Fuse at Mason Square / en George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch /news/2024-12/george-masons-fuse-mason-square-opens-its-commercial-launch <span>George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Mon, 12/09/2024 - 15:25</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">AV gave the public its first look at <a href="https://fuseatmasonsquare.com/">Fuse at Mason Square</a> and what it’s in store for the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region with the building’s Dec. 6 commercial launch.</span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-12/2412068071.jpg" width="1000" height="792" alt="Fuse opening group shot" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">“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.</span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The 345,000-square-foot-building, which will welcome students in Fall 2025, <span>features specialized labs for robotics and virtual reality and data visualization, as well as office spaces, retail, and co-working areas and classrooms.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-12/241206815.jpg" width="1000" height="744" alt="Don Beyer at Fuse opening" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>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 </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span>Wood & Iron will be located on the ground floor.</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span> About 75% of the building’s commercial space has been committed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>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; </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/profiles/ldurant2"><span><span><span><span>Liza Wilson Durant</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span>, George Mason’s associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement who is also the </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span>associate dean of George Mason’s </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/"><span><span><span><span>College of Engineering and Computing</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span> and director of the Northern Virginia node of the </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://cyberinitiative.org/"><span><span><span><span>Commonwealth Cyber Initiative</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span>; </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span>Ryan Touhill, director of Arlington Economic Development; and </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span>Brian Naumick, vice president and managing director of Edgemoor</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-12/241206830.jpg" width="1000" height="755" alt="Liza Wilson Durant talks to reporter at opening." loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>George Mason's Liza Wilson Durant took questions from the media about the new building. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Fuse at Mason Square supports the </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.vedp.org/sites/default/files/vedp-media/key-industries/TTIP%20Brochure/Tech%20Talent%20Investment%20Program%20%28TTIP%29%20Brochure.pdf"><span><span><span><span>Tech Talent Investment Program</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span>, a 20-year initiative aimed at producing 25,000 additional tech graduates in Virginia. The building will house George Mason’s </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://idia.gmu.edu/institute-for-digital-innovation/"><span><span><span><span>Institute for Digital Innovation</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span> and the new </span></span></span></span></span><a href="/taxonomy/term/2481"><span><span><span><span>School of Computing</span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span><span><span><span><span>, part of the College of Engineering and Computing,</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span> and will offer courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Washington expects the new building to be a catalyst for economic growth.</span></span></span><span><span><span> “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.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="9fa93d81-a81d-4872-9e75-10dee3ac642d" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/president" hreflang="und">Gregory Washington</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ldurant2" hreflang="und">Liza Wilson Durant</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="36074dd7-5cbb-4b66-8697-c608f9c6509e" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="89c16b2a-740e-4998-bab5-5fd94a93a364"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/fuse"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="08da25ab-d1e1-4022-89c3-c2252a87b190" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="4034c6fd-4b1d-4e51-b378-8c9b945c7b60" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related Stories</h2> 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views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/jaffer-appointed-new-virginia-artificial-intelligence-task-force" hreflang="en">Jaffer appointed to new Virginia Artificial Intelligence Task Force</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 23, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="5196eac9-766b-44f0-ac21-8b989aed152a" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15406" hreflang="en">Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4066" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:25:07 +0000 Colleen Rich 114946 at Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research /news/2024-12/stanley-and-rosemary-hayes-jones-invest-14m-george-mason-stem-education-and-research <span>Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:19</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones continue their legacy of philanthropy at AV with a transformative $1 million gift to establish the Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab within the Fuse at Mason Square building. </span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-12/20241118donor_fullrez-1.jpg?itok=DGkro3sh" width="350" height="318" alt="Rosemary and Stanley Hayes Jones" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by William Gallagher</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>The Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab will be dedicated to network applications including secure communications, advanced antennae systems, next-G and O-RAN innovations, with applications in air transportation, high-speed and autonomous vehicles,<strong> </strong>smart power grids, intelligent buildings, manufacturing, technology and national defense.<strong> </strong>Expected to open by June 2025, the lab will support both faculty and student research efforts.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>"AV is deeply grateful for the Jones family's generous investment in our students and faculty and in empowering innovators from across our region," George Mason President Gregory Washington said. "Their support of the testbed lab reflects a commitment to advancing critical research in rapidly developing technologies and fostering a diverse, well-prepared workforce that will serve Northern Virginia employers for decades to come."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The investment qualifies as part of George Mason’s contribution to the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing degrees in <a href="https://cs.gmu.edu/">computer science</a>, <a href="https://ece.gmu.edu/">computer engineering</a>, and software engineering in the <a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/">College of Engineering and Computing</a> by 2039. The gift also activates a match from the commonwealth through TTIP, increasing the impact to bolster Northern Virginia’s tech talent pipeline. Through TTIP, higher education institutions, private donors, and corporate partners will collectively contribute more than $2 billion to expand Virginia’s tech workforce, starting from early education and extending through college, internships, and employment. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Stanley Jones, a former a surveillance and communications engineer and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to providing opportunities for future generations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Throughout my career in engineering, I saw the power of access to advanced research and technology. I’m excited about the possibilities this new testbed lab will bring, providing George Mason students with hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field,” he said. Rosemary Hayes Jones, who served the Northern Virginia community as a real estate agent for more than 35 years, shares this commitment to advancing education and community impact.</span> <span>“We believe that investing in education and innovation is essential to fostering a thriving community and a strong workforce.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This gift follows a $400,000 commitment to the Early Identification Program (EIP) given to George Mason in 2023. The EIP funding supports two program initiatives: the EIP STEM Fusion Expansion, a K-12 program to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing STEM fields, and the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars Program, which provides direct support to EIP students pursuing STEM majors.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Stanley Jones exemplifies the potential of first-generation students. When given opportunities, these students excel,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life for George Mason. “This investment in EIP will expand access to STEM fields, and the impact will extend beyond AV to benefit the Northern Virginia community."</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Established in 1987, EIP provides critical resources to first-generation middle and high school students in partnership with seven Virginia school districts. The program serves more than 900 students annually, providing them and their families with the resources and guidance needed to navigate postsecondary education.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Joneses’ gift to EIP accelerates George Mason’s efforts to close the achievement gap for first-generation college students in STEM and supports the STEM Fusion program, which offers students supplemental STEM coursework and expands the program’s reach to serve more students in neighboring counties. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Additionally, the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars initiative will support a cohort of 10 EIP graduates attending George Mason as STEM majors. With professional mentoring, cultural and career programming, and internship opportunities—including placements at MITRE, Jones's former employer—the program is designed to strengthen retention and career readiness for these students. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“As a first-generation student, I worked my way through undergraduate school and then received a fellowship to attend graduate school. The fellowship made all the difference—it allowed me to pursue a successful career as an engineer,” said Stanley Jones. “Through our support for the AV Early Identification Program and the internship and mentorship support from MITRE, we are hoping to give a similar opportunity to other deserving students.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The Joneses' gifts are part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic billion-dollar campaign to advance student success, research, innovation, stewardship, and community engagement—laying the foundation for a transformative legacy that will shape the future of the university and uplift the entire region for generations.</span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="1e6d77cc-2a88-4298-965f-813a477f2461"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/fuse"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="2a11e5d9-866b-4567-adad-69a043acbc8c" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="9829beb6-52fe-4a57-8884-ca0d4afb93c7" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-ff3a8844a66890b9e2fbf1fb873ab74203b91e8ee24970281a2125b59efefcc3"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a 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</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:45 +0000 Colleen Rich 114901 at Civil engineering student builds a solid foundation with summer internship /news/2024-10/civil-engineering-student-builds-solid-foundation-summer-internship <span>Civil engineering student builds a solid foundation with summer internship </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/1456" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Shayla Brown</span></span> <span>Mon, 10/07/2024 - 10:29</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">More than 250 people are working on the construction of the <a href="https://construction.gmu.edu/fuse-mason-square" target="_blank">Fuse at Mason Square building</a>, including AV senior Leslie Hernandez. </span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">“It’s my way of giving back to my school and community,” said Hernandez, who is majoring in <a href="https://civil.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">civil and infrastructure engineering</a> in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC).</span></p> <div class="align-center" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FGlcTQTCysg?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p>Hernandez has had four internships with <a href="https://www.clarkconstruction.com/" target="_blank">Clark Construction</a> since her senior year of high school and has previously worked on projects such as the Amazon headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.  </p> <p>“The Amazon headquarters project was really special to me because it was the first project that I got to see full circle from when it was just a pile of concrete up to the final product,” said Hernandez. </p> <p>At Fuse, Hernandez is focused on field operations. “I’m like the middleman between the architect and the general contractor, working with inspectors, owners, and trade partners,” the  <a href="https://honorscollege.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">Honors College</a> student said.  </p> <p>For Hernandez, the highlight of the summer was working and bonding with her colleagues. “The labor force on a construction site is composed of a good percentage of Hispanic or Latino individuals, and I identify as both of those. Because of this, I was able to create meaningful bonds with individuals as we engaged in day-to-day conversations about the work we do,” she said. </p> <p>Hernandez says engineering professor <a href="https://civil.gmu.edu/profiles/cgonza31" target="_blank">Catalina González-Dueñas</a> is also a huge source of inspiration. She shared her background with the CEC professor during office hours, where they bonded over their respective experiences. </p> <p>“I feel like I'm able to see myself in her,” said Hernandez, first generation college student originally from El Salvador. “She’s a representation of what’s possible for me. She told me that one of the reasons why she does what she does is to be that representation for Hispanic and Latina women. </p> <p>This admiration is a two-way street, said González-Dueñas. “I aim for my students to learn and feel inspired, but I am often inspired by and learning from their questions and perspectives as well,” she said. </p> <p>“What stands out the most about Leslie is that she always relates the concepts taught in class to her own internship experience,” said González-Dueñas. “This not only allows her to put concepts into action, but also helps her classmates by providing real-world examples that illustrate abstract ideas.” </p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-10/lhernandezbodyimage600.jpg?itok=Fy_7itVj" width="560" height="374" alt="Leslie Hernandez at her Clark Construction Internship outside Fuse at MasonSquare. Photo by Cristian Torres." loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Leslie Hernandez at her Clark Construction Internship outside the Fuse at Mason Square building. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p>Alongside her internship position, Hernandez has also been working part-time for Clark Construction for the past two years. During the summer, the internship and part-time position responsibilities merge. </p> <p>“They offered me the position, which is great because it allows me to gain experience in my field while I’m going to school. They’ve been very flexible with my class schedule as well,” said Hernandez. </p> <p>“When I first started working at Clark Construction, everyone would encourage me even though they didn’t even really know me yet,” said Hernandez. “I’m so glad to have this background and experience in the construction industry because I do see myself in this industry later on.” </p> <p>Hernandez says the only thing she’s more dedicated to than construction is family. “I have two little sisters and a little brother and I'm trying to not only set a good example but open doors for them so they see that anything is possible,” she said. </p> <p>“I feel such a sense of pride because I’m leaving a little piece of myself in every project. Once the Fuse building is done, I'm forever going to be part of that project and my school.” </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/cgonza31" hreflang="en">Catalina Gonzalez-Duenas</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="343d82ed-9e4a-4471-8464-3c37846db2e2" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="87763e34-b6a2-45d5-afc2-2ac6301d50e0" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related Stories</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 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summer internship </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 7, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/721" hreflang="en">internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/821" hreflang="en">Honors College</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20536" hreflang="en">CEC internships</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:29:57 +0000 Shayla Brown 114111 at AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square /news/2024-10/george-mason-university-announces-first-commercial-tenant-fuse-mason-square <span>AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Wed, 10/02/2024 - 15:40</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">AV and Mason Innovation Partners (MIP), a development consortium led by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, announce the first commercial tenant for <a href="http://masonsquare.gmu.edu/">Fuse at Mason Square</a> 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.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-10/thierry_wandji-22-copy-2-scaled-1-768x768.jpg?itok=8xRAFMGj" width="350" height="350" alt="Thierry " loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Cybastion CEO Thierry Wandji. Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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 </span></span></span></span><a href="https://civil.gmu.edu/profiles/kenwalsh"><span><span><span>Ken Walsh</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span>, 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 </span></span></span></span><a href="/news/2024-07/george-masons-vital-role-advancing-virginia-americas-top-state-business"><span><span><span>number one state</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> for business and education.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The </span></span></span></span><a href="https://president.gmu.edu/news/2023-11/mason-celebrates-fuse-mason-square-topping-out"><span><span><span>345,000+ square foot building is designed</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-10/img_4722.jpg" width="381" height="197" alt="From left, 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" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>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 </span></span></span></span><a href="https://cybersecurity.gmu.edu/news/2019-12/mason-unveil-new-cyber-living-innovation-lab-part-cci"><span><span><span>Cyber Living Innovation Lab</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> at Mason Square, and George Mason Professor </span></span></span></span><a href="https://volgenau.gmu.edu/profiles/dwijesek"><span><span><span>Duminda Wijesekera</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span>. Originally funded by the </span></span></span></span><a href="https://cyberinitiative.org/about/regional-structure/northern-virginia-node.html"><span><span><span>Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Northern Virginia Node</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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 </span></span></span></span><a href="https://volgenau.gmu.edu/profiles/ldurant2"><span><span><span>Liza Wilson Durant</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span>, associate provost for strategic directions and community engagement.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="47850a6c-a7db-4773-b771-26ad2fd99caf"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/fuse"> <h4 class="cta__title">Discover more about Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="3157197f-80d7-4f03-a583-f441e7c1aa6c" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="6098f36e-0edb-4d9c-91a1-463f7860afb3" class="block 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class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 9, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/stanley-and-rosemary-hayes-jones-invest-14m-george-mason-stem-education-and-research" hreflang="en">Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/panelists-dive-details-during-presidential-election-debrief-mason-square" hreflang="en">Panelists Dive Into Details During a ‘Presidential Election Debrief’ at Mason Square</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 12, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/symposium-mason-square-brings-together-education-and-technology-thought-leaders" hreflang="en">Symposium at Mason Square brings together education and technology thought leaders</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 1, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15406" hreflang="en">Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3056" hreflang="en">Cybersecurity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20416" hreflang="en">CEC high impact stories</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:40:57 +0000 Colleen Rich 114071 at AV’s Amarda Shehu appointed inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer /news/2024-09/george-mason-universitys-amarda-shehu-appointed-inaugural-chief-artificial <span>AV’s Amarda Shehu appointed inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/236" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Melanie Balog</span></span> <span>Wed, 09/04/2024 - 07:37</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="align-center" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5TLBzTpBGwA?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p><span><span><span>FAIRFAX, VA -  </span><a href="http://www.gmu.edu/"><span>AV</span></a><span> has named Associate Vice President for Research for the </span><a href="/research/institutes-and-centers"><span>Institute for Digital Innovation</span></a><span> (IDIA) Amarda Shehu as the university’s inaugural vice president and chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO). In this role, Shehu will lead the strategy and implementation of AI across research, academics, and partnerships for the university, </span><span>maximizing </span><span>opportunity and adoption in addressing the world’s grand challenges while leading on ethical considerations, governance, and risk mitigation.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“As the number one public university in Virginia and a top 10 U.S. university for innovation, as well as </span><a href="https://computing.gmu.edu/news/2020-02/george-mason-university-establishes-first-its-kind-cyber-security-engineering-0"><span>the first to offer a School of Computing and degree in cybersecurity engineering</span></a><span>, George Mason is driven by inclusive access to research and education that provides insight and inspires solutions. There is an institution-wide recognition of the centrality of AI to the future of knowledge creation, scientific discovery, creative expression, workforce development, and campus operations,” said </span><a href="https://provost.gmu.edu/profiles/awmarsh"><span>Andre Marshall</span></a><span>, AV vice president for research, innovation, and economic development. “By collaborating with other units to build an AI growth roadmap for the university, Dr. Shehu will be a transformative force in taking George Mason to the top of this field and partnering in the region to advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As George Mason’s inaugural Vice President and CAIO, and one of the first at a U.S. university,<em> </em>Shehu will spearhead university-wide research and programs, attract AI talent, and ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Shehu will work with the university’s chief risk officer and chief information officer on tools and platforms, as well as governance to ensure data privacy and security. She will also collaborate with academic divisions on new majors and expanded coursework. </span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote">“I knew when I started my research in this field over 20 years ago that AI would unleash enormous speed and power in innovation, which is at the heart of what drives George Mason,” Shehu said. “Power lies in our ability to harness this technology in sustainable and democratic deployment that improves society and the human condition. I am thrilled to work alongside brilliant faculty, students, staff, and industry partners to position George Mason at the forefront of AI in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”</figure><p><span><span><span>Shehu is a professor in the Department of Computer Science in the </span><a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Engineering and Computing</span></a><span>, where she also serves as an associate dean for AI Innovation. She is the inaugural founding co-director of AV’s transdisciplinary </span><a href="https://cahmp.gmu.edu/"><span>Center for Advancing Human-Machine Partnerships</span></a><span>. Shehu is lead PI on </span><a href="/news/2024-02/mason-selected-participation-department-commerce-consortium-dedicated-ai-safety"><span>the George Mason-National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium</span></a><span><span> (AISIC) cooperative research and development agreement within the Department of Commerce in response to the 2023 White House Executive Order on AI. </span></span><span>As part of the <span>Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact division’s leadership team,<em><span> </span></em>Shehu will continue to provide leadership for IDIA. A full biography is available </span></span><a href="https://volgenau.gmu.edu/profiles/ashehu"><span>here</span></a><span><span>.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Shehu’s position comes at a time of rapid AI advancements at the university. In April 2024, George Mason launched the </span></span><a href="https://marc.gmu.edu/"><span>Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center </span></a><span><span>(MARC), which will serve as </span></span><span>the focal point for research in autonomy, robotics, and AI. In fall 2024, the university will launch a </span><a href="https://itsapps.gmu.edu/graduate-deadlines-and-requirements/Programs/Details/a3L8W000003BaQGUA0" target="_blank" title="AI graduate certificate"><span>graduate certificate</span></a><span> that focuses on responsible AI. Earlier this summer, George Mason was awarded a $1 million grant to establish the nation’s first </span><a href="/news/2024-06/george-mason-launch-nations-first-center-small-business-ai-innovation-1m-grant#:~:text=In%20a%20groundbreaking%20move%20set,for%20Economic%20Competitiveness%20(CAIIEC)"><span>Center for AI Innovation for Economic Competitiveness</span></a><span>, which will bolster the economic competitiveness of small and medium enterprises across Virginia. Much of the work in AI will take place at the </span><a href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/fuse"><span>Fuse at Mason Square</span></a><span>, </span><span>the university’s new state-of-the-art research and entrepreneurship hub for students, digital innovators, researchers, and regional businesses opening this fall.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ashehu" hreflang="und">Amarda Shehu</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="c304e844-5e51-454b-9341-80f27c3fbd69" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="4ee9030b-9183-42a5-a992-81a7e1739046" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="a42ec36e-108d-41f0-837f-f0e86ed02ac3"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/fuse"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="18189363-3d86-4705-be1b-0bf104747f92" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="870dc89c-b175-460d-80f4-d3aebf6df426" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="ac7bdf52-063f-42d1-b860-d53d0bd61134" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-2f28b75269e8d4e5d4fde6c9a5b95534d581294c6b8f6ced44a26211ac1d8df0"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/new-course-creates-ethical-leaders-ai-driven-future" hreflang="en">New Course Creates Ethical Leaders for an AI-Driven Future</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 10, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/solon-simmons-looks-win-win-opportunities-his-role-faculty-senate-president" hreflang="en">Solon Simmons looks for win-win opportunities in his role as Faculty Senate president</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/george-mason-universitys-amarda-shehu-appointed-inaugural-chief-artificial" hreflang="en">AV’s Amarda Shehu appointed inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/college-public-health-receives-nih-grant-pilot-ai-chatbot-african-americans-depression" hreflang="en">College of Public Health receives NIH grant to pilot AI chatbot for African Americans with depression </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 8, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-05/george-mason-researchers-harness-power-artificial-intelligence-match-patients-most" hreflang="en">George Mason researchers harness the power of artificial intelligence to match patients with the most effective antidepressant for their unique needs </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 29, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="1b17cb70-e861-4303-a599-0ff406f75d4f" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="55257f74-2cb0-4796-a263-a14bf8aaf566" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="2157aa91-722a-40af-b9ce-627f0dc9c400" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><hr /><p> </p> <p><em>This content appears in the Fall 2024 print edition of the </em><strong><a href="/spirit-magazine" target="_blank" title="Mason Spirit Magazine">Mason Spirit Magazine</a></strong><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="e65eaa3a-c133-43e7-8902-102fdf6a437d"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/spirit-magazine"> <h4 class="cta__title">More from Mason Spirit Magazine <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:37:10 +0000 Melanie Balog 113676 at Mason, AWS partner on renewable energy lab and Sustainable Data Center Engineering concentration /news/2024-03/mason-aws-partner-renewable-energy-lab-and-sustainable-data-center-engineering <span>Mason, AWS partner on renewable energy lab and Sustainable Data Center Engineering concentration</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/326" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Martha Bushong</span></span> <span>Fri, 03/01/2024 - 14:00</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>The significant demand for data centers and their impact on global energy requires new models for renewable and sustainable energy systems. Working with Amazon Web Services (AWS), AV will unveil a renewable energy lab within Fuse at Mason Square and launch a companion curriculum concentration in sustainable data center engineering this fall 2024.</p> <figure class="quote">“We are very appreciative of our continuing partnership with AWS,” Mason President Gregory Washington said. “Because of their support, we are providing our students and faculty with cutting-edge technology and tools that unite our researchers across many disciplines to further their knowledge about data centers. With this level of education and experience, our students are well-prepared to enter the tech workforce.”  </figure><p>“Investing in expanded laboratory experiences for students is critical,” Nicholas Lee-Romagnolo, program lead of workforce and economic development at AWS, said. “George Mason students from all disciplines will have access to real-world technologies and hands-on simulations. This type of immersive learning complements the breadth of new programs offered to students and helps ensure they have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to fill high-demand jobs across the region.” </p> <p>The new concentration in sustainable data center engineering will focus on renewable energy generation, storage, and distribution training and hands-on experience. The course builds upon the Data Center Engineering course launched last year that develops student expertise in data center infrastructure design, operations, efficiency, cooling, and decarbonization. </p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-03/renewable_energy_photo_0.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="Guests at Fuse Topping Out visit student demonstrations." loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>President Gregory Washington (right) visits student demonstrations at Fuse Topping Out event. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.</figcaption></figure><p>With advanced equipment and software tools funded by AWS, Mason’s new Renewable Energy Lab will allow students to explore, analyze, and simulate data related to renewable energy sources as well as the complex design and operation of microgrids. The lab will replicate real-world equipment such as power grids, wind power plants, and other renewable energy sources.  </p> <p>“AWS’s investment in the renewable energy lab provides another critical piece to Mason’s experiential ecosystem designed to prepare the next generation of engineers for roles that did not exist 10 years ago. Mason will now expand the number of students in our power engineering and data center engineering programs with hands-on skills development, which is essential to bridge between the classroom and industry practice,” said Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement. </p> <p>The new lab will be based at Fuse at Mason Square and is part of a broad partnership with Amazon. This project also strengthens Mason’s participation in the Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide program that aims to increase the number of undergraduate and graduate students completing degrees in the fields of computer science, applied computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering.</p> <p>Kamaljeet Sanghera, executive director for the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA) adds, “Mason consistently delivers on its promise to foster collaboration across disciplines and industries not only to deliver the best student experience but also to advance critical solutions to the nation’s grandest challenges.” </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ldurant2" hreflang="und">Liza Wilson Durant</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/president" hreflang="und">Gregory Washington</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ksangher" hreflang="und">Kamaljeet Sanghera</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="8697c257-88fa-4f1c-9d55-383355e5a144"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://ece.gmu.edu"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn About Electrical and Computer Engineering <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-desktop" data-fa-transform="" data-fa-mask="" style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4541" hreflang="en">Electrical and Computer Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7171" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18541" hreflang="en">TTIP</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19491" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17696" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/966" hreflang="en">Workforce Development</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 19:00:41 +0000 Martha Bushong 110951 at At Fuse topping out ceremony, student researchers showcase their novel prosthetic liner /news/2024-02/fuse-topping-out-ceremony-student-researchers-showcase-their-novel-prosthetic-liner <span>At Fuse topping out ceremony, student researchers showcase their novel prosthetic liner </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/1566" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Sarah Holland</span></span> <span>Wed, 02/14/2024 - 15:25</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">As a capstone to the <a href="https://bioengineering.gmu.edu/">bioengineering program</a> at AV, senior students complete a team-based, two-semester design project developing solutions to real-world biomedical and/or clinical problems.</span></p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="791" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOFzTc3lJZA" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="AV | Fuse Research | Novel Prosthetic Liner #MasonNation" width="445"></iframe></p> <p>At the topping off ceremony for Fuse at Mason Square, Mason bioengineering majors Alessandra B Coogan, Katie A Harrison, Karmel Webster, Rachel A Ometz, and Sujung Rodriguez presented their group’s project on a novel prosthetic sleeve. </p> <h2>Tell us about your project.</h2> <p>Prosthetic liners are integral in ensuring a socket fits properly and comfortably. But due to the nature of their design, prosthetic users face the challenge of heat and moisture accumulation around the residual limb. On a hot August day, a simple walk to the mailbox can generate such a significant amount of sweat that bacterial infections, blisters, and swelling can develop. Despite the plethora of solutions saturating the market, the problem endures, propelling our team to confront this issue with a user-centered perspective.</p> <h2>What inspired you to select this topic?</h2> <p>Our motivation to take on this challenge springs from a profound belief that prosthetics should transcend mere functionality; they should empower, not limit. Furthermore, this undertaking allows for the blend of diverse disciplines, ranging from material science to computational modeling. Moreover, dedicating our senior year to this cause provides us with the unique opportunity to give back to the communities around us and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with amputations.</p> <h2>What has been your greatest success thus far?</h2> <p>Our greatest success is the number of people we've met who are willing and eager to help us with our project. We think that speaks to the greater collaborative nature of science and innovation, embodying Mason's mission: innovation is our tradition.</p> <h2>What is one thing you’ve learned while working on this project that will be useful to you in the field?</h2> <p>How iterative the design process is. Each iteration of brainstorming, prototyping, and refinement may seem like setbacks at first, but in reality are new avenues we can approach from a different, more educated perspective. On top of this, feedback is critical. The relationship between iteration and feedback has been instrumental in propelling our project forward. It underscores the importance of adaptability and the continuous quest for improvement.</p> <h2>How would dedicated research space, such as the plans for Fuse at Mason Square, help sustain your project?</h2> <p>Fuse would offer us the opportunity to connect with individuals from myriad backgrounds and experiences. In such a richly diverse environment, the ability to garner insights from individuals beyond the confines of our field or even engineering becomes a potent catalyst for innovation. Fuse becomes not just a physical space but an incubator for cross-disciplinary dialogue and ideation for anyone.</p> <div style="float: left; width: 60%;"> <figure><img alt="The capstone group poses with their novel prosthetic sleeve prototype" src="https://content.sitemasonry.gmu.edu/sites/g/files/yyqcgq336/files/styles/medium/public/2024-02/prosthetic_fuse_in_copy.jpg?itok=ItAfs0xh" /><figcaption style="background-color: #232525;<br /> color: white;<br /> padding: 2px;">From left, Rachel A Ometz, Katie A Harrison, Alessandra B Coogan, and Sujung Rodriguez pose with a prototype of their prosthetic sleeve. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure></div> <div style="float: left; width: 40%;"> <figure><img alt="Karmel Webster" src="https://content.sitemasonry.gmu.edu/sites/g/files/yyqcgq336/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-03/new_updated_cropped_photo-karmel.jpg?itok=fIfYAV54" /><figcaption style="background-color: #232525;<br /> color: white;<br /> padding: 2px;">Karmel Webster, a member of the prosthetic liner team who was unable to attend the demonstration. Photo provided.</figcaption></figure></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="b3b07d44-26e1-4288-8c1e-c86a0c97fc1c"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="http://gmu.edu/news/2024-02/fuse-topping-out-ceremony-student-researchers-demonstrate-power-vr-physical"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read about the recent celebration at Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="54e51461-2318-413f-902c-a9f4d4610b01"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://bioengineering.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Pioneer solutions with Mason's bioengineering major <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="ebb95b78-c253-4e59-b4a7-0f341da6f913" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="594f9f16-90d9-4295-8a30-b5599be026eb" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-c3e83670f05519e06ae892c73cae26835fcf484f3d6e16c3d62b7d02f2b4a1e7"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/george-masons-fuse-mason-square-opens-its-commercial-launch" hreflang="en">George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 9, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/stanley-and-rosemary-hayes-jones-invest-14m-george-mason-stem-education-and-research" hreflang="en">Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/civil-engineering-student-builds-solid-foundation-summer-internship" hreflang="en">Civil engineering student builds a solid foundation with summer internship </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/george-mason-university-announces-first-commercial-tenant-fuse-mason-square" hreflang="en">AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 2, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/george-mason-universitys-amarda-shehu-appointed-inaugural-chief-artificial" hreflang="en">AV’s Amarda Shehu appointed inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 4, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="96c6c024-59fc-4151-99f4-40eb74bef7de" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/271" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3391" hreflang="en">Bioengineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19131" hreflang="en">CEC Undergrad Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7171" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18541" hreflang="en">TTIP</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19491" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:25:07 +0000 Sarah Holland 110806 at At Fuse topping out ceremony, student researchers predict malicious intent from drone flight patterns /news/2024-02/fuse-topping-out-ceremony-student-researchers-predict-malicious-intent-drone-flight <span>At Fuse topping out ceremony, student researchers predict malicious intent from drone flight patterns</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/1566" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Sarah Holland</span></span> <span>Mon, 02/12/2024 - 09:54</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">With today’s use and demand for all-access video, small Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), colloquially known as drones, are commonplace tools in everything from defense contracting to filming backyard barbeques.</span></p> <p>While useful technology, UAVs can pose a serious security risk. AV <a href="https://seor.gmu.edu/">systems engineering and operations research</a> undergraduates Dyar Aziz and Markus Garretson are working with professor <a href="https://volgenau.gmu.edu/profiles/araz">Ali Raz</a> to develop a methodology for inferring UAV intent based on sensor data. </p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="575" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2D_bLxkwOKs" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="AV | Fuse Research | Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles #masonnation" width="324"></iframe></p> <h2>Tell us about your project. </h2> <p>UAVs are becoming ubiquitous for commercial, defense, and hobbyist operations, but pose a serious security risk to various defense and state installations (such as airports and military bases). While sensors can provide detection and tracking information for UAVs, it is vital to infer any potential malicious intent of the UAV so that counter measures can be put in place in a timely manner.  </p> <p>Our project focuses on predicting the state and intent of UAVs from uncertain sensing data. This work shows how an inference engine for UAV state-estimation and intent can be built by exploiting sensing and tracking data from a multisensor installation, using state-of-the-art, high-level information fusion and systems engineering tools. We are applying model-based systems engineering techniques to simulate multisensor fusion and determine a UAV’s (specifically drones) movement and behavior. </p> <h2>What inspired you to select this topic? </h2> <p>We were introduced to the project by our former professor Raz and decided to work on it as we are both interested in aerospace. </p> <h2>What has been your greatest success thus far? </h2> <p>We have been able to develop multiples models and scenarios simulating both drones and real-world use cases of drone tracking such as a radar installment at an airport. </p> <h2>What is one thing you’ve learned while working on this project that will be useful to you in the field? </h2> <p>We have developed our knowledge and ability to apply model-based systems engineering (SysML), as well as building simulations in MATLAB. Additionally, we have learned about data fusion, fusion techniques, sensor types, and potential uses for them. Finally, we have been able to gain insight into the future of counter drone system development and high-level data fusion as it is at the cutting edge of technology. </p> <h2>How would dedicated research space, such as the plans for Fuse at Mason Square, help sustain your project? </h2> <p>A dedicated research space would enable us to collaborate amongst our team and with other teams with similar experience and knowledge, as well as with teams from other disciplines.  </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="83929eeb-3f2c-4235-85eb-333cdfc1ad93"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/2023-11/mason-celebrates-fuse-mason-square-topping-out"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read about the recent celebration at Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="b3a0bfc9-8907-471f-b5dd-1347b369659d" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="4a87c03e-627a-4481-bc0b-e6f82b3e14a6"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://volgenau.gmu.edu/academics/systems-engineering-and-operations-research"> <h4 class="cta__title">Discover the Systems Engineering and Operations Research program at Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="9c66729d-3272-4ce8-bf8b-9dbc6cbdbc50" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="716e8aff-0a46-494e-bd0f-9e8281c977de" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-edd09d4cad2c8db0c31a695f45fbecebcc319fb88f314ed88a17bccac3e661f5"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/george-masons-fuse-mason-square-opens-its-commercial-launch" hreflang="en">George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 9, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/stanley-and-rosemary-hayes-jones-invest-14m-george-mason-stem-education-and-research" hreflang="en">Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/civil-engineering-student-builds-solid-foundation-summer-internship" hreflang="en">Civil engineering student builds a solid foundation with summer internship </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/george-mason-university-announces-first-commercial-tenant-fuse-mason-square" hreflang="en">AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 2, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/george-mason-universitys-amarda-shehu-appointed-inaugural-chief-artificial" hreflang="en">AV’s Amarda Shehu appointed inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 4, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="db6eb0a9-4f1b-40a2-8346-49d281c1133b" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/271" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/426" hreflang="en">Volgenau School of Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/606" hreflang="en">Student Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7171" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18541" hreflang="en">TTIP</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19491" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/araz" hreflang="und">Ali K. Raz</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 12 Feb 2024 14:54:24 +0000 Sarah Holland 110576 at At AV, President Gregory Washington Is Building the Future /news/2024-02/george-mason-university-president-gregory-washington-building-future <span>At AV, President Gregory Washington Is Building the Future</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/246" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Kristin Heydt</span></span> <span>Wed, 02/07/2024 - 13:33</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>President Gregory Washington is featured in a profile of his leadership on Mason's campus. </p> <p><a href="https://northernvirginiamag.com/family/education/2024/02/07/george-mason-university-president-gregory-washington/" target="_blank" title="At AV, President Gregory Washington Is Building the Future">Read more in Northern Virginia Magazine.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 07 Feb 2024 18:33:24 +0000 Kristin Heydt 110551 at At Fuse topping out ceremony, student researcher uses satellites to better predict storm surges /news/2024-02/fuse-topping-out-ceremony-student-researcher-uses-satellites-better-predict-storm <span>At Fuse topping out ceremony, student researcher uses satellites to better predict storm surges</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/1566" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Sarah Holland</span></span> <span>Mon, 02/05/2024 - 12:44</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Satellites aren’t just for pinging cell service across the globe: They’re also a critical resource for observing areas as large as Earth’s oceans.  </span></p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="722" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YCEwooHMIaI" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="AV | Fuse Research | Coastal Water Predictions #masonnation" width="406"></iframe></p> <p>Soelem Aafnan Bhuiyan, PhD student in <a href="https://civil.gmu.edu/academics/phd">civil engineering</a> at AV, is working with College of Engineering and Computing professor <a href="https://volgenau.gmu.edu/profiles/vmaggion">Viviana Maggioni</a> to improve coastal water level predictions with satellite observations in the hopes of better predicting storm surges amidst rising sea levels. We spoke with Bhuiyan about his research and his personal connection to the impacts of rising sea levels. </p> <h2>Tell us about your project.</h2> <p>I am working on improving the water level estimation in coastal areas. Nearly 40% of the world's population lives within 10 miles of coastlines. Coastal regions worldwide are frequently impacted by hurricane storm surges, and the risk increases in the face of climate crisis. Thus, accurately predicting coastal water levels is of utmost importance. I am developing a novel approach that rectifies numerical model-generated water levels with satellite observations dynamically, producing superior coastal water level estimation. This innovation will augment our capability to produce robust coastal storm surge and flood warning schemes globally.</p> <h2>What inspired you to select this topic?</h2> <p>I come from Bangladesh, which lies at the forefront of the climate crisis. Each year, Bangladesh battles natural hazards like hurricanes and coastal floods, which are projected to exacerbate the climate risks for the low-lying Bengal delta. With the successful implementation of my research on improved coastal flood forecasting, the coastal communities, such as the ones in Bangladesh, will benefit enormously from a more robust disaster preparedness program.</p> <h2>What is one thing you’ve learned while working on this project that will be useful to you in the field?</h2> <p>If there is one thing that my PhD training has taught me so far, it is perseverance. A PhD project is often similar to a puzzle, and as PhD students, we often have to spend hours, days or even months on trying to solve just a single piece of that puzzle. In those situations, dedication and perseverance are the keys. I believe these traits will be beneficial to me in the long run in my professional career too.</p> <h2>How would dedicated research space, such as the plans for Fuse at Mason Square, help sustain your project?</h2> <p>The impact of having a dedicated research space like Fuse at Mason Square would be significant. Such spaces would provide access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities that may otherwise be hard to come by elsewhere. Being in a dedicated research facility would put me in proximity to other research groups from similar/different research fields. This would foster the chances of collaboration between the groups, providing the opportunities to trade innovative ideas and share resources, ultimately increasing the quality of my project. The interdisciplinary nature of such facilities also attracts perspectives and expertise from different fields, helping the holistic characteristics and overall sustainability of my project. Additionally, a dedicated space like this means more networking opportunities among peers and greater access to educational and skill-building opportunities, immensely beneficial for personal growth and career development.<br />  </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/vmaggion" hreflang="und">Viviana Maggioni</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="126e0882-c4db-4c7c-b5a0-16b2067448b1"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/2023-11/mason-celebrates-fuse-mason-square-topping-out"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read about the recent celebration at Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="160fa957-51e9-40e4-b56c-4b080953b380"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://civil.gmu.edu/research"> <h4 class="cta__title">Delve into Civil Engineering research at Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="fd72f74d-d6f8-4735-8827-f94b142712cf" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="e7762738-cfc5-4c31-82e7-f63111341bfd" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-b44f6ae453d66378023aa79a06eb67f1d0ecd7be6800ac450d63c40c12b48af8"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/george-masons-fuse-mason-square-opens-its-commercial-launch" hreflang="en">George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 9, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-12/stanley-and-rosemary-hayes-jones-invest-14m-george-mason-stem-education-and-research" hreflang="en">Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/civil-engineering-student-builds-solid-foundation-summer-internship" hreflang="en">Civil engineering student builds a solid foundation with summer internship </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/george-mason-university-announces-first-commercial-tenant-fuse-mason-square" hreflang="en">AV announces first commercial tenant at Fuse at Mason Square</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 2, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/george-mason-universitys-amarda-shehu-appointed-inaugural-chief-artificial" hreflang="en">AV’s Amarda Shehu appointed inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 4, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16766" hreflang="en">Fuse at Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/606" hreflang="en">Student Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18651" hreflang="en">research and insight</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/271" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7171" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18541" hreflang="en">TTIP</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19491" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:44:31 +0000 Sarah Holland 110511 at