Mason Square

From Portland to Paris to Washington, D.C.: Manar Khalid Al Mahmood’s Journey in Global Affairs

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:03:18 +0000

From Portland to Paris to Washington, D.C.: Manar Khalid Al Mahmood’s Journey in Global Affairs Andrew J Schappert Wed, 03/05/2025 - 14:03

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Ellen Laipson

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Manar Khalid Al Mahmood is a political science scholar with a truly global perspective. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in political science at ��AV’s Schar School of Policy and Government, Al Mahmood brings a wealth of international experience, academic rigor, and an unwavering passion for diplomacy and governance.

Manar Khalid Al Mahmood at UNESCO’s headquarters: ‘I wanted to be in the middle of politics. Think tanks, the White House, Congress, everything.’ Photo provided

Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, she completed her undergraduate degree at Portland State University before setting her sights on Washington, D.C., the epicenter of political discourse.

“I wanted to be in the middle of politics,” she said during a Zoom call from her family home in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. “Think tanks, the White House, Congress, everything.”

But before enrolling, she took a detour that led her to the heart of international policy: the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.

Her tenure at UNESCO, the agency that promotes world peace and security through international cooperation, began unexpectedly but turned into a defining chapter of her career. Through the Junior Professional Program, an initiative aimed at increasing representation from underrepresented nations in the UN, she earned a coveted and highly competitive position, with work spanning multiple sectors, in the external relations department, the vital diplomatic arm of the organization.

“I applied not thinking much of it,” she said. “Then lo and behold I got an email saying I have an interview. And then another interview and another interview, and then a written exam. And I started packing for Paris.”

One of her earliest tasks was preparing a briefing for a high-profile meeting between the director-general of UNESCO and King Abdullah of Jordan—a task that underscored both the trust placed in her abilities and the magnitude of the work she undertook. Al Mahmood also played a role in protocol coordination during UNESCO's historic flag-raising ceremony in Paris, attended by then-first lady Jill Biden, an event marking the United States’ return to the organization.

While excelling in her role at UNESCO, she never lost sight of her academic ambitions, and at the end of her contract she decided to earn her degree. She attended Schar School classes remotely, including logging on for synchronous courses complicated by the six-hour time difference with Paris, a testament to her dedication.

Manar Khalid Al Mahmood attends an opera at Paris’ 1875 Palais Garnier. Photo provided

Despite the challenges of remote learning, Al Mahmood remained engaged, often waking up in the middle of the night for discussions and lectures. (“Yeah, boy, it was brutal,” she confided.)

While living in Paris, she founded an English-language philosophy discussion group, inspired by the Socrates Café model, where French and international participants explored diverse perspectives on political and social issues, an initiative that reflects her broader commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

As Al Mahmood embarks on the next phase of her academic journey—finally experiencing George Mason and Washington, D.C., in person—she looks forward to engaging more deeply with professors, attending policy events, and contributing to intellectual discourse.

“Professor Ellen Laipson always emails us about events that are happening on campus, and I’m always missing them,” she said, referencing the director of the Center for Security Policy Studies. “But I look forward to finally being able to go.”

Al Mahmood is particularly interested in engaging with think tanks, such as the Middle East Institute and the Arab Gulf States Institute, and organizations that align with her regional expertise and aspirations.

With Saudi Arabia undergoing a period of rapid transformation—hosting the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034—Al Mahmood sees a wealth of opportunities ahead. While she is open to international opportunities, she is also keen on contributing to her home country’s evolving role on the world stage, whether through diplomacy, foreign affairs, or international cultural initiatives.

Ready to set foot in Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, this summer, she is eager to immerse herself in the policy landscape firsthand, as well as attending the in-person campus events she had to miss while studying from overseas.

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Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:38:50 +0000

Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 02/03/2025 - 16:38

As the senior events manager at ��AV’s Mason Square, Kenneth (Kenny) Darby is known as the one who can do it all. He has been a vital part of Mason Square events since 2017 and has worked as senior events manager for the past five years. In their letters of support, his colleagues emphasized his ability to seamlessly manage complex high-profile events with precision and care, and his unwavering commitment, empathy, and attention to detail.

Employee of the Month Kenny Darby with President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“As an outstanding leader and colleague, Kenny consistently enriches the Mason Square community with his positive contributions, supporting event clients to bring their vision to a reality,” said Sara Hawes, director of Operations for Mason Square administration. “His unwavering dedication to his responsibilities, coupled with the empathy and attention he extends to clients, colleagues, supervisors, and students sets a commendable example for all those who have the opportunity to interact with him.”

Mercedes Allsop, executive assistant to the Dean's Office in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School, said, “Kenny’s dedication not only enhances our campus environment but also sets a commendable standard for others to aspire to, truly making him a deserving candidate for this recognition. “His ability to manage high-profile events with a calm, professional demeanor ensures that each event is executed flawlessly.”

Alison Price, director of operations and the Law and Economics Center at Antonin Scalia Law School, highlighted Kenny’s skill with high-profile clients. “Kenny is the role model for how customer service should be provided at this university,” she said.

“Kenny is the ‘go-to’ individual when having an event at Mason Square. From beginning to end, I trust him to ensure that our events go smoothly,” said Una Murphy, director of donor relations in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations. “He is friendly, assured, professional, inquisitive, caring and incredibly intuitive. I completely trust Kenny's judgement when it comes to a successful event.”

Colleagues have come to rely on Darby for his expertise. “Kenny has become an invaluable asset at Mason Square,” said Frank Strike, vice president of Facilities. “He provides excellent customer service, and his attention to detail allows him to seamlessly integrate multiple complex tasks to deliver an exceptional experience to all stakeholders. His dedication and commitment to excellence is an inspiration to his colleagues and enhances Mason's reputation.”

How did you come to Mason:

I was hired as an event coordinator to help support events on the Arlington Campus. They were looking for a talented individual that had event experience and A/V knowledge, so I applied.

Best day on the job:

Every day is a good day on the job, but the best day was when I got hired.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The people I work with and those I collaborate with. This community is very close, and I appreciate each of the relationships that I have built.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

That's a hard question. I enjoy quiet time. My days are busy when I'm at work and when I'm not at work, so the quiet times are the best times for me.

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New Course Creates Ethical Leaders for an AI-Driven Future

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:04:10 +0000

New Course Creates Ethical Leaders for an AI-Driven Future Andrew J Schappert Tue, 12/10/2024 - 14:04

Jesse Kirkpatrick: ‘The interdisciplinary approach ensures that participants develop insights applicable across public and private sectors, enabling them to lead responsibly in the AI-driven future.’ Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

While the debates continue over artificial intelligence’s possible impacts on privacy, economics, education, and job displacement, perhaps the largest question regards the ethics of AI. Bias, accountability, transparency, and governance of the powerful technology are aspects that have yet to be fully answered.

A new cross-disciplinary course at ��AV is designed to prepare students to tackle the ethical, societal, and governance challenges presented by AI. The course, AI: Ethics, Policy, and Society, will draw expertise from the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS).

The master’s degree-level course begins in spring 2025 and will be taught by Jesse Kirkpatrick, a research associate professor in the CEC, the Department of Philosophy, and codirector of the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC).

The course is important now, said Kirkpatrick, because “artificial intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping societal norms, and challenging long-standing ethical frameworks. This course provides critical insights into the ethical, societal, and policy implications of AI at a time when these technologies are increasingly deployed in areas like healthcare, criminal justice, and national defense.”

Debates about bias in AI systems, the governance of autonomous decision-making, and the risks of misinformation “underscore the urgency of equipping students and professionals with the tools to address the opportunities and challenges responsibly,” he added.

This course is designed for students and professionals from diverse fields, including policy, computer science, engineering, law, philosophy, and business.

“Occupations such as AI developers, policymakers, ethicists, legal advisors, and technology strategists will benefit greatly,” Kirkpatrick said. “The interdisciplinary approach ensures that participants develop insights applicable across public and private sectors, enabling them to lead responsibly in the AI-driven future.”

The course is open to George Mason students and is a core component of the university’s new graduate certificate in Responsible AI, making it an essential step for those pursuing advanced study or leadership roles in ethical AI design and governance.

In addition to critical readings and written assignments, the course incorporates hands-on components such as workshops, interactive discussions, and practical tools includes algorithmic audits, ethical toolkits, and risk management frameworks.

“Students will also engage in scenario-building exercises and present collaborative projects that apply ethical AI principles to real-world challenges,” Kirkpatrick said. “The course also features distinguished guest speakers from academia, industry, and government, providing students with diverse perspectives on AI.”

As a MARC codirector, Kirkpatrick is engaged in “responsible AI” initiatives. “I bring a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience,” he said. “My work spans creating ethical AI frameworks, consulting on AI policy, and teaching at the intersection of ethics, technology, and public policy.

He adds, “This course reflects my commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and tools to address the profound ethical challenges and opportunities posed by AI technologies in society.”

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George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch

Colleen Rich — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:25:07 +0000

George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch Colleen Rich Mon, 12/09/2024 - 15:25

��AV gave the public its first look at Fuse at Mason Square and what’s in store for the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region with the building’s Dec. 6 commercial launch.

From left, President Gregory Washington with speakers from the event Ryan Touhill, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, Brian Naumick, and Liza Wilson Durant. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

A state-of-the-art tech research hub intended to be a beacon for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to come together and collaborate, Fuse will serve as the center for technological advances in the region, fostering innovation in various sectors while adding to the tech talent pipeline necessary to help fuel the economies of the region and the commonwealth of Virginia.

“The most surefire way to strengthen an innovation ecosystem is for a top-tier research university, local industry, and the community to join together in partnership,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington.

The 345,000-square-foot-building, which will welcome students in Fall 2025, features specialized labs for robotics and virtual reality and data visualization, as well as office spaces, retail, and co-working areas and classrooms.

Rep. Don Beyer, who is working toward a master’s degree in computer science at George Mason, was among the speakers to laud the project at the brief ceremony in Arlington. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Fuse cost roughly $254 million to construct, with $90 million each contributed by George Mason and the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, as well as $78 million from Edgemoor Infrastructure and Real Estate.

George Mason announced in October that the building’s first tenant, Cybastion, a cybersecurity and digital IT company focused on emerging markets, would move into Fuse in spring 2025. The restaurant Wood & Iron will be located on the ground floor. About 75% of the building’s commercial space has been committed.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is enrolled at George Mason and working toward a master’s degree in computer science with a concentration in machine learning, was among the speakers to laud the project at the brief ceremony in Arlington, joining Washington; Liza Wilson Durant, George Mason’s associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement who is also the associate dean of George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing and director of the Northern Virginia node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative; Ryan Touhill, director of Arlington Economic Development; and Brian Naumick, vice president and managing director of Edgemoor.

George Mason's Liza Wilson Durant took questions from the media about the new building. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Fuse at Mason Square supports the Tech Talent Investment Program, a 20-year initiative aimed at producing 25,000 additional tech graduates in Virginia. The building will house George Mason’s Institute for Digital Innovation and the new School of Computing, part of the College of Engineering and Computing, and will offer courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

Washington expects the new building to be a catalyst for economic growth. “When we started the Fuse project in April of 2022, I said then that we’re not just breaking ground on a building—we’re breaking ground on Virginia’s future,” he said. “That future begins in earnest today with the Fuse leasing grand opening.”

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Panelists Dive Into Details During a ‘Presidential Election Debrief’ at Mason Square

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:24:03 +0000

Panelists Dive Into Details During a ‘Presidential Election Debrief’ at Mason Square Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/12/2024 - 15:24

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University Life Arlington Director Melissa Thierry introduces the panel: From left, David Ramadan, Jennifer N. Victor, Terry McAuliffe, and Mark J. Rozell. Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Nearly 120 audience members—more than 30 of them students from the Schar School of Policy and Government’s undergraduate Democracy Lab Learning Community—filled the seats and dined on pizza at ��AV’s Mason Square Monday evening to hear a panel of Schar School political pundits break down the results of the November 5 elections.

Distinguished Visiting Professor Terry McAuliffe: ‘Twelve of the last 14 [presidential] elections have been change elections.’

The Pizza & Perspectives: 2024 Presidential Election Debrief did not disappoint in providing the promised insights as to how and why national and regional elections transpired the way they did. The 90-minute event can be seen at the Schar School’s YouTube channel.

Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell, the moderator for the discussion, kicked off the event by asking Schar School associate professor Jennifer N. Victor what was different about this election cycle that set it apart from others and could it have lasting impact.

After explaining about political realignments and shifting of consensuses, “this was an anti-incumbent sentiment wave election and that explains how we got here,” Victor said.

Distinguished Visiting Professor and former governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe added that “Twelve of the last 14 [presidential] elections have been change elections. People want to change the person who is in power. Forty percent of the people who voted said their number one issue was the economy and Donald Trump won that by 21 points.

“Twenty percent of those who voted said immigration was the number one issue, and Trump won that by 71 percent…Going into this election was going to be a hard thing for Vice President Harris: 70 percent of Americans thought the country is headed in the wrong direction. Kamala Harris was the partner of Joe Biden. She had a very tough hand to deal with.”

David Ramadan, foreground, and the panelists listen to a question from the audience.

Before taking questions from the audience, Rozell reminded the panel that politics never takes a year off in Virginia and that in 2025 the state will elect a new governor.

“The Democrats will have the advantage next year to win the governor’s mansion in Virginia,” said professor of practice and former state delegate David Ramadan, pointing out that traditionally—with the exception of McAuliffe, who broke the convention—the new governor is aligned with the sitting president’s opposing party.

“But it’s not just that,” he added. “They have the advantage on the ground. They have already chosen their nominee in current Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. The Republicans haven’t made up their mind…Of course, the crazier things that come out of Washington will make it more and more appealing for Democrats to win the gubernatorial election next year.”

Among the lines that received audience applause, McAuliffe announced that during the event he had just received a text message announcing his daughter-in-law—finally, after 10 hours of labor—had given birth to his first grandchild, a boy. (See the announcement at the 32-minute mark on YouTube.)

Also receiving applause was Virginia Delegate Vivian Watts (D-39), the longest-serving woman in the House (she took office in 1996) and current chairman of the finance committee. Watts said she attended to hear the questions from the audience, including those from students, as the questions would reveal additional insights to how the commonwealth’s electorate is responding to the election.

The event was sponsored by George Mason’s University Life and hosted by University Life Mason Square. See this page for information about future Mason Square events in Arlington, Virginia.

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Symposium at Mason Square brings together education and technology thought leaders

Melanie Balog — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:46:08 +0000

Symposium at Mason Square brings together education and technology thought leaders Melanie Balog Fri, 11/01/2024 - 14:46

For the second year in a row, Mason Square was home to a global STEM education symposium organized by mEducation Alliance.

The symposium, STEMtastic Adventures!, held Oct 1-3, was co-sponsored by ��AV's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Global Affairs Program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The alliance, founded by George Mason alum Anthony Bloome, MA Telecommunications ’96, is a nonprofit organization focused on the evidence-driven and sustainable role of technology in education to advance quality educational outcomes.

Photo by mEducation Alliance.

More than 250 participants from 40+ countries attended the symposium focused on advancing STEM education opportunities, particularly for learners in low-income countries.

Among other attendees and presenters, there were representatives from several Ministries of Education from Africa; major donors and foundations; multilateral and bilateral agency members of the alliance (e.g., USAID, State Department, Peace Corps); and other public and private sector institutions.

Presentations were organized around 17 STEM "track" topics including foundational literacy and numeracy, coding and robotics, youth STEMpreneurs, and advancing peace technology and climate education.

Participants engaged in dynamic sessions, hands-on activities, and exhibitions, such as a "Dolphin Tank" pitch event with U.S. developers and a STEM "Education Village" with 35 exhibitors, including from Arlington County Public Schools.

Keil Eggers, BA Conflict Analysis and Resolution '15, PhD ’24, former Carter School Peace Lab manager, co-led a session on peace technology.

Keynote speakers included senior representatives from the U.S. Department of State, Amazon Web Services, and Code.org along with George Mason faculty members Charles Davidson, director of research and practice, Center for Peace Tech, and Kenneth Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.

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Cybersecurity faculty teams pitch startup ideas at Commonwealth Cyber Initiative competition

Teresa Donnellan — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:11:08 +0000

Cybersecurity faculty teams pitch startup ideas at Commonwealth Cyber Initiative competition Teresa Donnellan Fri, 10/11/2024 - 13:11

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Andre Marshall, PhD

On October 9, 2024, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Northern Virginia Node accelerator program (CCI+A) culminated in a final pitch competition in front of a panel of cybersecurity industry experts and entrepreneurs at Mason Square. Program participants, cybersecurity engineering academics from throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, spent the past few months bringing their ideas for businesses to life.

The program helped participants connect with mentors, identify funding and how to obtain it, investigate their target customer, further develop their minimum viable product and hone their elevator pitch. CCI Northern Virginia Node Director Liza Wilson Durant, who welcomed event attendees, encouraged participants to change their perspective from faculty member explaining the technical basis for their idea, to end user who is trying to understand the problem it will solve.

CCI+A 2024 participants and advisors. Photo by Teresa Donnellan.

Each of the eight 2024 faculty teams presented a pitch and received insights on the industry and investment landscapes from the esteemed judging panel. The panel included Jennifer Addie, chief operating officer of Mach37 Cyber Accelerator and VentureScope; Maria Swainson, a managing vice president at Gartner and a member of Citrine Angels, an investment group; Maurice Boissiere, chief customer officer at DataTribe; and, Alicia Lynch, chief information security officer at TD Synnex. Jamil Jaffer, founder and executive director of the National Security Institute at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason and venture partner with Paladin Capital Group moderated the panel.

Faculty team products included everything from hardware to protect a person’s identity to encryption software. CyberGuard AI, led by Old Dominion University’s Peter Foytick; PrivacyGuard, led by Old Dominion’s Rui Ning; CyberSeQurity, led by ��AV's Weiwen Jiang; EngineeRD Solutions, led by George Mason’s Brian Ngac; MedChai, led by William & Mary’s Ran Yang; Continuous and Lightweight Authentication for Wearable and Portable Systems (CLAWS), led by George Mason’s Sai Manoj Pudukotai Dinakarrao; RADAR - Real-time Anomaly Detection with Edge AI Hardware, led by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Jayasimha Atulasimhal; and, Machine Learning Operations Executed in an Encrypted Environment (MOXIE), led by Old Dominion scientists all presented pitches.

Robert Podswadt pitches MOXIE to a panel of cybersecurity industry expert. Photo by Teresa Donnellan.

Robert Podswadt, the development lead for MOXIE, made the winning pitch. His teammates include John Matter and Daniel Takabi. The panel praised Podswadt’s clarity, particularly his use of simple graphics to explain MOXIE, a proposed homomorphic computing encryption service.

“We’re leveraging our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we’re leveraging our deep pool of cybersecurity talent here in Northern Virginia,” said Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact at ��AV Andre Marshall, who spoke at the event. He added that CCI was “a visionary initiative by the state of Virginia” whereby more than 40 academic units are working together to foster cybersecurity research and workforce development in Virginia.

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Movers and Shakers offers students lessons beyond the classroom

Colleen Rich — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:06:12 +0000

Movers and Shakers offers students lessons beyond the classroom Colleen Rich Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:06

With the start of the fall semester comes the much-anticipated Movers and Shakers Mixer, the annual networking event connecting ��AV students with influential business, community, and government executives at Mason Square in Arlington.

The Movers and Shakers Mixer connects George Mason students with Arlington community members. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Graduate students, like Paul Davis Jr., recognize their educational experience extends beyond the classroom. Davis, the policy director for Fairfax County Board Supervisor Walter Alcorn, is pursuing a master of public administration from the Schar School of Policy and Government.

“When I enrolled in graduate school, I knew I needed to shift my approach to networking from what I did as an undergrad,” he said. “Beyond just making connections, graduate school has shown me the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise. The Schar School has been incredible in providing opportunities, like Movers and Shakers, that’s enriching my education.”

Yanika Khumphaiphuan and Titilayo Owoyemi are pursuing the U.S. Law LLM degree at George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School. The aspiring attorneys were excited to meet new connections.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Owoyemi met a financial services professional from Northwestern Mutual who shared industry insights and career advancement advice. “I found it incredibly valuable to hear from professionals outside of the legal field and learn more about effective networking,” Owoyemi said.

In addition to networking with business and community leaders, students tapped into the George Mason ecosystem. Khumphaiphuan connected with students and faculty from other academic programs.

Similarly, Bethsaida Gizaw, a senior undergraduate studying global affairs with a concentration in Global Governance, connected with Scalia Law School students and faculty and professionals in her field. “As a future attorney, forming meaningful relationships and learning about diverse perspectives are important,” said Gizaw, who said she looks forward to other similar events.

Five attendees also won a raffle for one-on-one networking lunches with Arlington leaders.

Susan Cunningham, Arlington County Board member, was among the business, community, and government leaders at the event.

“I enjoyed supporting and connecting with young people,” Cunningham said. “The students are amazing! They’re so ambitious and forward-thinking. It was a great opportunity to celebrate George Mason’s role in the Arlington Community.”

Cunningham advises students to take advantage of their unique position. “Stay curious, ask questions, and enjoy the adventure of learning,” she said.

Fuse at Mason Square, a 345,000-square-foot building designed with collaborative spaces and emerging-tech labs and offices for business, research scholarship, and community engagement, announced its first commercial tech tenant, Cybastion, and will house George Mason students and employees starting in fall 2025.

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��AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square

Colleen Rich — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:40:57 +0000

��AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square Colleen Rich Wed, 10/02/2024 - 15:40

��AV and Mason Innovation Partners (MIP), a development consortium led by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, announce the first commercial tenant for Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia. The new tenant, Cybastion, is an American technology company that delivers world-class cybersecurity and digital enhancement solutions to accelerate digital transformation in emerging markets, especially Africa.

Cybastion CEO Thierry Wandji. Photo provided

“The Fuse commercial opening and partnership with Cybastion marks a major milestone for the university’s growth and commitment to research and economic development for the region,” said Ken Walsh, George Mason’s executive vice president for strategic initiatives. “The Mason Square campus is part of our vision to redefine the role of a modern university as a vital partner in strengthening local business and community infrastructures, as well as continue to propel Virginia forward as the number one state for business and education.”

The 345,000+ square foot building is designed with collaborative spaces and emerging-tech labs and offices for business, research scholarship, and community engagement within the Arlington innovation corridor. Cybastion will move in to Fuse in the spring of 2025.

“Fuse will provide unique opportunities and bespoke amenities that will enhance innovation and collaboration for co-located industry partners, faculty, and the talent pipeline,” said Brian Naumick, managing director with Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. “We look forward to the great work Cybastion and many more partners will do at Fuse, driving impact for the greater D.C. market and the world.”

From left, George Mason professor Duminda Wijesekera, U.S. Ambassador to the Ivory Coast Jessica Davis Ba, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, and Cybastion CEO Thierry Wandji at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. Photo provided

Cybastion and George Mason have been collaborating on cybersecurity and 5G/6G research in the U.S. and African nations since 2022. Cybastion CEO Thierry Wandji has been working with the Cyber Living Innovation Lab at Mason Square, and George Mason Professor Duminda Wijesekera. Originally funded by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Northern Virginia Node and now sustained with funding from federal agencies and the private sector, the Cyber Living Innovation Lab has significant expertise and capability in cybersecurity, NextG communications, transportation, manufacturing, and other infrastructure systems.

“Given its location and research talent, including Wijesekera’s team, Cybastion is pleased to take up residency in Fuse,” said Wandji. “The partnership with ��AV offers us an opportunity to seamlessly blend our strengths for fostering digital innovation while tapping into the university’s wealth of research and development to scale.”

Wandji serves as the director of cybersecurity education at the cybersecurity Centers of Academic Excellence at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

“With their significant expertise in cybersecurity, and George Mason’s long-standing pre-eminence in this sector, Cybastion’s co-location in Fuse alongside George Mason faculty and students will amplify our collective research impact and speed to innovate in cybersecurity together,” added Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic directions and community engagement.

George Mason faculty and students from the Cyber Innovation Lab have traveled to Côte d’Ivoire with Wandji to support the design and implementation of the country’s vision for digital transformation and building a secure digital economy.

“The collaboration is a significant milestone for my group to get involved in international cybersecurity and telecommunications work that includes multiple government entities from both sides of the Atlantic,” said Wijesekera. “We are very fortunate and grateful to Cybastion as the only academic institution from the U.S. to be included in their family.”

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High schoolers explore renewable energy engineering at Mason Square summer camp

Teresa Donnellan — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:39:36 +0000

High schoolers explore renewable energy engineering at Mason Square summer camp Teresa Donnellan Mon, 08/26/2024 - 12:39

Fourteen local high school students from six school districts spent a week in August delving into renewable energy engineering at ��AV’s Exploring Renewable Energy Engineering Summer Camp, held at Mason Square. Liling Huang, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and Dominion Energy Faculty Fellow, led the camp sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) from August 5 to 9.

Students learn about solar panels during the Exploring Renewable Energy Engineering Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the Power Grid Lab.

Throughout the week, students engaged in activities designed to spark their interest in environmental stewardship and engineering excellence. The camp offered a mix of interactive sessions, hands-on labs, and group projects, all aimed at providing a foundational understanding of renewable energy engineering. Industry professionals from organizations such as Dominion Energy and the Solar Hands-On Instructional Network of Excellence (SHINE) contributed their expertise, giving students real-world insights into the energy sector.

The camp culminated in a two-part event on the final day. First, a panel of renewable energy professionals shared their experiences and advice with the campers. Panelists represented a broad spectrum of the industry, including AES Corporation, AWS, Dominion Energy, Hispanics in Energy, MPR Associates, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), and SHINE.

Students work on model town during the Exploring Renewable Energy Engineering Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the Power Grid Lab.

"You all are choosing a field that's very exciting, and there's really an opportunity for you to have huge impact, whether it's here or abroad," said George Mason’s Liza Wilson Durant, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement, addressing the campers as she introduced the panelists.

The panelists discussed the future energy landscape, the integration of renewable resources with traditional power grids, and the various career paths available in the power and energy sector. They also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and flexibility.

SHINE Executive Director David Peterson summed up his advice with a lyric by the Avett Brothers: “Decide what to be, and go be it.” He emphasized the importance of committing to a path without being overly concerned with immediate decisions. Nicholas Lee-Romagnolo, program lead of workforce and economic development at AWS, agreed, explaining that careers are more like jungle gyms than ladders: There are many different paths upward.

Industry panel closing GMU Exploring Renewable Energy Engineering Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the Power Grid Lab.

Lee-Romagnolo also advised the campers to pay attention to the culture of their environment throughout their academic and professional careers.

“It's very difficult to change the culture that you go into. Often you as an individual change and become more like that culture, so be aware of and thoughtful about those groups that you enter into,” he explained, adding, “None of us learns or works individually, and the team that you choose will matter every single time.”

Following the panel, the students presented their main project—a model town powered entirely by renewable, clean energy. The model featured working offshore wind turbines and small solar panels that powered a lamp and fans inside the town's model houses and data centers. The students took on various roles in planning the town, addressing engineering, financial, regulatory, and social challenges. The model town was designed as a coastal Virginia community, with considerations for local population dynamics and environmental sustainability.

The campers expressed pride in their work, noting how much they had learned during the week. When asked who was planning to study energy engineering in the future, twelve of the fourteen students raised their hands.

CEC Dean Ken Ball with staff and campers of Exploring Renewable Energy Engineering Summer Camp. Photo by Bonnie Crews.