Becky) Hartley, who held the position of Assistant Vice President, Research Integrity and Assurance, in the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, died October 16 at the age of 58.

In her role, she ensured that Mason’s research, scholarship, and creative work were ethical and complied with the appropriate rules and regulations.

“Becky was an amazing woman and a true leader. Her professionalism and ability to tackle complex and sensitive issues were unmatched,” said Mike Laskofski, Associate Vice President of Research Services. “She cared about people and treated everyone with respect and compassion. I felt like every interaction with Becky was a learning experience. Her strength, determination and commitment to making everyone around her better are qualities I admire deeply. I have never met anyone quite like Becky; she was one of a kind and will be truly missed.”

She also served as assistant coach for throws for the Mason Track and Field Team since 2004. “Becky built the throws program from scratch, and her success was critical to Mason winning several [Colonial Athletic Association] and A10 track and field championships,” said Andy Gerard, head coach for Mason Track and Field. “But Becky, most assuredly, was first and foremost, a teacher to a whole generation of student-athletes. She instilled life lessons and shaped everyone fortunate enough to interact with her.”

She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1985, going on to earn a master's degree in 1988 and a JD in 1994, both from the University of Virginia. She was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Law and Politics at University of Virginia Law and elected member of the Raven Society. She spent 20 years in private practice at several Washington, D.C., law firms.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Ammann, who is Associate Professor of Computer Science at Mason, and her son, Matthew Ammann, who is a firefighter with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, December 10, at Mason’s Fairfax Campus. All who knew her are welcome. Details for the celebration and additional remembrances about Becky are available at rememberingbeckyhartley.com.

In the meantime, the family asks that donations and memorial tributes be made to two causes close to her heart. One is The Becky Hartley Memorial Track and Field Scholarship, via the ��AV Foundation Inc., 4400 University Drive, MS 1A3, Fairfax, VA 22030 or online at advancement.gmu.edu/hartley.

The other is the Patriot Pantry. Donations can be made directly at this online link; donors can include “Rebecca Hartley Memorial” in the “additional comments about your gift” at the bottom of the form.

Topics

Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Mason Athletics

Faculty and Staff News

GMU-TV wins six Tellys for videos showcasing research, student programs

Colleen Rich — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 09:00:49 +0000

GMU-TV wins six Tellys for videos showcasing research, student programs Colleen Rich Tue, 07/07/2020 - 05:00

��AV’s GMU-TV was awarded six Tellys this year—two Golds, two Silvers, and two Bronzes—for excellence in the nonbroadcast/educational institution category for videos promoting the university’s research endeavors and programs. This is the most awards Mason’s television studio has won in one year.

Three of the awards went to Mason Research videos, which are part of a series GMU-TV created in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Impact and the schools/colleges.

“We are very excited to be brought in to partner on the research videos and are very happy with how they turned out,” said Richard Wood, general manager and executive producer of GMU-TV. “This kind of collaboration is a perfect fit. There are so many brilliant and talented people at Mason making real impact on our world, the opportunity to share their story to a wider audience is a privilege.”

A variety of GMU-TV staffers worked on the videos.

“Often we assign a lead producer and then other staff members serve as crew and in various roles from director of photography to editor,” said Wood, who has a BA in communication from Mason.

“The Mason Impact,” one of the videos winning a Gold Telly, was created by GMU-TV for the 2019 New Student Convocation in collaboration with the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR). The team working on this video was Mike Kurec, Wood, Stacey Rathbun, Andy Riddle, and Jessica Riddle.

Also receiving a Gold Telly was “Concussion Biomarkers,” which is one of a series of videos that GMU-TV created for the Mason Research series. This video focuses on the work of Mason researchers Emanuel “Chip” Petricoin and Shane Caswell on diagnosing and monitoring concussions. Kurec, Wood, and Rathbun worked on this project.

Winner of a Silver Telly was another video in the Mason Research series, “The Enslaved Peoples of George Mason,” which focuses on the historical research being conducted by Mason students on the men, women and children enslaved at Gunston Hall. Wood, Rathbun, and Mike Aitken worked on this video.

A profile of Mason chemistry major Mosufa Zainab, “Mosufa: Fighting Superbugs,” also won a Silver Telly. Zainab, an OSCAR undergraduate researcher who was also featured in the "The Mason Impact” video, discusses how her experiences in her native Pakistan drive her research into better antibiotics. It was produced by the same team as “The Mason Impact” video.

Another video in the Mason Research series, “Prosthetics Research,” won a Bronze Telly. This video focuses on the work being done by Mason bioengineering professor Siddhartha Sikdar and his team at the Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions to improve the function and quality of life of individuals with physical and psychosocial disabilities. Kurec worked on this video with Gloriana Wills.

“The Education Leadership Program,” a student recruitment video for the graduate program in the College of Education and Human Development, also won a Bronze Telly. The team on this project was Wills, Andy Riddle and Jessica Riddle.

“At its core, video is a storytelling medium and because of its ability to engage with an audience, video allows us to effectively communicate the implications of a Mason researcher's work well beyond the world of academia,” said Wood. “It also allows our team at GMU-TV to flex their creativity muscles while getting unfettered access to some of Mason’s greatest minds.”

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards honors video and television made for all screens and is judged by the Telly Award Judging Council; a group of leading video and television experts from some of the most prestigious companies in entertainment, publishing, advertising, and emerging technology.

Aurali Dade named interim vice president for research, innovation and economic impact

Colleen Rich — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 09:00:37 +0000

Aurali Dade named interim vice president for research, innovation and economic impact Colleen Rich Fri, 06/26/2020 - 05:00

Topics

Office of Research

Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Faculty and Staff News

Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Mason’s research is best in Virginia in multiple EduRank rankings

Here are the programs ranked the best in Virginia, with ranking among public institutions and overall national ranking; best in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland (DMV) where noted:

Support the Mason Nation

Related News

Topics

Announcing the 2022 ARIE Seed Funding Awardees

Topics

In Memoriam: Rebecca S. (Becky) Hartley

Topics

GMU-TV wins six Tellys for videos showcasing research, student programs

Aurali Dade named interim vice president for research, innovation and economic impact

Topics