Students

Chef’s KISS: Statistics PhD candidate creates new recipe for complex spatial data analysis

Teresa Donnellan — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 20:40:50 +0000

Chef’s KISS: Statistics PhD candidate creates new recipe for complex spatial data analysis Teresa Donnellan Thu, 03/06/2025 - 15:40

Jin Hyung Lee, a PhD candidate in ��AV's Department of Statistics, has developed a methodology for analyzing complex data that is 3,600 times faster than the current standard. He will receive the Korean International Statistical Society (KISS) 2024 Outstanding Student Paper Award for his work and present about it at the American Statistical Association’s Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The primary application of Lee’s methodology is in the analysis of satellite image data, which is inherently complex and high-dimensional. While traditional methods for estimating values at unobserved locations in such data sets are computationally intensive and time-consuming, Lee's novel approach offers a solution that is significantly faster. This breakthrough has significant implications for various fields, including environmental statistics and public health.

Jin Hyung Lee, photo provided

Lee’s research focuses on the application of variational inference to spatial data using a unique machine learning algorithm. Variational inference is a method used to approximate complex probability distributions, making it a powerful method for handling high-dimensional data. Lee's innovative approach significantly improves the efficiency of spatial data analysis, achieving results that are 3,600 times faster than existing methods while maintaining comparable accuracy.

Lee's method can be used to predict weather patterns in remote and rapidly changing environments like Alaska or Antarctica. The ability to process high-dimensional data quickly and accurately is crucial for making timely and informed decisions in these regions. Additionally, the methodology has potential applications in infectious disease modeling and public health data analysis, where rapid and accurate predictions are essential for effective intervention and policymaking.

Lee's research is part of his broader dissertation work, which focuses on developing and applying variational inference techniques to various statistical models. His goal is to simplify these methods, making them more accessible to non-experts and applicable to a wide range of data types. By doing so, Lee aims to bridge the gap between advanced statistical methodologies and practical applications, enabling more efficient and effective data analysis across different domains.

At the JSM 2025, Lee will have the opportunity to present his research to a large audience of statisticians from around the world. The conference, which attracts more than 5,000 participants annually, provides a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, networking with peers, and exploring new developments in the field of statistics. Lee’s presentation will be part of a session hosted by KISS, where he and other award recipients will showcase their work and receive their awards.

Receiving the KISS Outstanding Student Paper Award is a significant milestone in Lee’s academic journey. It not only recognizes his contributions to the field but also provides him with valuable exposure and opportunities for future collaboration. As Lee continues to advance his research, his innovative methodologies and their applications are poised to make a lasting impact on the field of statistics and beyond.

Topics

Department of Statistics

Computational statistics

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

In This Story

Ellen Laipson

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

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.

Topics

Master of Political Science

Mason Square

Center for Security Policy Studies

Schar School of Policy and Government

Schar School Featured Stories

Schar School Student Spotlight

Schar School News for March 2025

Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See more from George Mason Athletics

Topics

New coaching course in the College of Public Health motivates students of all majors

Shayla Brown — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:58:30 +0000

New coaching course in the College of Public Health motivates students of all majors Shayla Brown Mon, 03/03/2025 - 09:58

��AV recently welcomed Martin Binks as professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. He brought a new special topics course with him to the College of Public Health: NUTR 594 or “Motivation: Learning to Coach.”

Martin Binks. Photo by Mary Cunningham/College of Pubic Health.

“[The topic] is rooted in health coaching, specifically for improving health, overall quality of life and well-being, but the skillset that we teach is very applicable across various professions business settings, and so forth,” said Binks, who has a PhD in clinical psychology and behavioral medicine.

With more than 20 years’ experience working with patients, he has typically done work under the umbrella of the organizations that he works for, Binks said his career has been about building new clinical and research programs where they didn't exist or improving those that were already in place.

He started with a health coaching program at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, where he was a director of behavioral health, research, and new business and strategic alliances, and continued his work at Texas Tech University where he founded a clinical research institute, the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Initiative.

“There are lots of theories in psychology—self-determination theory, self-efficacy theory, cognitive behavioral theory—so how do we use these theories and translate that into tools that we use to motivate people?” he said. That is the question that his course aims to address.

The graduate course doesn’t require any pre-requisites and provides an unwavering client- focused approach to motivating and empowering people, Binks said, redefining the relationship between medical professionals and their clients, who benefit from having control and autonomy over their own health goals.

Kathryn Tadio. Photo provided.

While techniques such as motivational interviewing are commonly taught in medicine and used to understand how to motivate an individual person specific to their needs, Binks said this class teaches so much more.

“A coach’s primary tool is questions,” he said, “because it’s about the person in front of you. We often, especially in health care, assume that we know everything and the patient doesn't. That’s the worst thing we can do.”

Kathryn Tadio, MS Nutrition ’18, is an adjunct professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and is taking the course as a nondegree student.

“I am counseling clients now, and I'm already learning how to apply this course material with them. Having this resource has been really beneficial,” said Tadio, a registered dietitian who works for Dietitian Live, a telehealth program.

The first assignment students receive is an improv assignment, allowing students to practice thinking and speaking on their feet, which is a great tool for a coach.

Students provided verbatim transcripts, and then used a dictation software to edit the scripts and analyze their own conversations.

One of the cons with the class is that students might think they’re just having a normal conversation because it appears so natural, Binks explained, it takes time to fully appreciate the depth of thought that a coach brings to each and every choice they make in that conversation.

Two women having a discussion. Photo by Getty Images

“The assignment was so well thought out and it involved a lot of role playing and practicing what we're learning with fictitious clients. We were asking questions around people's triggers, for example, what makes them eat even when they're not hungry,” said Tadio. “That’s definitely something that I’d tiptoe around with actual clients, so it's good to practice with those questions now because it really lowers the risk of miscommunication or mistakes in the real world.”

The asynchronous aspect of the course provides an interesting real-life element, Binks said. Students practice their new skills in role play assignments.

“We’re online, but the assignments require the students go out into their personal world talking to their friends and family and coaching them,” said Binks. With these assignments, students learn and practice the necessary complex skill sets that they can then apply to pretty much any field they want.”

Tadio was pleased to have access to such a resource. “I’m really happy to see how George Mason’s nutrition department has grown since I was a student. Now they offer the registered dietitian track and courses like this one, which will make more well-rounded health care professionals.”

In This Story

Martin Binks PhD, MBA

Learn more about the College of Public Health

Topics

College of Public Health

innovative classes

Clinical Research

experiential learning

Alumni

Students

George Mason recognizes 78 scholar-athletes for academic achievements

Katarina Benson — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:22:32 +0000

George Mason recognizes 78 scholar-athletes for academic achievements Katarina Benson Wed, 02/26/2025 - 14:22

A record-breaking 78 Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athletes were honored in a ceremony on Feb. 17 for their outstanding academic achievements.

photo provided

In its 17th year, the award recognizes the student-athletes who have earned at least 38 credit hours at George Mason and have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or better. George Mason's Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis congratulated this year's recipients at the ceremony.

"I truly appreciate the Provost's Office for recognizing the dedication and hard work of our student-athletes, who excel both in the classroom and in their sport," said Lewis. "This group truly stands out, embodying the highest academic and athletic achievement standards. As Provost Scholars, they are developing valuable skills and discipline that will serve them for years to come, setting them apart as leaders among their peers."

The previous record for Provost Scholar Athletes was 68. In the 2023-24 season, 19 teams were represented, along with cheer and dance. In 2021-22, George Mason had 11 teams with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher, including three teams with a GPA of 3.50 or higher.

This year, 43 student-athletes were honored for the first time. Of the 22 who have received the award before, 11 have been named to the list at least three times, and two recipients—Max Karen (Men's Track & Field) and Josh Walker (Men's Track & Field/Cross Country)—have been recognized four times.

First-time Honorees

Brant Ertel (Baseball)
Shaun O'Keefe (Baseball)
Page Greenburg (Women's Basketball)
Lauren Bailey (Co-ed Cheerleading)
Caitlin Cardin (Co-ed Cheerleading)
Makenna Diza (Co-ed Cheerleading)
Alyssa Pettijohn (Co-ed Cheerleading)
Sarah Clark (Men's Track & Field/Cross Country)
Luke Brown (Men's Track & Field/Cross Country)
Stephanie Dundas (Women's Track & Field)
Amalia Florou Dimitriadou (Women's Track & Field)
Caleb Hymans (Men's Track & Field)
Victoria Bates (Women's Lacrosse)
Madelyn Holloway (Women's Lacrosse)
Kara Becker (Women's Rowing)
Dabria Dawkins (Women's Rowing)
Sarah Galligan (Women's Rowing)
June Johnson (Women's Rowing)
Elene Meurmishvili (Women's Rowing)
Isabelle Puentes (Women's Rowing)
Jazmine Vasquez (Women's Rowing)
Julie Bike (Women's Soccer)
Mia Casciani (Women's Soccer)
Marie Franjicic (Women's Soccer)
Amelia Martin (Women's Soccer)
Kiyomi McCausland (Women's Soccer)
Aliyah Morgan (Women's Soccer)
Carly Passaro (Women's Soccer)
Madyson Taylor (Women's Soccer)
Anton Siren (Men's Soccer)
Asparuh Slavov (Men's Soccer)
Haleigh Dellow (Softball)
Kaleigh Friend (Softball)
Maya McGowan (Softball)
Harlowe Nigh (Softball)
Kylie Wilkerson (Softball)
Alayna Brooker (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Kristen Ivey (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Emma McDonald (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Clare Smith (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Casey Tingen (Women's Swimming & Diving)
William Arends (Men's Tennis)
Robert Evangelista (Men's Volleyball)

Second-time Honorees

Megan Baird (Women's Track & Field)
Kaitlyn Bestick (Women's Lacrosse)
Evan Blanchard (Baseball)
Selamawit Caldart (Women's Soccer)
Pilar Cerritos Gatto (Women's Rowing)
Jack Chapman (Men's Swimming & Diving)
Sydney Dacus (Women's Soccer)
Lauren Distad (Women's Lacrosse)
Rachel Eberly (Women's Soccer)
Ryan Edmonds (Baseball)
Peyton Farley (Women's Lacrosse)
Alexandra Hooks (Women's Soccer)
Kamryn Inman (Softball)
Alexander Lombardo (Men's Track & Field)
Sierra Matheson (Women's Track & Field)
Noah McGrath (Men's Soccer)
Ella Oare (Women's Track & Field)
Milan Pierre-Jerome (Women's Soccer)
Jordan Tallman (Softball)
Brooke Volpi (Women's Soccer)
Allyson Yeary (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Georgi Zahariev (Men's Volleyball)

Three-time Honorees

Jordan Anderson (Softball)
Madeline Baldwin (Women's Rowing)
Grayson Clark (Men's Track & Field)
Ewelina Gacek (Women's Volleyball)
Shannon Judge (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Olyvia Kennedy (Women's Volleyball)
Ashton King (Men's Track & Field)
Abigail Murtaugh (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Alexandra Tyler (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Anna Whelan (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Arslan Yaqubi (Men's Track & Field)

Four-time Honorees

Maximilian Karen (Men's Track & Field)
Joshua Walker (Men's Track & Field/Cross Country)

Get more news from George Mason Athletics

Topics

Athletics

Student Athlete

Students

George Mason has a “Knack” for tutoring

Sarah Holland — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:04:43 +0000

George Mason has a “Knack” for tutoring Sarah Holland Wed, 02/26/2025 - 10:04

College courses are designed to challenge students and push them to new academic heights. And when dealing with difficult subjects and new materials, additional academic support can make all the difference.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

That’s where Knack comes in. Starting in fall 2024, ��AV entered a three-year partnership with Knack, a peer-to-peer tutoring platform. Through Knack, students in any of the 28 participating courses can get up to three hours of free virtual or in-person tutoring from their peers every week during the semester. Participating courses span math, statistics, biology, chemistry, business, economics, and public health.

“We are transforming the support for student success at George Mason by fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers students to excel academically,” said Vicki Dominick, associate director of George Mason’s Learning Services office, which offers a variety of academic success supports for students, including academic success workshops, online resources and coaching.

Knack does not replace other tutoring services offered by George Mason, Dominick noted. It is an additional resource, allowing more options for meeting times and places. Currently, close to 3,000 students are registered with Knack tutoring, and almost 1,500 tutoring sessions were completed in fall semester.

“This free support is directly in line with George Mason’s mission of access to education,” said Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education and professor of psychology.

“For my chemistry class, there’s always many students attending office hours, so I don’t get the one-on-one help I need,” said sophomore biology major Khushneet Kaur Kainth. “I’ve been able to get personalized support through Knack.”

There are benefits for the tutors as well. Tutoring through Knack is a paid position, and tutors are required to have passed the class for which they are a tutor with an A- or higher.

“It gives the tutors ‘high impact practice,’ as they gain hands-on experience teaching complex concepts and problem-solving strategies,” explained Renshaw.

Senior biology major Anahita Salehkhou is a tutor for BIOL 213 - Cell Structure and Function, and said of her tutoring experience, “it has given me the perfect opportunity to share my passion for teaching while strengthening my resume as I prepare to apply for dental school. It’s also helping me prepare for the dental admissions test as I get a good refresher on content I’ve already learned and studied.”

Learn more about Knack tutoring.

Learn more about Knack tutoring

In This Story

Keith Renshaw, PhD

Topics

Undergraduate Education

Student organization recovers more than 1,600 pounds of food from dining halls, campus events

Katarina Benson — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:01:11 +0000

Student organization recovers more than 1,600 pounds of food from dining halls, campus events Katarina Benson Fri, 02/21/2025 - 13:01

��AV has won four consecutive Gold STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) Assessment, and it’s thanks in part to campus systems and organizations such as the Food Recovery Network (FRN).

Zero Waste Mason, a collaborative university-wide program that aims to reduce waste, has an ambitious goal of diverting 90% or more of university waste from trash disposal. The Food Recovery Network (FRN) is an important part of that equation.

The Food Recovery Network is one of the largest student-led movements against food waste and hunger in the country, focusing on diverting surplus food from college campuses and redistributing it to the local community. Student volunteers work with Mason Dining’s Food Recovery Verified staff to sort, package, and deliver food to the local community and campus partners.

“We and so many other sustainability organizations are the main impactors on Mason’s sustainability goals, as we are the individuals going out there and doing the work,” said junior Camila Rosales, president of George Mason’s chapter of FRN.

FRN’s members are committed to sustainability. Before they can volunteer, they are required to complete an online course in food safety and handling.

Camila Rosales and FRN students in action. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Rosales, a business major with a concentration in operations and supply chain management, originally joined the club to fulfill service hours but fell in love with the organization’s mission. Since the chapter began in 2018, they have recovered more than 1,600 pounds of excess food. In the Fall 2024 semester, under Rosales’s leadership, they recovered more than 750 pounds alone and are on track to reach similar numbers in Spring 2025.

The diverted food is donated to nonprofit organizations in the Northern Virginia community such as New Hope Housing’s Mondloch House, a shelter in Alexandria, and the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, an emergency family shelter in Fairfax. The club also helps combat food insecurity on campus through Swipe4Change, an end-of-semester Mason Dining initiative that allows students to donate leftover meal swipes and volunteer to collect unused food for Patriots in need.

“Food Recovery Network’s impact is definitely only something you can see behind closed doors,” said Rosales.

Rosales, who is also the events director of Her Campus at George Mason and a Costello College of Business Impact Fellow, was encouraged by previous leadership to take on the mantle of president. She fondly remembers the time she showed up to a volunteer shift, without realizing it had been rescheduled, and began processing and packing everything herself. The chapter’s leadership were so impressed by her efforts that they asked her to become their new president.

Students repackage food collected from Mason Dining. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Rosales said that one of the things that drew her to the organization was helping so many people within that supply chain, she said. “Not only are we donating to these nonprofits, but our dining staff has taken so much time to create this food that being able to make sure food continues on is rewarding. [Joining the FRN] is one of the best decisions I’ve made since entering Mason,” she said.

As president she oversees all volunteers as well as coordinates communications between FRN’s national leadership, the nonprofit organizations they donate to, and Mason Dining staff. “It’s a lot of emails and managing finances,” she said. “Everything needs to be done almost perfectly, from coordinating [food] drop off times to sanitation.”

Her main goal for the spring semester is to increase recruitment efforts to be able to make an even greater impact on campus and in the local community. She also wants to expand the chapter to include more opportunities for student connection.

Rosales highly recommends getting involved with sustainability efforts on campus. "Beyond the service hours, you get to see behind the scenes of where your food comes from (if you eat at the dining halls), and you're supporting the local community."

Learn about Sustainability at George Mason

Topics

Costello College of Business

student organizations

Students

Mason Dining

Sustainability

At George Mason basketball game, students ran the show

Sarah Holland — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:16:20 +0000

At George Mason basketball game, students ran the show Sarah Holland Fri, 02/21/2025 - 11:16

Most students at Division 1 universities like George Mason can say they’ve been to at least one sport event. A sold-out football game, a baseball no-hitter, or a Cinderella run at the NCAA Final Four: these games bring the campus together and make core memories for future alumni.

Students from left: Melissa Quinteros, Cody Salenga, and Manahil Piracha. Photo provided.

But while many can say they’ve cheered in the stands, only a handful can say they’ve run the show.

In fall 2024, Donald G. Costello College of Business students had that unique opportunity, leading the marketing and management of the Ferrum vs. George Mason basketball game on November 23.

Mentored by marketing professor Niki Vlastara, assistant director of fan engagement Lily Plizga, and senior marketing and communications director of Costello College of Business Duane Bailey, five students took responsibility for various aspects of the game: from marketing ticket sales to managing check-in to developing a creative timeout game.

For Plizga, the experience was an opportunity to show students the breadth of career possibilities in sports management and marketing. “I found this career because I was a student wage worker with Athletics; I wouldn’t have known about all the opportunities here otherwise,” she said. “So for me, this experience helps showcase all the different paths available to them.”

For Vlastara, it was an opportunity to give students hands-on experience to practice theories and concepts from their coursework. “In event marketing, once the event is done, it’s done; you can’t resell. So, it’s important for the students to have that experience of having one chance to get it right and fill the seats,” Vlastara explained.

George Mason is nationally ranked for internships/co-ops and its graduates report high job success related to their career goals, which underscores its prioritization of experiential learning opportunities like this one.

“I think this experiential part of education is what students are looking for. Projects like this help them really understand where the concepts I’m teaching in class apply,” said Vlastara. “It’s very holistic.”

From left: Melissa Quinteros, Cody Salenga, Dean of Costello College of Business Ajay Vinzé, and Manahil Piracha. Photo provided.

Melissa Quinteros, a senior in Costello, said that this hands-on opportunity challenged her to improve the skills she was developing in her classes and extracurriculars. “Having interpersonal skills and collaborating on projects have always stood out as necessary skills in my marketing and business classes,” she said. “For this, I needed to take those skills and learn what worked when trying to promote an event to attendees. I had to figure out how to be brief while emphasizing what parts of the event would be most interesting to the person I’m talking to. That was a challenge, but I learned so much.”

The students, Bailey said, “jumped in with both feet and smiled the whole way.” They brought ideas not just from the classroom, but also from their own experiences: winter 2024 graduate Cody Salenga, for example, pitched the idea of the timeout game based on a game he saw at an NBA game. According to Plizga, the game was really successful.

Athletics also saw increases in their social media engagement when the students had taken over; Plizga’s data showed more comments and higher views.

“We want students to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves, that extends beyond graduation,” said Bailey, “We want them to invest in George Mason, and experiences like these plant that seed early.”

The team hopes to continue this collaboration next season. “Athletics and the fans were excited by the collaboration. So we hope to keep it going in the fall, maybe make it a big event each year that becomes tradition,” said Plizga. “And I hope that other departments, schools, and colleges see what we did as a baseline for opportunities in the future.”

In This Story

Mariniki (Niki) Vlastara

Learn here, lead anywhere with Costello College of Business

Topics

Students

Costello College of Business

Athletics

Mason men's basketball

experiential learning

Costello College of Business News

George Mason PhD is living the dream in NYC with Met fellowship

Katarina Benson — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:57:26 +0000

George Mason PhD is living the dream in NYC with Met fellowship Katarina Benson Wed, 02/19/2025 - 12:57

��AV history PhD candidate Jayme Kurland is living her dream this academic year as the Jane and Morgan Whitney Fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

George Mason PhD candidate Jayme Kurland at the Met. Photo provided

Kurland started her college career as a viola performance major at the University of Oregon before earning her BA in music history. She then got a master’s in music history at Arizona State. As a Met fellow, Kurland is working in the musical instruments department and conducting research for her dissertation. “I’m back in my happy place,” she says, “just working with objects and thinking about the stories they can tell us.”

It’s Good to Be Back: Kurland fell in love with museum work as an undergrad when she landed a job at the Musical Instrument Museum in her hometown of Phoenix. “I never planned to move back home, but working as a curatorial assistant blended my music background with my love of museums.” She also worked as a curatorial research fellow in musical instruments at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston from 2013 to 2017.

Finding Your People: Working at the Met has allowed Kurland the opportunity to connect with scholars in the musical instruments department, as well as throughout the institution. And, of course, the resources the Met offers are unparalleled. “Returning to the museum world at an institution like the Met has been tremendously rewarding. I have been able to complete hands-on work with the museum's guitar collection and really dig into my own research.”

Guitar Heroes: Kurland’s research focuses on a group of Mexican American women who wired amplifiers, wound pickups, and assembled first guitars and amps for guitar manufacturer Fender between 1946 and 1965. In addition to examining instruments in the Met’s collection and conducting oral histories, Kurland is also working with experts at Brooklyn Lutherie, a women-owned guitar and violin repair shop, where they are building a piece of equipment called a pickup winder. “[Winding pickups] is one of the skills of the women I'm studying that was completed by hand. I think that understanding the physical skills [required of the women] is a way to better understand their experience.”

Putting Yourself Out There: In addition to working on her dissertation, Kurland gets to present her research to the public in various ways, including presenting to docents, in public programs, and in a symposium called Research Out Loud, where Met fellows discuss their work. Kurland also started a writing group for fellows that meets twice a week and “holds each other accountable for what we're working on.”

Out on the Town: When not working, Kurland explores the Big Apple. “I am living in NYC full time and really trying to take advantage of the city's music scene. I try to see as much live music as possible!”

Topics

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

George Mason PhD student looks at deception and human-robot interactions

Colleen Rich — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:20:46 +0000

George Mason PhD student looks at deception and human-robot interactions Colleen Rich Thu, 02/13/2025 - 09:20

How likely are humans to trust a robot, especially if that robot has the capacity to lie? This is the question ��AV psychology doctoral candidate Andres Rosero is exploring in his research on human-robot interaction.

George Mason PhD candidate Andres Rosero, pictured here with "Pepper," is exploring deception and human-robot interactions. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“As robots become more integrated in human society, their roles will transition into those of a collaborative nature rather than as tools used by people,” said Rosero, who works in Applied Psychology and Autonomous Systems (ALPHAS) Lab in the Human Factors and Applied Cognition Program. “In response, these robots must be programmed with enough social awareness to navigate complex interpersonal interactions to build relationships and maintain a positive interaction with the humans they share their environment with.”

Almost 500 participants took part in Rosero's study “Human perceptions of social robot deception behaviors: an exploratory analysis,” which he conducted with George Mason graduate teaching assistant Harris Kelly and psychology professor Elizabeth Phillips. This study gauges how likely participants are to accept a lie told by a robot in various situational contexts and is one of the three manuscripts that comprise Rosero's dissertation.

Participants ranked specific scenarios involving robot deception and evaluated how deceptive the lie was, whether they approved of the robot’s actions, and if the robot’s behavior could be justified. The study placed these scenarios into three different environments: medical, domestic, and retail.

“The goal is to examine human perceptions of AI and robot collaborations across different complex social interactions,” explains Rosero, who received an MA in psychology from George Mason in 2022. “This study is one of two that examine moral norms in robots and how in breaking these moral norms, humans accept and justify the robot's behaviors.”

Each environment presented a unique quandary for the participant. For example, in the medical environment, the robot lied to a patient with Alzheimer’s, telling the patient that her deceased husband was coming home. In the other environments, the robot was evasive rather than uttering false statements.

In the domestic environment, the robot did not reveal to the individual that they were being secretly filmed. And in the retail environment, the robot did not disclose that it was capable of completing an assigned task and didn’t require human assistance. Overall, participants widely believed the robot’s lie in the first scenario, but once the robot’s capacity for deception and manipulation was revealed, they became less trusting. They also were more likely to say that the robot’s behavior in the medical environment was justified than in the other two scenarios.

“Any technology that is designed with the intention of being utilized by people is an intersection of that technology and the humanities,” said Rosero. “Our challenge as psychologists is to design experiments that properly explore this interaction to provide direction to the development of these technologies in the real world.”

Technology’s ability to potentially conceal its true capabilities remains a concern of Rosero, as a focus on human-robot dynamics continues to fuel his research. "I am planning on defending my dissertation in the summer, and I am hoping to continue doing human factors research,” says Rosero. “My goal is to conduct impactful research that can assist people in their interactions with cutting-edge technology.”

When offering advice to students in an age of artificial intelligence and its advancements, Rosero recommends understanding “the practical applications of your work.”

“As an applied psychologist, one of the most important questions I ask myself is how my research can be applied in the real world,” he said. “It is important to understand how your work helps to build upon the current knowledge of the field and how it could impact the development of the larger technology in society.”

Topics

Artificial Intelligence

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Alumni

Students

Chef’s KISS: Statistics PhD candidate creates new recipe for complex spatial data analysis

Topics

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

In This Story

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

Topics

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

See more from George Mason Athletics

Related News

Topics

New coaching course in the College of Public Health motivates students of all majors

In This Story

Learn more about the College of Public Health

Related Stories

Topics

George Mason recognizes 78 scholar-athletes for academic achievements

First-time Honorees

Second-time Honorees

Three-time Honorees

Four-time Honorees

Get more news from George Mason Athletics

Related News

Topics

George Mason has a “Knack” for tutoring

Learn more about Knack tutoring

In This Story

Related news

Topics

Student organization recovers more than 1,600 pounds of food from dining halls, campus events

Learn about Sustainability at George Mason

Related Stories

Topics

At George Mason basketball game, students ran the show

In This Story

Learn here, lead anywhere with Costello College of Business

Related News

Topics

George Mason PhD is living the dream in NYC with Met fellowship

Related Stories

Topics

George Mason PhD student looks at deception and human-robot interactions

Topics