Campus News

George Mason to lead cross-institutional course redesign and experiential learning project

Katarina Benson — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:50:25 +0000

George Mason to lead cross-institutional course redesign and experiential learning project Katarina Benson Wed, 03/05/2025 - 14:50

��AV Professor Younsung Kim has received a 4-VA grant to conduct collaborative multidisciplinary research with colleagues at partner schools in Virginia. The results will be implemented as learning modules into undergraduate courses.

Although 4-VA has awarded Collaborative Research Grants for more than 10 years, the grants have been funded separately by each institution. This new 4-VA effort is the first to be supported collectively by the statewide partnership and has added a course redesign and experiential learning element. The project will include faculty members from George Mason, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia and will focus on growing 4-VA’s collaborative research success.

Kim’s proposal, “Designing Experiential Learning Modules for Stormwater Management and Climate Adaptation via Spatial Analysis Tools,” plans to use spatial mapping tools to incorporate appropriate green infrastructure to best reduce the effects of stormwater runoff. The team will migrate this information into environmental policy coursework at their respective institutions. They also plan to ultimately make the content available statewide.

Kim, who has taught in George Mason’s Department of Environmental Science and Policy for 15 years, will collaborate with B. Brian Park, an engineering professor at the University of Virginia, and Mintai Kim of Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture, Arts, and Design. Also joining the team is George Mason PhD student Colin Chadduck.

From left, B. Brian Park, Younsung Kim, and Mintai Kim. Photo provided

In reviewing the proposal, 4-VA evaluators noted Kim’s proposition as a standout, citing a number of key factors, including that it “addresses an important topic affecting the state and beyond,” features an “inherent interdisciplinary approach incorporating science policy, data science techniques, and architecture,” and “lends itself to creative cross-school collaborations.”

“As climate change is increasing faster than climate prediction models have suggested, it is critical that we place more emphasis on integrating green infrastructure in climate vulnerable regions,” said Kim. “I am delighted and honored to accept this award as we work together across the commonwealth to raise the bar for our faculty and students studying this important work. Together, we can tackle this critical challenge.”

“4-VA has a long track record of success with the Collaborative Research Grants program, and we are excited to expand this model to support course redesign initiatives,” said 4-VA’s State Working Group Chair Matt Banfield of UVA. “4-VA collaborative projects have built bridges between our institutions, nurtured hundreds of faculty and student relationships, provided valuable opportunities for experiential learning and hands-on research, and jumpstarted novel research projects that have gone on to receive national and international attention. We are looking forward to supporting this project proposed by Professor Kim and her team.”

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Younsung Kim

Explore Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason

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Updates from George Mason BOV meeting on Feb. 27

Colleen Rich — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:11:09 +0000

Updates from George Mason BOV meeting on Feb. 27 Colleen Rich Wed, 03/05/2025 - 13:11

��AV’s Board of Visitors (BOV) on Thursday, Feb. 27, introduced three new board members, discussed the university’s response to the recent executive orders, approved an antisemitism resolution, and provided an update on several key initiatives and future planning efforts.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The university will lean on its longstanding core values while monitoring and reacting to ongoing executive orders handed down by the White House, George Mason President Gregory Washington said.

The BOV had requested that Washington address the executive orders and the effect they are having, or could have, on the university. So far, university leaders have identified about 25 executive orders that could impact George Mason.

Washington and his leadership team have developed the George Mason Resilience Plan. The plan calls for the university to be prepared for constant change and to reprioritize as necessary, clearly articulate the common good of existing practices and programs, and to form and strengthen partnerships with industry, government and other institutions of higher education.

“First and foremost is to stay true to our core values and our North Star,” Washington said. “There are seven core values that define our institution: Our students come first. Innovation is tradition. We are careful stewards. We thrive together. Diversity is our strength. We honor freedom of thought and expression. And we act with integrity.

“At any time when I am challenged and this institution is challenged as an entity, you refer back to those values so that you can get grounded in terms of how you should respond.”

Washington said that during the past year-and-a-half the university has extensively reviewed its systems, and an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

So far, the executive orders have resulted in 14 research projects out of the university’s 700 active awards being paused or ended.

“We are really trying to position ourselves for the long game,” Washington said. “We are putting in systems, mechanisms, and infrastructure to deal with the next executive order, not the current one that’s in front of us. So putting in place systems like we’ve done with research and a number of other areas does not shield us from the effect of the executive order. But what it does do is that it helps us manage and mitigate it.”

As he does at each BOV meeting, Washington shared the progress on the presidential performance metrics, goals set for him by the board. He said that George Mason is meeting or exceeding 12 of the 14 performance metrics in the six priority areas. As part of that overview, he pointed out that the university has almost reached the halfway point of the billion-dollar goal in the Mason Now: Power the Possible comprehensive campaign, ahead of schedule, with a total of $497 million as of Feb. 17, further indication of community interest in fueling the university’s success.

“Mason has raised over $100 million five times in its existence as a university,” Washington said. “Four of them have occurred over the last five years.”

Washington also shared findings from the university-wide Grand Challenges Committee, a group working to pinpoint the research areas in which George Mason has significant expertise and that align with global grand challenges that are likely to attract external research funding in the coming years.

“The kinds of things that will be funded are the problems that are most critical to advancing our society and most critical to our way of life,” Washington said. “We need to have our faculty aligned and positioned toward those grand challenges because that’s where the opportunity space will be.”

The committee identified six focus areas:

Advancing 21st-Century Education for All
Building a Climate-Resilient Society
Driving Responsible Digital Innovation and Sustainable Cyberinfrastructure
Improving Human Health, Well-Being, and Preparedness
Pioneering Space Exploration, Research, and Collaboration for Humanity
Strengthening Peace, Trust, and Engagement in Democracy

“These are not just challenges that we think will be prominent in the world coming ahead of us,” Washington said. “These are challenges that are in alignment with Mason's strengths and are in alignment with our current aspirations. So these are areas [where] we know we can make an impact.”

Washington noted that the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, which will celebrate its grand opening on the Science and Technology Campus on March 27, and the Fuse building at Mason Square will be two of the university’s anchors for addressing the grand challenges.

“We are making an investment at a time when others will probably be retrenching to reposition our institution to be successful on the back end,” Washington said. “This is not new for us. We made strategic investments during COVID that positioned our institution to be stronger on the back end of COVID than it was going into it.”

Washington also provided a preview of his Mason 2050 plan that will be discussed in greater detail at the next full board meeting on May 1. The plan includes several major construction, expansion, and renovation projects for all three Virginia campuses, including a vision for the development of the western part of the Fairfax Campus, commonly referred to as West Campus. The Mason 2050 plan would utilize and build on the university’s strong partnerships with industry, government, and the philanthropy community.

Last week, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed three new members to the university’s Board of Visitors, two of whom are George Mason alumni. The new members are:

Charles J. Cooper of Bonita Springs, Florida. He is a founding member and the chairman of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC and served as assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel under President Ronald Reagan.
William D. Hansen, BS Economics ’87, of McLean. He is president and CEO of Building Hope, a nonprofit serving charter schools. He served as deputy secretary of education under President George W. Bush and is vice president of the Virginia State Board of Education.
Maureen Ohlhausen, JD ’91, of Annandale. She is a partner at Wilson Sonsini and served as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner under President Barack Obama and as acting FTC chairman under President Donald Trump. She is a former adjunct professor in the Antonin Scalia Law School.

Cooper and Ohlhausen attended the BOV meeting.

The BOV approved an antisemitism resolution with four key directives for the university. The revised resolution says the university will produce a fact sheet about antisemitism and align its antisemitism stance with other nondiscriminatory language, ensure that antisemitism is part of employee onboarding and annual training, not sponsor or endorse known antisemitic activities, and state that its policy is to prohibit discrimination based on Jewish ancestry or Israeli national origin and that allegations of such discrimination will be acted on within established disciplinary processes.

The vote followed a robust discussion that included input from Faculty Senate President Solon Simmons on behalf of faculty on both sides of the issue as well as questions from trustees and nonvoting student body representatives. The resolution is available in the board book posted at bov.gmu.edu.

Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president for Athletics, presented the new athletics strategic plan to the BOV development committee, including his goal of raising $35 million to elevate the program and modernize facilities to enhance recruiting and help ensure sustained athletics success.

“Sixteen- and 18-year-old kids shop with their eyes,” Lewis said during his presentation. “So if you don't have facilities, support services, the resources to attract 16- to 18-year-old kids, it’s going to be a challenge. We are asking for support so that we can take our program from being good to great.”

The project areas include developing a sports performance ecosystem and a Patriots Pathway Program to prepare student-athletes for successful lives and careers.

This past fall, George Mason athletes collectively achieved a 3.32 GPA, with 78 Provost scholars, a distinction for student-athletes with a 3.75 GPA or higher.

Lewis was joined at the presentation by men’s basketball player Darius Maddox, a senior majoring in integrative studies with a concentration in social justice and human rights. Maddox is the team’s leading scorer.

“I've grown in so many ways as Mason has prepared me for life after college,” Maddox told the board. “This happened through the many experiences I had, professional relationships, mentors and leaders who have all poured into me and my experience.”

George Mason has enjoyed success in several sports since joining the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2013, including the women’s indoor track and field team claiming the A-10 championship March 1. The men’s and women’s basketball teams are each in 2nd place in the A-10. The women’s team begins A-10 championship play at 5 p.m. Friday, March 7. The men’s team beat LaSalle Wednesday at EagleBank Arena, finishing 9-0 in conference play at home, and has clinched its first A-10 Tournament double bye in school history.

George Mason is one of only two A-10 Conference members that has not reached at least one NCAA men’s basketball tournament since 2013.

Other items:

The university has launched AI²Nexus, a new model for advancing responsible artificial intelligence across university operations, learning and research, as previously reported.
The BOV approved a 2.5% increase in room and board for the 2025-26 academic year to help the university meet rising expenses. The increase will cost most students about $350. The 2.5% figure includes a 1.5% increase for housing and a 4% increase for dining meal plans. The 4% increase is slightly below the food Consumer Price Index.
Andre Marshall, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, reported that the university again has achieved the Carnegie Classification of “very high research activity,” commonly referred to as “R1.” Less than 4% of U.S. universities earn that designation. Marshall also noted that research expenditures are up 8.9% from this time last year.
Washington said that George Mason plans to opt in to the House v. NCAA settlement that entails compensating student-athletes. This will result in the NCAA withholding about $400,000 per year from the university in revenue distributions for the next 10 years. Opting in will help the university recruit and retain athletic and coaching talent, be competitive nationally, and provide a compliant manner in which to deliver name, image, and likeness (NIL) benefits to George Mason student-athletes.
The university closed the MS degree program in marketing.

The full BOV meeting recording and transcript is available at bov.gmu.edu/live/.

Find meeting schedules, recordings, and more on the Board of Visitors website

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George Mason sets in motion a plan to harness AI for responsible adoption and societal impact

Colleen Rich — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:07:19 +0000

George Mason sets in motion a plan to harness AI for responsible adoption and societal impact Colleen Rich Mon, 03/03/2025 - 15:07

At last week’s Board of Visitors meeting, ��AV’s Vice President and Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu rolled out a new model for universities to advance a responsible approach to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and drive societal impact. George Mason’s model, called AI²Nexus, is building a nexus of collaboration and resources on campus, throughout the region with our vast partnerships, and across the state.

AI²Nexus is based on four key principles: “Integrating AI” to transform education, research, and operations; “Inspiring with AI” to advance higher education and learning for the future workforce; “Innovating with AI” to lead in responsible AI-enabled discovery and advancements across disciplines; and “Impacting with AI” to drive partnerships and community engagement for societal adoption and change.

Shehu said George Mason can harness its own ecosystem of AI teaching, cutting-edge research, partnerships, and incubators for entrepreneurs to establish a virtuous cycle between foundational and user-inspired AI research within ethical frameworks.

As part of this effort, the university’s AI Task Force, established by President Gregory Washington last year, has developed new guidelines to help the university navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies, which are available at gmu.edu/ai-guidelines.

Further, Information Technology Services (ITS) will roll out the NebulaONE academic platform equipping every student, staff, and faculty member with access to hundreds of cutting-edge Generative AI models to support access, performance, and data protection at scale.

“We are anticipating that AI integration will allow us to begin to evaluate and automate some routine processes reducing administrative burdens and freeing up resources for mission-critical activities,” added Charmaine Madison, George Mason’s vice president of information services and CIO.

George Mason is already equipping students with AI skills as a leader in developing AI-ready talent ready to compete and new ideas for critical sectors like cybersecurity, public health, and government. In the classroom, the university is developing courses and curriculums to better prepare our students for a rapidly changing world.

In spring 2025, the university launched a cross-disciplinary graduate course, AI: Ethics, Policy, and Society, and in fall 2025, the university is debuting a new undergraduate course open to all students, AI4All: Understanding and Building Artificial Intelligence. A master’s in computer science and machine learning, an Ethics and AI minor for undergraduates of all majors, and a Responsible AI Graduate Certificate are more examples of Mason’s mission to innovate AI education. New academies are also in development, and the goal is to build an infrastructure of more than 100 active core AI and AI-related courses across George Mason’s colleges and programs.  

The university will continue to host workshops, conferences, and public forums to shape the discourse on AI ethics and governance while forging deep and meaningful partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to offer academies to teach and codevelop technologies to meet our global society needs. State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will partner with the university to host an invite-only George Mason-SCHEV AI in Education Summit on May 20-21 on the Fairfax Campus.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed Jamil N. Jaffer, the founder and executive director of the National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School, to the Commonwealth’s new AI Task Force, which will work with legislators to regulate rapidly advancing AI technology.

The university’s AI-in-Government Council is trusted resource for academia, public-sector tech providers, and government for advancing AI approaches, governance frameworks, and robust guardrails to guide AI development and deployment in government.

Learn more about George Mason’s AI work underway at gmu.edu/AI.

More informaton on the Board of Visitors' February meeting is forthcoming and will be published in Thursday, March 5, George.

Listen to the episode

Interested in more from Amarda Shehu? Listen to her discuss AI's risks and rewards on the Access to Excellence podcast.

Discover more Artificial Intelligence research from George Mason

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Mason scientist orchestrates Moon-based ‘message in a bottle’ for future generations

Katarina Benson — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:54:16 +0000

Mason scientist orchestrates Moon-based ‘message in a bottle’ for future generations Katarina Benson Mon, 03/03/2025 - 13:54

Early Sunday, March 2, the ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record made a successful Moon landing as part of the Ghost Riders in the Sky Lunar mission that launched on January 15 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

A message from Anamaria Berea's team that is now on the Moon. Photo provided

This mission, a part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services within the Artemis program, is carrying 10 NASA experiments and the ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record, the work of an interdisciplinary research team, led by ��AV researcher and alumna Anamaria Berea.

This ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record intends to preserve Earth’s cultural and scientific heritage for posterity with this specially designed payload, which includes a digital portion that mirrors the concept of the Voyager Golden Records. The archive will serve as a time capsule for future humans, offering them a glimpse of life on Earth during the early 2020s.

The creation of this lunar archive was a collaborative effort that began in early 2023 when Nick Searra, founder of the Interstellar Foundation, invited Berea to lead the project. Despite having no initial team or funding, Berea quickly gathered a group of scientists, philosophers, and linguists from such prestigious institutions as Barnard College, Columbia University, and the University of Cambridge. The team also received support from notable figures, including astronaut Scott Kelly and Jonathan Jiang from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

With a tight six-month deadline, the team created a message that could fit within the strict digital space limitations of the payload. The biggest challenge was deciding what to include. The team wanted the message to be a “dry-run” for future, more extensive interstellar messages, and ultimately settled on content that would be meaningful to archeologists or future pioneers.

The archive, delivered on special physical mediums designed for space provided by mission partner LifeShip, contains a wealth of wide-ranging content, including videos, scientific materials, global aspirations, historical records, and cultural artifacts. “The payload will reside on the Moon for eternity,” said Berea, who teaches in Department of Computational and Data Sciences of the College of Science.

The ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record includes a 1GB microchip containing videos, images, and texts that highlight humanity’s journey on Earth and the Moon, incorporating materials that reflect Earth’s cultural, scientific, and historical achievements. Among the key items is a 24-minute “Daily Life” video that showcases global snapshots of contemporary life. Each minute represents one hour from various parts of the Earth, from morning to night, and includes scenes of families cooking, children in school, workers in offices and fields, and people participating in cultural events. This “visual quilt” stitches together snapshots from world cultures, including indigenous communities, showcasing daily routines from all corners of the planet.

The archive also includes an “Aspirations” video, where individuals from around the world share their hopes for the future in their native languages. In addition, the payload houses images and content from UNESCO and Getty archives, including a representation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other materials include the constitutions of 192 countries on Earth, the Apollo 11 launch codes, historical works, art, music, and scientific texts, such as works by Newton, Curie, and Asimov.

Berea even included a personal touch with an engraving of her name and affiliation with ��AV, symbolizing her contribution to this historic effort.

“The goal of the project was not to tell the story of famous individuals or events but to encapsulate a broader representation of human life,” Berea explains.

According to Berea, the project team chose a video format, blending video, subtitles, and code, as they believed it would be more easily understood by future beings, whether human or otherwise.

In addition to the digital content, the team took precautions to ensure the message could survive for millennia. In case digital technology becomes obsolete, parts of the message were engraved in analog nano-fiche and synthetic DNA on a 1MB capsule. This forward-thinking approach ensures that future civilizations, regardless of technological advancement, can access the message.

One of the most significant aspects of the ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record is the ethical responsibility of leaving a message for future generations. The team grappled with questions such as who the “receiver” of the message would be and what content would best represent humanity. “Who speaks for Earth?” they asked, recognizing the great responsibility of crafting a message that would stand the test of time.

“I have been honored and fascinated to collaborate with this interdisciplinary team of the most amazing scientists, humanists, artists and people from all walks of life,” said Berea. “I am forever grateful to my team and our collaborators for their trust, their dedication, their passion and their support to this project that will give us a tiny place in our interstellar future history.”

Listen to the episode

Interested in more from Anamaria Berea? Listen to her discuss the chances of intelligent life beyond Earth on the Access to Excellence podcast.

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George Mason Women's Indoor Track and Field crowned as 2025 A-10 champions

Katarina Benson — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:47:44 +0000

George Mason Women's Indoor Track and Field crowned as 2025 A-10 champions Katarina Benson Mon, 03/03/2025 - 13:47

��AV has been crowned the Atlantic 10 Women's Indoor Track and Field Champions, claiming the title over VCU at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. The men's team placed second in the championship behind Rhode Island.

The Patriots clinched the championship in dramatic fashion, securing three additional medals on the final day of competition. Senior Abby Weening captured gold in the high jump, delivering a pivotal performance that helped George Mason maintain its lead over VCU. She was also named the Most Outstanding Field Performer, recognizing her stellar meet, which included two gold medals in the pentathlon and high jump. Junior Olamide Enajekpo earned bronze in the shot put, while sophomore Susan Adenitan placed third in the 200m race.

Women's Indoor Track and Field A-10 Championship team. Photo by George Mason Athletics

With the championship hanging in the balance, the 4x400m relay became the deciding event. Holding a slim 2.5-point advantage over VCU, the Patriots needed to outpace the Rams to secure the title. The relay team—Chairley Bido, Simone Hamlar, Helena Santacana, and Ay'rianna Moore—delivered in dominant fashion, sealing the long-awaited victory for George Mason.

"Overall, an outstanding weekend of competition for both genders but, especially for our women. It was just a tremendous effort spread across all event groups," said Head Coach Andrew Gerard. “It really is not an exaggeration to say that we continue to have the best combined men's and women's program in the conference and that is 100% credit to the team of athletes we have assembled and the awesome staff that helps get them onto the line, circle and runway."

This victory marks a historic achievement for George Mason, as the Patriots have claimed their first A-10 Indoor Championship since 2014.

The men's team placed second, only behind Rhode Island who have won the Atlantic 10 Championship for the fifth consecutive year.

The men’s 60m hurdles were swept by the Patriots. Freshman Davian Burke won bronze, junior Albert Asare placed silver, and graduate student Joshua Sutton won the gold. Senior Paul McClain earned the gold in the 500m race, and a gold was also won in the 4x400m relays with a young team of Mason Samuels, Lance Koontz, Max Karen, and Jordan Tuck. Sophomore Abdurrazzaq Hassan got the bronze in the heptathlon.

Head Coach Andrew Gerard and his staff were honored as the Coaching Staff of the Year.

See more from George Mason Athletics

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��AV is keeping it "nanofab-ulous" as nanotechnology efforts expand

Katarina Benson — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:48:44 +0000

��AV is keeping it "nanofab-ulous" as nanotechnology efforts expand Katarina Benson Wed, 02/26/2025 - 10:48

Ever since InsideNoVa’s Bruce Potter coined the term “nanofab-ulous” to describe the exciting advancements in nanotechnology in the region, ��AV has embraced it in full force.

A student enjoys the exhibits at Nanotechnology Day on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Eleanor Wagoner, one of the brains behind Nanotechnology Day and Nano Boot Camp, finds the phrase is a new part of her regular vernacular. The school is certainly living up to that name, broadening its efforts to educate and inspire future leaders in the field that’s revolutionizing how we live and work.

George Mason provides students, faculty, and the community with real-world experiences that bring academic knowledge to life. These programs create pathways to careers in high-demand sectors like health care and microelectronics while making nanoscience more relatable to the public.

The second Nanotechnology Day was held in October 2024 on the university’s Science and Technology Campus. Participants in Katherine Johnson Hall immediately found themselves surrounded by interactive stations and engaging lectures presented by career scientists. Wagoner said that she couldn't have imagined a better turnout.

"Witnessing people become genuinely excited about nanotechnology was my biggest motivation for creating this event," said Wagoner, the STEM outreach coordinator for the Institute for Biohealth Innovation (IBI) at George Mason. "It’s the type of event that causes people to realize that they're more than capable of grasping a topic that's often seen as highly complex."

Nano Boot Camp, launched in January 2025, is for those who want to get up close and personal with nanofabrication. The program does not rely solely on classroom lectures: Participants jump right into the clean room in the university’s Nanofabrication Facility to test their new skills.

From left, Nanofabrication Facility manager Shawn Wagoner with Nano Boot Camp participants William West and Hongmei Jian Roy. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Camp participant Bryson Higginbotham said he was happy to have discovered a program that recognizes that not everyone has the same learning style.

"Nano Boot Camp was really refreshing as someone who is a hands-on learner," said Higginbotham, a security officer at George Mason’s Biomedical Research Laboratory. "I’m looking for a lifelong career, and when the executive director of the IBI, Amy Adams, offered me a spot in the program, I jumped at the chance to work with the machines and get a taste of what it’s like to be a professional in the field." GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of high-wage jobs in strategic industries, provided the funding that made Nano Boot Camp possible through the Nano-IMAGINE program. During her visit to the camp, GO Virginia Region 7 Vice President Susan Baker had the chance to meet participants, hear their stories, and learn about the hands-on training taking place.

“It was incredible to meet participants from so many different walks of life—veterans, career changers, and young professionals—all learning advanced nanotechnology skills,” said Baker. “This program shows how investing in education and workforce development doesn’t just change individual lives—it elevates the entire community.”

The university’s commitment to nanotechnology education is arriving at just the right time: Micron Technology, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, recently announced plans to invest up to $2.17 billion to bolster its operations in Manassas, Virginia, bringing up to 2,700 manufacturing and community jobs. The United States and Micron need a workforce trained for jobs in the semiconductor industry at scale. This will require workforce development solutions and access to STEM education that will create a highly skilled talent pipeline.

"��AV is developing the skilled professionals the semiconductor industry needs," said Delbert Parks, vice president and site executive of Micron Technology Virginia. "Programs like their Nano Boot Camp foster innovation and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM, forming a direct pipeline of talent that helps keep our industry strong."

Delegate Michelle Maldonado, who represents Virginia’s 20th District and is a GO Virginia state board member, has worked to bring funding to workforce programs in Prince William County. She’s proud of George Mason’s dedication to high-tech education and views it as an important contributor to the local economy.

“��AV’s focus on emerging technologies is helping build a competent and qualified workforce,” said Maldonado. “Giving individuals the right skills is vital to keeping Virginia competitive in today’s fast-paced tech environment."

George Mason is proving that diving into the nanoscale world doesn’t have to be intimidating. From inspiring curiosity to supporting people who are exploring new career paths, the university is making it more accessible than ever. And while the science may be small, its impact is anything but.

Visit George Mason's Nanofabrication Lab

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George Mason achieves “Top Producing Institution” status from Fulbright Scholars program

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:27:11 +0000

George Mason achieves “Top Producing Institution” status from Fulbright Scholars program Katarina Benson Mon, 02/24/2025 - 13:27

The U.S. Department of State has named ��AV a “Top Producing Institution” of Fulbright U.S. Scholars in 2024-25. The university has more Fulbrights this academic year—eight—than in any year in its history.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The “top-producing” designation reflects George Mason’s “deep commitment to international exchange and to building lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Weinhold said in a letter informing the university of the honor.

The Fulbright Program was founded in 1946 to increase understanding between people in the United States and 160 countries through academic and cultural exchange. You can find the complete list of 2024-25 Fulbright “Top Producing Institutions” here.

The eight honorees this year come from seven George Mason schools and colleges: Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera (Schar School), Carolyn Drews-Botsch (College of Public Health), Amy Fowler (College of Science), Chawky Frenn (Center of Visual and Performing Arts), David J. Gerleman (College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Jennifer Leeman (CHSS), Linda J. Mann (Carter School) and Risto Marttinen (College of Education and Human Development). Frenn also was honored as a Fulbright in 2017-18.

These faculty members are sharing and growing their expertise in Hungary, Ireland, Finland, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain.

“This recognition is all about the excellence and dedication of George Mason’s faculty,” said Provost James Antony. “Earning a record number of Fulbright awards in a single year speaks to the incredible work our scholars are doing—not just in their research, but in connecting with colleagues around the world, exchanging ideas, and bringing new perspectives back to our students. That’s what makes George Mason special: a faculty committed to making an impact, here at home and across the globe.”

Of George Mason’s 103 Fulbrights, according to the Fulbright Scholar Directory, 27 have come in the past seven years. The previous high for Fulbrights in a year for George Mason was five in 1994-95. George Mason’s first Fulbright was history professor Ernest Cassara in 1975-76, who taught at the University of Munich.

George Mason has hosted 98 Fulbrights, according to the organization’s website, including six this academic year.

In This Story

Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera

Carolyn Drews-Botsch, PhD, MPH

Chawky Frenn

David J. Gerleman

Learn about our 2024 Fulbright Scholars

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College of Public Health awarded prestigious Society for Simulation in Healthcare accreditation

mthomp7 — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:32:08 +0000

College of Public Health awarded prestigious Society for Simulation in Healthcare accreditation mthomp7 Tue, 02/11/2025 - 09:32

The Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation achieves ground-breaking accreditation.

The College of Public Health is proud to be the nation's first Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)-accredited Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation at a public health college. This pioneering facility redefines how health professionals practice and reinforces ��AV's leadership in cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes public health education and workforce development.

The College of Public Health joins an elite group of only 250 organizations in the world to be accredited by SSH - and is the only public health college to be SSH-accredited.

“This prestigious recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of simulation programs that meet rigorous standards and contribute to advancing the field of health care simulation,” said Kristyn Gadlage, the director of accreditation for SSH. SSH-accreditation is an elite achievement, with only 250 institutions worldwide recognized for advancing simulation excellence. Accredited programs set a gold standard for health care education and are more likely to drive improved patient outcomes.

The college’s Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation is an interprofessional and transdisciplinary research and instructional center. At 8,000 square feet, the lab encompasses modular spaces replicating practice settings or converts multiple spaces for extended reality (XR). The lab is strategically positioned in Peterson Health Sciences Hall on George Mason's Fairfax Campus.

This central location allows students across all College of Public Health departments and schools access to this state-of-the-art space for innovation. The lab is designed for transdisciplinary immersive learning with human patient simulators and XR—spanning virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).

The Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation achieves ground-breaking accreditation. Photo illustration by Emma Anderson and Karen Smith/CPH

In 2022, Dean Melissa Perry announced a bold vision to expand the lab and make XR and simulation technology available to every student in the college. The lab is led by Chief Innovation Officer Bethany Cieslowski and a dedicated team of Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators who are working to double the lab’s capacity within the next few years, ensuring that every student experiences this transformative learning.

"With this strategic accreditation, we are poised to provide every student in the college the opportunity to extend their learning through immersive technologies and simulation. This interprofessional learning environment offers high-impact skills and critical thinking in a low-risk, safe setting. This level and intensity of training could not be delivered through classroom learning alone," Perry said. "Our approach empowers and prepares graduates for clinical practice by developing skills and confidence that traditional methods simply cannot replicate."

James Casey, director of Virginia Serious Game Institute at George Mason and a leader in immersive technologies, said, "It has been truly inspiring to witness and support the college’s cutting-edge advancements in a transdisciplinary teaching environment. The SSH accreditation is an achievement that solidifies the lab as a true center of extended reality excellence. The potential for revolutionizing public health education is unlimited.”

The integration of immersive technologies in 2020 enabled the college to address workforce needs and expand its reach into social work, nutrition, health administration and policy, and beyond. The lab's mission is clear: harness the power of technology to advance interprofessional education, research, and patient safety through digital innovation. By leveraging ground-breaking technology, the lab advances the college's mission through collaboration, research, and innovation. The college is dedicated to revolutionizing interprofessional education and practice, to ultimately advance public health on a global scale.

Students who step into this innovative space don't just learn—they experience. From mastering complex skills and critical thinking to practicing effective opioid crisis interventions, immersive technologies prepare learners for the challenges of tomorrow. "Extended reality transforms the way we learn," said Cieslowski. "It's not just about creating a virtual environment—it's about creating opportunities for real-world impact, ensuring our students leave George Mason prepared to lead."

Looking ahead, the college plans to extend its reach, aiming to incorporate immersive technologies into all disciplines in the college. With a vision to forge strategic partnerships with corporate leaders and academic organizations, George Mason is driving the future of healthcare simulation.

Visit the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation web page for academic publications and prior coverage about the college's Immersive technologies and simulation capabilities.

For media inquiries, contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

In This Story

Bethany Cieslowski, DNP

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

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immersive technologies

George Mason, men's head soccer coach Rich Costanzo agree to contract extension

Katarina Benson — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:11:41 +0000

George Mason, men's head soccer coach Rich Costanzo agree to contract extension Katarina Benson Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:11

��AV and men's soccer head coach Rich Costanzo have agreed on a contract extension through the 2029 season, announced Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis on Tuesday. Costanzo came to George Mason in 2022.

Men's soccer head coach Rich Constanzo. Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

After leading the Patriots to one of the most successful regular seasons in program history, Costanzo is the first George Mason men’s soccer coach to earn the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honor. He is the fifth Patriots' coach across all sports to be named A-10 Coach of the Year since George Mason joined the conference in 2013.

"In just three seasons, Rich has transformed the George Mason men's soccer culture, elevated our on-field performance, and brought a renewed energy to our university,” said Lewis. “His leadership has resonated deeply within our Northern Virginia community, inspiring youth leagues, Mason students, and our campus with an exciting, innovative brand of soccer. We are fully committed to supporting Rich's championship vision as he leads our program into an even brighter future."

Costanzo, in his third year with George Mason, guided the club to the Atlantic 10 regular season title for the first time in program history. The Patriots finished the season 13-4-1 overall, won seven of eight matches at home in the regular season, and went 6-1-1 in conference play to post six wins in the A-10 regular season for the first time. After earning the top-seed in the A-10 Championship, they advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament.

Costanzo was named the head coach in April 2022 and inherited a club that finished a combined 4-18-5 over the two previous seasons. Under his leadership, the Patriots climbed to 13th in the United Soccer Coaches Association poll this season, marking the first time in 10 years that George Mason has been in the national rankings. The team finished the A-10 regular season third in total goals (33) and goals per match (2.2) and tied for the third-fewest goals allowed (17).

Six Patriots earned Atlantic 10 post-season honors, including freshman midfielder Martim Sereno, who was selected to the 12-member All-Rookie Team. He is the seventh Patriot to earn a spot on the A-10 All-Rookie Team. Graduate student Marek Gonda and sophomore Quentin Clain were named All-Conference Second Team forward, sophomore James Eliuda was tabbed All-Conference Second Team midfielder and graduate student Luis Maestre and senior Javi Sanchez earned All-Conference Second Team defender honors. Beyond their success on the field, the team also excelled in the classroom, earning an impressive 3.50 GPA during the fall semester.

"I want to thank Marvin Lewis and Deputy AD of Intercollegiate Sports Todd Bramble for their support, belief, and confidence in our coaching staff and program," said Costanzo. "Our athletics department leaders share in our vision in competing for championships and developing George Mason soccer into a national brand.”

Costanzo joined the Patriots after five seasons as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh men's soccer program, where he helped guide the Panthers to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2019 to 2021) and an appearance in the College Cup.

Costanzo played at Penn State (2004-05), where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004 and was also selected Freshman All-America by Soccer America and TopDrawerSoccer. He transferred to the University of Maryland (2006-08), and as a senior captained the 2008 squad to the NCAA Division I National Championship and ACC Championship. He graduated from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business in December 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in general business.

After his collegiate career, Costanzo played professionally in more than 100 games over five years with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (43 games), Rochester Rhinos (2010-11), and the Minnesota Thunder (20 games) of the U.S. Soccer League.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue leading our program and working with this talented and committed group of student-athletes and coaches,” Costanzo said. “We have stayed focused on the process and have worked diligently to build a strong foundation and a culture focused on kaizen. We are excited for the future at George Mason."

"We are thrilled to continue having Rich at the helm of our men's soccer program," Lewis said. "He is a proven winner, building a championship-caliber program from the ground up in Fairfax.”

Learn more about George Mason's men's soccer team

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Mason Athletics

Athletics

Campus News

The College of Visual and Performing Arts Launches Initiative to Renovate Center for the Arts

Kirstin Franko — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:53:20 +0000

The College of Visual and Performing Arts Launches Initiative to Renovate Center for the Arts Kirstin Franko Mon, 02/03/2025 - 16:53

��AV’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announces the public launch of the Give Voice initiative, a $35 million fundraising effort to renovate and modernize the Center for the Arts into a state-of-the-art venue. The Give Voice initiative is part of Mason Now: Power the Possible—the university’s first one-billion-dollar comprehensive fundraising campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship.

“For decades, our Center for the Arts has been a beacon for talent and innovation, a proving ground for students learning their craft and pursuing their passions, and home to world-class performances as the cultural hub of our region," ��AV President Gregory Washington said. “The Give Voice initiative will ensure that the arts remain a front door to the university, as they have been for 6.5 million patrons who have been enriched and inspired by their shared experiences in this storied building.”

Built in 1990, the Center for the Arts has supported the early work of ��AV students whose careers led them to Broadway, and has hosted Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning artists—and U.S. presidents. The modernization aims to improve and enhance the venue’s ability to support the needs of artists, audiences, and the students and faculty of CVPA. It will include major technological and acoustical upgrades; improved accessibility, sightlines, and aesthetics; additional aisles on Orchestra and Balcony levels; a remodeled lobby; expanded teaching and rehearsal spaces; a new donor lounge; expanded restrooms; and more.

Architectural concept rendering of the Center for the Arts Concert Hall by Quinn Evans.

“So many people have told us that there are really two eras in George Mason history—before and after the Center for the Arts opened its doors,” CVPA dean Rick Davis said. “I think this transformation will be thought of in the same way in years to come, as we create a modern, technology-rich, visually stunning, and artist-and-audience friendly home for all who enjoy the arts, whether as a creator or an audience member.”

The Give Voice initiative quietly began with a $10 million gift from Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans, which was announced in April 2022 as part of George Mason’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their transformative gift set the stage for this capital initiative towards the reimagining of the Center for the Arts for future generations. Upon the conclusion of its renovation, the Center for the Arts will be renamed the Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans Center for the Arts in recognition of their visionary support.

“My father, Sid Dewberry, was one of the founding fathers of George Mason and he had a special fondness for music,” said Barry Dewberry. “Towards the end of his life, Arlene and I saw the need to pick up the baton and continue supporting George Mason and Mason Arts. We recognize the important role the Center for the Arts plays and what this renovation will do to heighten the experience for students, visiting artists, and the public. Arlene and I are honored to make the lead gift for the Give Voice Initiative, and we look forward to seeing the exciting results.”

Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry. Photo by Chia-Chi Charlie Chang.

In addition to the Dewberry/Evans gift, the Center for the Arts has also secured a $6 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation. The Peterson Family gift—announced in May 2024—specifically supports enhancements to the Center for the Arts’ Concert Hall and lobby. These spaces will be renamed the Peterson Auditorium and the Peterson Family Lobby, respectively.

With the Dewberry/Evans and Peterson gifts, along with many other instrumental philanthropists pledging support, Give Voice has raised nearly $18 million of its $35 million goal. An additional $35 million toward the reimagination of the Center for the Arts is anticipated to come from ��AV.

The Give Voice initiative was officially announced at the Mason Arts Elevated event held on February 5 at the Center for the Arts. The event brought together distinguished donors, university and local leaders, and VIP guests. At the event, President Washington spoke about the importance of this renovation initiative for Mason Arts and was joined by Dean Davis, who highlighted the new plans for modernizing the Center for the Arts. Also in attendance during the event were Provost James Antony and President of the ��AV Foundation and VP for Advancement and Alumni Relations Trishana E. Bowden.

Mason Arts is the collective presence of the arts embedded throughout George Mason. In addition to CVPA, Mason Arts includes seven community arts programs, galleries across three campuses, and multiple performance venues—both physical and digital.

Part of the Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign, the event also brought awareness to additional fundraising priorities across Mason Arts, including student scholarships; the development of a George Mason Arts District with sculpture installations on the Fairfax Campus; expanding facilities for the growing Film and Video Studies and Computer Game Design programs; support for chair positions and professorships to recruit and retain outstanding faculty; funds to create a concept plan for an art museum; and the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts Endowment Fund supporting its performances and arts education opportunities for the public, veterans, and students of all ages.

Additional information about the Center for the Arts renovation is available on the Give Voice initiative website. Project specifics including the renovation timeline will be announced at a later date and updated on the website.

Power the Possible