Tip Sheet

Hacking a tough labor market: Tips for recent grads

Colleen Rich — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:59:41 +0000

Hacking a tough labor market: Tips for recent grads Colleen Rich Mon, 06/17/2024 - 13:59

The Class of 2024 graduated into a relatively challenging labor market. Jackie Brown, assistant professor in the Business Foundations area at the Costello College of Business at ��AV, said recent grads should be leaning a little harder into core professional skills, such as networking.

Jackie Brown. Photo provided

She says that even in a competitive market, networking in the right way will make you a leading candidate for that dream first job. More importantly, it can start you on a path toward long-term career fulfillment.

What would be your main piece of advice to a recent George Mason graduate who’s looking for their dream job?

The most effective way to pursue the career you want is through networking. That is especially the case for early-career individuals, who have little or no professional track record to point to. And the intense competition created by challenging labor markets makes networking even more important.

Notice I said “the career you want,” not “the job you want.” That’s a key distinction, because networking is an indispensable professional skill to learn and use over the length of a career, not just on the job hunt. Networking for the purposes of information gathering and relationship building, rather than solely to identify job leads, can help identify trends and other salient factors affecting your targeted industry. You want to become familiar with the goals, challenges, and culture of the industry you’re attempting to join. As you engage with potential employers, you can use that knowledge to frame informed questions that will reveal more about what that company is looking for and how you could contribute.

Can you say more about how early-career professionals can use the knowledge learned through networking?

Having a deep understanding, both at the industry and company level, will help you craft an effective “pitch” for use in cover letters and interviews. The idea is not just to prove you have done your homework, but to make a strong case for your “culture fit” and the benefits you would bring to that employer. As much as possible, you should customize your pitch to suit the industry, company, and individual(s) concerned.

Beyond being informed, how can early-careers get the greatest bang for their networking buck?

Building strong relationships through networking is, of course, first and foremost about communication. When interacting digitally, it’s easy to communicate without first thinking about the context, especially for young people who fire off texts as easily and naturally as breathing. But in any written communication, such as an introductory email or LinkedIn connect request, it is vital to exercise rhetorical awareness, i.e., adapting language based on the context, scope, and expectations or understanding of the recipient. Think about the probable state of mind of the intended recipient, the information they would need in order to decide to grant or deny your request, any help you could potentially offer, etc.

What about the question of online vs. in-person networking? Which is more likely to move the career needle?

I would encourage recent grads to work against the inherent impersonality of post-COVID online interactions. For example, when attending Zoom webinars for industry professionals, being one of the few to turn your camera on will make you more memorable. After all, a digital encounter is OK in and of itself, but is perhaps most valuable as a stepping stone to an in-person connection, which can yield higher-quality connections.

How wide a networking net should people be casting? Should they be solely focused on folks who can get them a job?

Networking communications are opportunities to show kindness and inclusivity—two increasingly sought-after leadership “essential skills,” as I refer to them, or more commonly known as “soft skills.” You’ve probably already heard that after an interview, you should send timely, thoughtful, and thankful follow-up emails to the hiring manager (and any other participants). But have you reached out to thank that LinkedIn connection who steered you to the job posting in the first place? What about your ex-professor who helped you with your resume and cover letter? Or the administrative associate who did the work to align everyone’s schedules for the interview? Kind and inclusive networking communications certainly take time, but should be viewed as a necessary investment that will pay handsome career and relational dividends that go far beyond any one job opportunity.

Jackie Brown has worked in nonprofit organizations, legal establishments (law firm and court house), digital consultancies, and universities. She has been with the Costello College of Business at ��AV since 2012.

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Should I be worried about bird flu? Everything you need to know

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:13:12 +0000

Should I be worried about bird flu? Everything you need to know Mary Cunningham Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:13

Professor Amira Roess

In April, the World Health Organization confirmed a case of Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in a human in Texas. The individual contracted the disease while working on a commercial dairy cattle farm where the cows are believed to have been infected. The individual reported only minor symptoms and is the first confirmed human case in 2024. A second case of bird flu was reported in a human in May 2024. Cases of bird flu in cattle and other animals have now been found in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, and other states.

Reports have emerged that virus particles have been found in milk, but it is important to note that the virus particles are not infectious in pasteurized milk. Global organizations continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology, offers insight and clarity on the uncertainties of this early disease outbreak. Roess is an epidemiologist who studies emerging zoonotic infectious diseases and their risk factors. Her research is interdisciplinary and includes complex longitudinal studies throughout the world. She served as the science director of the Pew policy commission on Industrial Food Animal Production and also served as a consultant on preparedness and response to H5N1 in 2007.

Should I be worried about bird flu right now?

Right now, most individuals do not need to be particularly worried about this strain of influenza because it is not affecting large numbers of people. There are many actions being taken to protect humans and to limit the impact of this virus on both our food supply and on people. For example, surveillance of animals has ramped up in response to the growing epidemic in animals. As infected animals are being identified, they are removed from the food supply before they can spread the virus.

Should we be worried that the current outbreak will spread?

Several agencies are closely monitoring the situation. So far this year, cows, birds, and one person in the U.S. have been infected with the virus. Influenza viruses are notorious for their ability to mutate. We have limited knowledge of cow viruses adapting to humans so the mutations must be monitored closely for any changes that may occur that make the virus more transmissible or more dangerous to humans. If changes occur, early interventions can be put in place, including the development of tailored, vaccines.

We have decades of experience monitoring influenza and H5N1 in particular. What we have seen time and time again is that surveillance of human, animal, and environmental samples is extremely important. Surveillance allows us to identify new viral strains that may have public health importance before they cause large numbers of severe illness and death in both people and animals.

Is milk safe to drink even though the virus has been found in milk?

Here I will emphasize the pasteurized milk is safe for consumption. There have been reports of cats being fatally infected with this strain of influenza after consuming contaminated raw milk.

Testing by the FDA and USDA has not detected any live viruses in retail pasteurized dairy products like cheese, sour cream, or milk powders. Essentially, this means that while viral particles have been detected in pasteurized dairy products, including milk, these are not infectious. The bottom line is that pasteurization is effective in inactivating potentially live strains of bird flu.

To speak to Amira Roess about bird flu or other emerging diseases, please contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu

Amira Roess is a professor of global health and epidemiology at ��AV's College of Public Health, Department of Global and Community Health. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases epidemiology, multidisciplinary and multi-species field research and evaluating interventions to reduce the transmission and impact of infectious diseases. Roess currently oversees several longitudinal studies to understand emergence and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases globally, including the emergence and transmission of Campylobacter (with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), MERS-CoV (with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation), and the development of the microbiome during the first year of life. She studies links between food animal production and emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases emergence globally, and mHealth (especially apps) technology integration and evaluations to reduce the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, promote health care, and help reduce disparities.

About George Mason University

��AV is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

About College of Public Health at ��AV

The College of Public Health at ��AV is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia combining public health transdisciplinary research, education, and practice in the Commonwealth as a national exemplar. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally recognized programs, including six undergraduate degrees, eight master’s degrees, five doctoral degrees, and six professional certificate programs. The College is comprised of the School of Nursing and the Departments of Global and Community Health, Health Administration and Policy, Nutrition and Food Studies, and Social Work.

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Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

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Mason Scientists Sound 'Wake-up Call' on Virginia’s Wildfires

Colleen Rich — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:17:57 +0000

Mason Scientists Sound 'Wake-up Call' on Virginia’s Wildfires Colleen Rich Tue, 04/23/2024 - 11:17

Page, Shenandoah County wildfires a warning to prepare for more frequent future disasters

A group of scientists from ��AV’s College of Science are calling the Page and Shenandoah County wildfires a “wake-up call” for Virginia and the Eastern Seaboard that heralds the increasing threat of wildfire to the region as the climate continues to change.

Wildfires that are a regular occurrence in the western United States will become more frequent in the east in the decades to come, they warn.

“There have been few wildfires in Virginia over the last two decades, but the risk of wildfires has been increasing due to extreme weather and climate events caused by climate change,” said John Qu, director of Mason’s Environmental Science and Technology Center.

In the case of the Page and Shenandoah County wildfires, “swift actions from emergency managers and first responders, complemented by fortunate rainfall, helped dodge a dire outcome,” said Alireza Ermagun, director of the Mobility Observatory and Data Analytics Lab and an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science.

Nevertheless, “the fires brought severe air pollution to northwestern Virginia,” said Daniel Tong, associate professor of atmospheric chemistry and aerosols in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences.

The scientists said this alarm bell points to the need for building resilience, solidifying emergency preparedness, and planning for evacuation, particularly for vulnerable populations including those with disabilities or without private transportation. Early detection measures will help, as will making the population more aware of this increasing threat.

The Mason scientists who are available for comment on wildfire, including in Virginia, include:

Daniel Tong—air quality observations and predictions (wildfires, dust storms and aerosol effects)

Daniel Tong, an associate professor of atmospheric chemistry and aerosols in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences within Mason’s College of Science, works closely with NASA’s Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team, and leads a NASA-funded effort to improve the country’s dust forecasting capabilities. His atmospheric modeling tools were tapped to better understand the recent Canadian wildfires and their impact on air quality across the United States. By plugging real-time satellite data into a complex model of Earth’s atmosphere—one that accounts for site-specific variables like soil type, wind speed, and how Earth’s surface interacts with winds—the system churns out hourly forecasts that can even predict dust storms up to three days in advance.

Alireza Ermagun—vulnerable populations, emergency preparedness

Alireza Ermagun, the Director of the Mobility Observatory and Data Analytics Lab and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science at ��AV, is at the forefront of creating safer futures for wildfire-prone communities in California. By developing a practice-ready framework, he addresses the urgent evacuation and sheltering needs of disadvantaged communities when wildfires erupt. His NSF-sponsored project, “Snuff It Out: Extinguishing the Disparity of Access to Shelters for Disadvantaged Communities in Wildfire-Prone Areas,” marks a significant leap forward in his commitment. Collaborating closely with local emergency preparedness and law enforcement officials, Ermagun’s work is setting new standards in optimizing wildfire responses. This project is not just about immediate relief; it is about embedding equity into wildfire preparedness strategies, offering a model for resilience that communities across America facing similar threats can replicate.

John Qu—early warning systems, forestry–wildfire nexus

John Qu is a professor of Geography and Geoinformation Science at Mason and Mason Institute of Sustainable Earth Fellow. He serves as the director of the Environment Science and Technology Center (ESTC) (http://estc.gmu.edu) and served as the funding director of the EastFIRE Lab from 2005 to 2013. He focuses his research on wildland fires, land, water, and atmospheric environmental remote sensing, and also collaborates with international partners. His efforts to develop integrated early warning and decision-support systems for sustainable Water-Energy-Food-Health (WEFH) Nexus are already underway, including projects to support the NOAA Atmospheric Temperature Climate Data Record from POES Microwave Sounders to JPSS/ATMS, NOAA; the Africa Soil Moisture Monitoring and Applications with WMO, and assessing impacts of large wildland fires with USDA/FS.

About ��AV

��AV is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the University launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. www.gmu.edu.

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Should you be worried about ‘zombie deer’?

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:28:05 +0000

Should you be worried about ‘zombie deer’? Mary Cunningham Wed, 03/20/2024 - 13:28

Attention Media: To speak to Amira Roess about chronic wasting disease, please contact Director of Marketing and Communications, Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu

��AV researcher Amira Roess discusses deer with chronic wasting disease, nicknamed "zombie deer," and what the risk to humans is.

Photo by Getty Images

Zombies have been found in a northern Maryland state park—zombie deer that is. The sick deer are not after human brains, but they could be harmful to humans who have contact with them.

We spoke with Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at ��AV's College of Public Health, to learn about zombie deer. Roess worked on deer-related illness while she was an epidemic intelligence service officer (i.e., an outbreak investigator) at the Centers for Disease Control. She is one of the principal investigators, along with Taylor M. Anderson of the College of Science on a study funded by the USDA examining the nature of human and deer contact in urban areas, specifically in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

What are zombie deer?

What is referred to as "zombie deer" are actually deer infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is a prion disease. Deer with CWD can appear very unsteady, stumbling a lot, and are often very thin. They may also show other symptoms related to neurological damage.

Prions are proteins that cause other proteins to unfold. Some describe them as virus-like proteins. When they infect a person or an animal they cause severe neurological damage. This leads to serious symptoms that get worse over time including unsteadiness, loss of the ability to speak or walk or swallow, and weight loss.

How worried should people be about getting prion disease?

Fortunately, the risk of prion disease from deer appears low if humans limit their contact with deer, especially their blood and nervous tissue. But this means that we must be very careful and vigilant.

Why haven’t we heard of prions before?

You may not remember hearing the word "prion,” but you might remember hearing about a prion called bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which was commonly called “mad cow disease” by many. That experience showed the world just how deadly prion diseases can be for humans.

During the BSE outbreak in England in the 1990s, humans became infected after eating beef products that had come from cattle infected with prions. Infected people lost their ability to walk, talk, and had very agonizing slow deaths that could only be diagnosed after death upon autopsy. That was the largest prion outbreak ever documented. What is very concerning is that in the U.S. when we test deer for chronic wasting disease, we increasingly find it.

Are you worried about outbreaks?

I am concerned that it is a matter of time before we find prion disease among people whose only exposure was through direct contact with deer. In the case of BSE, it was hypothesized that many infected individuals had first gotten exposed 10 or more years prior to their deaths. We believe that during those 10 or more years the prion slowly caused damage and went undetected until the damage got so extensive, that symptoms appeared.

How can we reduce our risk of contracting CWD?

Deer are wildlife, and as with all wildlife, we need to limit our contact with them. In many parts of the U.S., white-tailed deer are becoming habituated or accustomed to humans. They know that we generally don't hurt them, and increasingly we do things like feed them. But remember, deer are not pets—they have not evolved to be in such close contact with humans. They are still wildlife and deserve our respect and distance.

Do not approach deer and train your pets not to approach them either. If you have children or take care of children, make sure to teach them to be respectful of wildlife and to never approach deer or other wildlife. This is especially important if the animal appears hurt, sick, or disoriented. In that case, call 311 or your local wildlife office immediately to get a professional involved to help the animal.

Is there a group that is more at risk for chronic wasting disease?

Deer hunters are at an increased risk because of their close contact with the blood and nervous tissue of deer that they have hunted. Numerous educational resources about how to protect yourself from the risk of prions and other pathogens when hunting are now available. The best advice is to use personal protective equipment (PPE). If a deer appears sick, do not hunt it. Hunters can access information from their local games departments and in the USDA chronic wasting disease website.

Are there other animals that carry prions?

So far there have been reports of prion disease in humans, sheep, goats, cattle, mink, cats, and lemurs, among other mammals. Our knowledge about which other animals can be infected is limited by the fact that we don't have active surveillance for prion disease and most other diseases. What we know is very limited and confined to our experiences with cattle, deer, and other animals that have been found infected because of symptoms. Prions can remain in the environment for long periods of time, and they are very difficult to destroy.

What can we do to protect deer?

Remember that all wildlife deserve our respect and deserve to be left alone. Do not feed deer or other wildlife and remove all food sources (such as trash) to protect deer, raccoons, squirrels, birds and other animals.

When people approach an injured or sick animal, we often cause stress to the animal which then can make the animal sicker. If a deer looks sick, you should exercise extreme caution and not approach it. Instead, call 311 and report the deer so that it can be tested.

Studies have found that wildlife are losing their fear of humans, and this is linked to an increase in illness in these animals and also in people. Remember that wildlife carry numerous diseases that can harm people, including deer ticks that spread Lyme disease, and raccoons, coyotes, and foxes that spread rabies.

To speak to Amira Roess about chronic wasting disease, please contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu

Amira Roess is a professor of global health and epidemiology at ��AV's College of Public Health, Department of Global and Community Health. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases epidemiology, multidisciplinary and multi-species field research and evaluating interventions to reduce the transmission and impact of infectious diseases. Roess currently oversees several longitudinal studies to understand emergence and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases globally, including the emergence and transmission of Campylobacter (with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), MERS-CoV (with support from the US National Science Foundation), and the development of the microbiome during the first year of life. She studies links between food animal production and emerging infectious and zoonotic disease emergence globally, and mHealth (especially apps) technology integration and evaluations to reduce the impact of infectious diseases outbreaks, promote health care and health reduce disparities.

Some of her deer-related work appears in these journal articles:

More resources about chronic wasting disease can be found here:

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Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

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10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:42:53 +0000

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence Mary Cunningham Thu, 01/25/2024 - 18:42

In This Story

Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Twenty-six percent of women and 15% of men who were victims of intimate partner violence reported that their first experience was before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

��AV researcher Daphne King, EdD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to continue bringing awareness to intimate partner violence in young people.

“As with adult intimate partner violence, many teenagers who experience violence in their dating relationships do not tell anyone,” said King. “It is important to look out for warning signs and check in with anyone you know experiencing any of the signs.”

One in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking and can take place in person or electronically.

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
Isolation from friends and family
Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises

“Even just one of these warning signs indicates a risk of teen dating violence and that you or the person experiencing this needs help. While some of these signs can be associated with issues other than teen dating violence, it’s important to act on red flags like these,” said King.

Parent involvement is a protective factor to safeguard teens against engaging in risky behaviors. Here are a few tips especially for parents:

Talk honestly and openly with your teen about what healthy relationships look like and that violence (verbal, physical, or sexual) has no place in a healthy relationship.
Know and recognize the signs of abuse, as well as the facts of dating violence.
Look for changes in your teen's mood, appearance, or activities; which could be an indication that something is wrong or abuse is happening. This could be things, such as a drop in grades, unexplained bruises, or a change in friends or peer group.

Teen dating violence has a lifelong impact on a person’s health and can be detrimental to a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Violence can lead to antisocial behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and future unhealthy relationships.

There are many resources available if you or someone you know is being abused. Talk to a trusted adult or visit loveisrespect.org or www.thatsnotcool.com for support and help. Additional resource: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Dr. Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of ��AV’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African-American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.

To speak to Dr. King, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.

About George Mason
��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more on our homepage.

About the College of Public Health
The College of Public Health at ��AV is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The College offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Areas of focus include prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, inequalities and marginalized communities, environmental health and climate change, nutrition, violence, mental and behavioral health, informatics, and health technologies. With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community through research, practice, and clinical care with a focus on the social determinants of health and health equity.

The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally-recognized programs, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 8 master’s degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees, and 6 certificate programs. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.

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Mason athletic experts: All schools will need to adapt to a fast-changing college sports landscape

Colleen Rich — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:22:07 +0000

Mason athletic experts: All schools will need to adapt to a fast-changing college sports landscape Colleen Rich Thu, 10/12/2023 - 12:22

Mason Provost Mark Ginsberg sits down with former college basketball coach Craig Esherick and Mason AD Marvin Lewis for Mason Vision Series. Photo by GMU TV

The advent of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals has been a game-changer, but ��AV officials like their chances of successfully navigating a fast-changing collegiate sports landscape.

“At a place like George Mason that might not have the same resources as a Power 5 school, there are other variables like coaching, culture, etc.,” said Marvin Lewis, Mason’s assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “We have to focus on that because there’s always another school with a little bit more money in the NIL space, a little bit more resources. But, if you can develop that personal relationship, get a kid to really buy into our value proposition, hopefully, they won’t make that change.”

Lewis appeared with former college basketball coach Craig Esherick on the Mason Vision Series to discuss “The New Business of College Sports: Changes Shaking the Foundation of Intercollegiate Athletics.” Go here to watch the discussion.

Outgoing Mason Provost Mark Ginsberg hosted the hour-long discussion on GMU-TV that also delved into the transfer portal, soaring coaching salaries, the growing importance of television revenues in conference realignment, and the ongoing facilities arms race in major college sports.

NIL deals weren’t intended as a recruiting tool, but that’s been the unintended consequence, Lewis said. Wealthier schools have begun forming powerful collectives—groups of wealthy donors and boosters who come together to provide more NIL opportunities—to make their preferred school more attractive to potential student-athletes, Lewis said.

As a result, the chasm between the haves and the have-nots is increasing daily.

“That’s the challenge,” said Lewis, a former four-year basketball starter and team captain at Georgia Tech who helped lead the Yellow Jackets to the 2004 national championship game.

Esherick, now an associate professor of sport management within the College of Education and Human Development, spent more than 17 years as an assistant basketball coach at Georgetown before leading the Hoyas for five years. He also served as an assistant coach on the USA Olympic Team that competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

He and Lewis agreed that a coach’s relationship with their players, a positive culture within the locker room, and a positive educational and social experience are draws for student-athletes.

“If you have a personal relationship with all your players and if the experience you can control is a healthy one with your players,” Esherick said, “most of them are not going to want to leave.”

Marvin Lewis can be reached at admason@gmu.edu.

Craig Esherick can be reached at cesheric@gmu.edu.

For more information, contact John Hollis at jhollis2@gmu.edu.

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What to know about air quality alerts

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:59:19 +0000

What to know about air quality alerts Mary Cunningham Thu, 06/08/2023 - 14:59

In This Story

Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

Air quality alerts are currently raised higher than usual along the eastern United States due to traveling smoke from Canadian wildfires. Epidemiologist and professor in Mason’s College of Public Health Amira Roess discusses what you need to know about air quality alerts and how it affects your health.

Why are wildfires in Canada affecting the air in northern Virginia?

The wildfires that are raging in Northeast Canada approximately 800 miles from those of us in the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) are generating tremendous amounts of smoke and pollutants. Satellite imagery shows smoke blanketing our area and many other parts of the United States.

These fires are the worst that Canada has seen and are being fueled by a lingering high-pressure system over Canada for weeks now that has led to high temperatures and low precipitation. In addition to the high-pressure system, there is another low-pressure system in the northeast. Together these two systems are creating something like a pathway for smoke to move along over parts of the U.S.

How do I know what the air quality is?

There are many weather apps that now include air quality. The air quality scale most in use in the U.S. ranges from 0 to 300 and colors are assigned to the different ranges. The colors to look out for are:

Orange (101-150) is considered unhealthy for some populations and individuals who are vulnerable should avoid being outdoors.
Red is considered unhealthy (151-200) for all individuals, and everyone should limit their time outdoors, avoid strenuous activity, and wear a good quality N95 or K95 mask.
Purple (201-300) is considered very unhealthy for all groups and, in addition to the precautions taken under a red alert, everyone should stay indoors when purple alerts are issued.
Maroon (301) is considered hazardous, and we rarely see this.

Due to the smoke that is being generated by the Canadian wildfires currently, we are seeing red and purple alerts during much of the day. You can learn more about what these alerts mean from the U.S. Air Quality Index.

What can you do to protect yourself?

When air quality is suboptimal (orange), certain individuals should avoid being outdoors. Those with underlying conditions, especially respiratory and heart conditions, the elderly and young children should avoid being outdoors because they are at risk for the worst health impacts from poor air quality. When air quality is poor (red) or very poor (purple), which is what we are seeing right now, then all individuals should avoid being outdoors.

If you must be outdoors when air quality is poor or very poor, limit your time and you should wear an N95 or a KN95 mask. Remember that we want to make sure we use clean masks. These masks cannot be washed and once they are wet or dirty, they are a lot less effective, so discard them. Wearing scarves or bandanas is not at all effective at protecting you. It's very important to limit your time outdoors.

If you have pets that need to go out, take them out for short bathroom breaks only. Do not take them on long walks or have them do any strenuous activities. Remember that pets cannot wear masks as this can cause them to panic and can hinder their breathing. Late in the evening air quality tends to improve.

If you start to develop respiratory or other symptoms due to spending time outdoors, you should contact a health care provider immediately.

In addition to not going outside, what can you do to stay safe on a red or purple air quality day?

Limit how much outdoor air comes into your home.

Keep your doors and windows closed while air quality is poor or very poor.

When you are home, you can do small things to keep the indoor air quality good, such as not lighting candles and not using gas stoves, if you can avoid it.

Make sure your HVAC system is working efficiently. This means making sure that you change the filters as the manufacturer recommends and that you stick to your HVAC service schedule.

If you have neighbors or loved ones that are immune compromised or in the vulnerable groups mentioned above, check up on them and help them avoid being outdoors. You can do small things like taking their garbage out or walking their pets.

Are we going to see more of these situations?

In general, as we've seen a shift towards higher temperatures in our hemisphere, we are going to see more wildfires and other climate change-related disasters.

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Mason management professor analyzes debt ceiling negotiations

Colleen Rich — Wed, 24 May 2023 19:48:37 +0000

Mason management professor analyzes debt ceiling negotiations Colleen Rich Wed, 05/24/2023 - 15:48

In This Story

Kevin Rockmann

With the U.S. Treasury deadline to raise the debt ceiling just days away, the United States inches closer to a first-ever debt default with possible ramifications for the global economy. Why have negotiations not led to a compromise?

Kevin Rockmann

We asked Kevin Rockmann, professor of management at ��AV's School of Business, and co-author of the book Negotiation: From Conflict to Agreement.

How did we get to this point in the negotiation process?

Thanks to the U.S. system of checks and balances, neither the Speaker McCarthy nor President Biden can truly be seen as the more powerful party in the debt-ceiling negotiations. Each of them holds the hierarchical high ground in a separate sphere. When there is a single, obvious issue on the table (e.g., raising the debt ceiling), such a power dynamic naturally lends itself to a stalemate.

How can negotiators keep the talks on track?

In these situations, the best way to keep things moving forward is to add items for negotiation, turning a single point of contention into a buffet of options from which negotiators can pick and choose. That way, the negotiation can become more nuanced, offering greater scope for compromises that all parties can live with. Indeed, we have seen this in the debt-ceiling talks—with the addition of spending cuts and work requirements as points for debate and discussion.

What role does trust play in the negotiations?

Negotiators must trust each other enough to be honest about which compromises they’d be willing to make. That level of trust is hard to come by in this highly polarized political environment. Biden and McCarthy are all too aware that any concession would be interpreted as a sign of weakness by their respective voter bases.

What if negotiations fail?

A default is in no one’s best interest. And while Biden could invoke the 14th Amendment, he can’t be sure of vindication in the legal furor that would surely ensue.

So what is likely to happen?

I anticipate that the outcome of these current negotiations will be—no lasting outcome at all. The two politicians will find a face-saving way to kick the can down the road, by agreeing to raise the debt ceiling for now and postpone the larger conversation by, say, six months to a year.

How can this be prevented in the future

Lifting the deadlock and achieving real progress will occur only when the matter is transferred to bipartisan groups such as the centrist “Gang of Ten” in the Senate, who, after several rounds of failed negotiations, brokered a compromise infrastructure bill in 2021. Cooperative pockets such as these may be Washington, D.C.’s last bastion of creative compromise—an essential last resort of realpolitik.

Rockmann can be reached at krockman@gmu.edu.

For more information, contact Benjamin Kessler at bkessler@gmu.edu.

About ��AV

��AV is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls nearly 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a $1 billion comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and sustainability. Learn more at www.gmu.edu.

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Defuse anger in the workplace with humor, Mason expert says

Colleen Rich — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:10:05 +0000

Defuse anger in the workplace with humor, Mason expert says Colleen Rich Fri, 04/28/2023 - 11:10

Whether it is pressing deadlines, overwork, or employees feeling they are not being supported, anger in a work environment can be unavoidable. Over time, the anger and frustration can compound, causing anger to spread through the entire team or organization, creating what ��AV expert Mandy O’Neill calls a “culture of anger.”

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In her research, O’Neill, an associate professor of management at Mason’s School of Business, found that a culture of anger not only leads to problems for individuals, such as increased alcohol consumption, work-family conflict, and high-risk behaviors, but it also presents problems for teams as a whole.

In a study of a large retail organization, O’Neill found that employee anger stemmed from a culture in which employees did not feel supported by their managers, leading to more employee absences and higher turnover. Additionally, individual high-risk behaviors can lead to a decrease in workplace safety as a whole, including safety violations, accidents, and injuries.

Mandy O'Neill. Photo by Creative Services

Recognizing a culture of anger

O’Neill explains that when dealing with anger in a team environment, whether it’s a workplace, group project, or sports team, it’s important to draw a line between a team experiencing occasional anger and a team defined by a culture of anger.

“All emotions have a social functional purpose,” said O’Neill. “Anger can serve important purposes around, for example, moral outrage against social injustice, or action tendencies that cause a person to rise up against obstacles thrown in their way.”

However, in a culture of anger, “it's not just one incident, one time that made everybody angry. Rather, it's when anger is kind of everybody’s default emotion,” O’Neill said.

Dos and don’ts

O’Neill highlights two common methods of fighting anger that can actually make matters worse. “Emotion suppression, which is essentially to put the lid on an emotion and not let it be expressed, is very destructive,” said O’Neill. “Even if you think you're not expressing [anger], it leaks out in ways that you may not necessarily be aware of or able to control.”

Additionally, O’Neill found that allowing members of a team to vent their anger without restraint can serve to intensify the anger. Paradoxically, venting can reactivate and spread anger rather than resolving or calming the feeling.

So, what can be done to help improve an angry team culture?

Through interviewing emergency responders at fire stations in the southeastern United States, O’Neill found that the most effective teams were those who supplemented feelings of anger with joviality.

“Expression of joviality and humor is a way of channeling anger in ways that actually can promote group bonding,” said O’Neill.

She also found that companionate love, "the connection felt between people whose lives are closely intertwined,” also helps fight anger. Affection and caring, for example, creates a sense of familiarity between members of a team that helps to resolve issues, and can make a jovial culture easier to foster as members of the team know how and when to use humor without going too far.

O’Neill believes that introducing joviality and companionate love to a team can help team members work with anger to turn it into a positive, productive emotion. “Anger paired with positive emotions lends itself to a very different scenario than if you have anger without these emotions,” she said.

O'Neill is actively engaged in organizational research, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods to the study of employees and organizational units. She has worked with organizations across a wide range of industries including health care, technology, emergency services, and retail.

To reach Mandy O’Neill directly, contact her at ooneill@gmu.edu.

For more information, contact Benjamin Kessler at bkessler@gmu.edu.

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Should you always negotiate? Not always, according to this Mason expert

Colleen Rich — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:09:34 +0000

Should you always negotiate? Not always, according to this Mason expert Colleen Rich Tue, 02/28/2023 - 15:09

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Einav Hart

Negotiation is a critical skillset in business and in society. Negotiation is a complicated, joint decision problem where parties can, potentially, make each other better off—but also have some competing interests. For example, you might want a higher bonus while your boss wants to keep expenses low.

Einav Hart. Photo provided

Much of the advice about how to negotiate focuses on the terms of the negotiated deal. You might think, then, that more—and more aggressive—negotiations would always lead to better outcomes. Einav Hart, assistant professor of management at ��AV, suggests that our relationships and context influence how we should negotiate—and even whether it is a good idea to negotiate at all.

“The idea that we can ‘win’ a negotiation reflects a belief that we are competing and need to take as much as we can,” said Hart, “but focusing on the short-term gains might lead to worse outcomes in the long term.”

For example, negotiating aggressively with a new hire might cause them to agree to a lower salary, but it might also harm their morale, their commitment to the organization, and their work effort. As a result, your outcome—even if you saved a few thousand dollars on salary—may be worse than it would be if you had built a relationship through a more collaborative negotiation process.

Hart’s research introduces the concept of “ERRO”—the “Economic Relevance of negotiators’ Relational Outcomes”—to help us decide when and how to negotiate. These decisions should depend on how much your relationship with your negotiation counterpart matters economically.

“When you buy a barbecue grill, for instance, the price you pay may determine your economic outcome more than your relationship with the seller,” said Hart. “However, when you hire a service provider—such as a babysitter, a caterer, or a contractor—a poor relationship following the negotiation may harm the economic value you derive from the agreement, and a positive relationship might increase the economic value you derive.”

Thus, buying a grill has low ERRO, but hiring a babysitter has high ERRO.

In a low ERRO context (like that BBQ grill), aggressive or competitive negotiation tactics that sacrifice relational outcomes may work just fine. But in high ERRO contexts (think babysitter), negotiating aggressively is likely to backfire in the long term. Collaborative tactics ,such as asking questions, expressing empathy, and making concessions (or even not negotiating), may get you the best outcome overall—even if you seemingly leave some money on the table.

In most cases, Hart said, the real value of a negotiation is created after parties leave the bargaining table. Thus, the decision to enter a negotiation is a decision that should be made carefully and strategically.

Hart’s research on organizational behavior and decision making explores how people communicate about conflict and sensitive topics, and how negotiating affects people's future, post-agreement relationships and performance. Her work integrates insights from psychology, and game theory. Prior to joining Mason, Hart was a data scientist at Uber and a visiting scholar at Wharton.

To reach Einav Hart directly, contact her at ehart8@gmu.edu.

For more information, contact Benjamin Kessler at bkessler@gmu.edu.

About George Mason
��AV is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls nearly 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. Learn more at www.gmu.edu.

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