Schar School

American Society for Criminologists awards highlight special bond

Damian Cristodero — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:35:35 +0000

American Society for Criminologists awards highlight special bond Damian Cristodero Mon, 11/13/2023 - 16:35

Faye Taxman, a health services criminologist and Distinguished University Professor in ��AV’s Schar School of Policy and Government, has mentored C.J. Appleton, a PhD student in Criminology, Law, and Society, since 2019.

They have worked together at Mason’s Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE), of which Taxman is the director, building a professional relationship that accelerated Appleton’s evolution as a scholar and provided the center with what Taxman calls “a role model for the field.”

So it is with great pleasure for both that they will be honored at this week’s American Society for Criminologists (ASC) annual meeting in Philadelphia.

Faye Taxman. Photo by Office of University Branding

Taxman, part will receive the August Vollmer Award, given to someone whose scholarship and professional activities have made outstanding contributions to justice and/or the treatment or prevention of criminal or delinquent behavior.

Appleton will receive the Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity, which encourages students of color, especially from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the field, to enter the fields of criminology and criminal justice.

“For me, to be on this journey with her and to have learned from her and to see how talented and incredible she is, it’s an honor and pretty special that we both can receive something at the same time,” Appleton said.

“It’s awesome,” Taxman said. “It makes me very happy.”

Their story began in 2018, when Appleton basically cold-called Taxman in an email to ask about Mason’s PhD programs. Appleton had turned his life around after several years in correctional institutions for an assortment of drug possession and probation violations, and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology at Lewis & Clark College, and a master’s degree in sociology from Portland State University.

They met later at an ASC meeting and quickly learned their visions aligned. In fact, Appleton said, “[Taxman] is the reason I chose Mason.”

C.J. Appleton

“What I see in C.J. is a person who has endured a lot of struggles in his life and benefited from good, quality rehabilitative treatment services and wants to give back to the next generation,” Taxman said. “He embraces the notion that any of us can serve our community. His way is by mentoring and helping people understand that when people in society don’t do well, there are ways to help them so they can pursue a more productive life and be a productive citizen.”

Appleton said Taxman immediately made him feel part of the ACE team instead of what he called “a worker bee doing tasks for other people.”

“I have been put in charge of various aspects and components for the last five years and because of that I have a lot of confidence, not just in my skills but in my ability to figure it out,” Appleton said. “That’s one of the biggest things I’ve gotten in my experience at Mason, just confidence that comes through being put in the fire and being supported.”

Appleton said he is most proud of his research with a team that created a free resource available on ACE’s website that explains best practices and guidelines in administering probation conditions. That led to ongoing work with the state of Massachusetts to revamp its condition-setting practices.

Taxman, as Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell said, “is a powerhouse whose work on criminal justice reform reaches well beyond the academe to inform public discourse and policymaking.”

“I’ve been able to develop models about how to implement improvements in how the criminal legal system can actually help people change and reduce their criminal behavior,” Taxman said. “So this award means that I am recognized, but that my work is recognized in terms of highlighting to the next generation of researchers the different ways people can pursue having an impact on public policy and engage public institutions in change.”

A lesson that helped lead Appleton to success.

Learn more about the Schar School of Policy and Government

In This Story

Faye S. Taxman

Topics

Schar School

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

criminology law and society

diversity

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Reform

Research

Building Businesses

Priyanka Champaneri — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:48:06 +0000

Building Businesses Priyanka Champaneri Wed, 11/08/2023 - 12:48

Entrepreneur Eman Pahlavani, BS Political Science ’09, says he found his time at Mason transformational and the social networking skills he developed as a student have been instrumental in his success as an entrepreneur.

Mason alum Eman Pahlavani is interested in creating purpose-driven companies that can make a positive impact.

“Attending Mason was a crash course in how to think, talk, and connect with other people,” says Pahlavani. “I was a shy person when I arrived, and I really blossomed in that environment.”

Born and raised in Loudoun County, Pahlavani attended Northern Virginia Community College before transferring to Mason. After graduating, he earned a juris doctor from the University of New Hampshire Law School in 2012.

One of his first entrepreneurial endeavors was founding LiveSafe, a personal safety mobile application that has since become a global enterprise. LiveSafe was acquired by Vector Solutions in 2020.

During development of LiveSafe, Pahlavani noticed the office staff didn’t have a lot of choices for workplace lunches. With that observation, a new venture was born—HUNGRY, a tech-enabled platform for office and event catering, connecting corporate clients to talented local independent chefs.

“I am a business builder at heart,” says Pahlavani, founder and chief operating officer of HUNGRY. “I identify a problem and find a business solution to solve it.”

Launched in 2017, HUNGRY has experienced exponential growth and now serves more than 15 major markets. In response to the pandemic and the changing office landscape, HUNGRY continues to innovate and has added a number of new options, including meal delivery and virtual chef experiences. This type of growth has earned them a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies two years in a row.

For Pahlavani, it’s not just about growth, it’s also about doing good. HUNGRY donates one meal for every two meals sold to help end hunger in the United States and, working with its partner Feeding America, has contributed more than half a million meals to date.

“HUNGRY is a purpose-driven company dedicated to improving the lives of everyone we touch,” he says. “Every business should have a component of good.”

Learn About Political Science at Mason

Join the Mason Nation

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Hispanic and Latinx Patriots share their cultural touchstones for Hispanic Heritage Month

Sarah Holland — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:50:26 +0000

Hispanic and Latinx Patriots share their cultural touchstones for Hispanic Heritage Month Sarah Holland Wed, 10/11/2023 - 18:50

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 through October 15 each year, recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to United States history, culture, and achievements.

Mason enrolls and graduates the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest population of Hispanic and Latinx students, and we celebrate the varied and diverse contributions of our students every day through our 90% acceptance rate, an above-average graduation rate, and more than 400 student organizations.

Meet some of our students, faculty, and staff who represent the varied experience of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

View an accessible PDF version

Conoce la Universidad George Mason

Stories from our Hispanic and Latinx community

Hispanic and Latinx Patriots share their cultural touchstones for Hispanic Heritage Month
October 11, 2023
New Mason summer program shows high school students the value of a STEM degree
August 15, 2023
Film festival explores ‘the way of life’ in various Spanish-speaking countries
September 7, 2022
Mason teams with Dominion Energy, HACU for Summer Bridge Program
July 27, 2022
Hispanic Heritage Month: Faculty Spotlight
October 12, 2021

Topics

Hispanic Heritage Month

Students

Campus News

Costello College of Business

College of Humanities and Social Science

Wilkins Lecture offers a critical look at how to solve poverty in America

Shayla Brown — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:45:24 +0000

Wilkins Lecture offers a critical look at how to solve poverty in America Shayla Brown Wed, 09/27/2023 - 14:45

��AV’s annual Roger Wilkins Lecture is a tribute to the late Robinson Professor Emeritus of History and American Culture, and Wilkins’ daughter, Elizabeth, was on hand Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Harris Theater to introduce this year’s guest speaker, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond.

Pulitzer Prize winner Matthew Desmond, guest speaker for the 2023 Roger Wilkins Lecture in Harris Theater. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

“After reading both of [Desmond’s] books, I have come away with a sense of a person whose passion for justice and whose hatred for injustice paralleled that of my dad,” she said. “Both men have relentlessly centered people—real people, disempowered people, poor people—in their work. Neither of them will let us look away.”

The lecture, attended by about 325 people, featured Desmond’s latest book “Poverty, by America.” Desmond spoke about his personal experiences with poverty throughout his life, his encounters with others affected by social-economic injustices such as eviction, and implementable government policies that could greatly decrease the number of families and individuals living in poverty.

The lecture is sponsored by the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Program, a collaborative effort between the Schar School of Policy and Government and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The final portion of the evening consisted of a Q&A run by Wendi Manuel-Scott, professor of integrative studies and history, and a book signing by Desmond.

One audience member asked whether mission-focused nonprofits and co-ops that are not focused on maximizing profits could help solve the housing problem.

Desmond said that it’s possible but challenging, and it would require federal guidance for wide implementation. He gave the example of a tenant union in Minneapolis that was trying to turn their buildings into a co-op and asked the landlord to sell them the buildings. He set the asking price at $7 million. They countered with a fair market price.

“But [the landlord] got fed up because the tenants were also advocating, so he gave everyone an eviction notice. Everything came to a head—they were either going to be homeowners or homeless,” Desmond said. The tenants ultimately won and bought the buildings, and they are still a co-op today, he added.

Another audience member asked why the top 1% don’t pay their fair share of taxes, which would go toward $175 billion estimated need to end poverty?

“One is the worry that if you tax affluent Americans too much, they will leave the country, so instead of having a little tax from them, we’d have none,” Desmond said. He also pointed to fears of empowering the Internal Revenue Service, an already troubled institution. “Some propose a whole new federal agency, that would essentially be a ‘making sure rich people pay their taxes’ bureau, and if you make under a certain amount, the bottom 95%, they will have absolutely nothing to do with you.”

Desmond was also asked about the challenge of national rhetoric interfering with practical local problem-solving movements.

“I think that polarization is both very frustrating and encouraging,” Desmond said. “Surveys show that most Americans think that minimum wage is too low, the rich aren’t paying their fair share of taxes, and most Democrats and Republicans believe that poverty is the result of structural failing, not a moral failing. That’s encouraging.”

“The call for a robust antipoverty movement means we might disagree on gun rights or abortion, but we both want higher wages and fairer taxes,” he added. “That kind of movement is harder to make in America.”

“Poverty isn’t simply the condition of not having enough money. It’s the condition of not having enough choice and being taken advantage of because of that.”
—Matthew Desmond

Topics

Wilkins Lecture

College of Humanities and Social Science

Schar School

Poverty and Inequalities

Campus News

Learn more about Roger Wilkins

Around Mason: Favorite Photos of the Year

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:27:50 +0000

Around Mason: Favorite Photos of the Year Lauren Reuscher Thu, 07/27/2023 - 10:27

Check out the Mason photo library

In This Story

Vicki Kirsch, PhD, MSW, MA

All year long, photographers in ��AV’s Office of University Branding capture the moments that make Mason All Together Different. We asked our photographers to share their favorite photos from the 2022-23 school year.

As we prepare for a new academic year, let’s look back at these recent memories—skillfully frozen in time for the Mason vault.

Ron Aira, senior photographer, Creative Services

Weather can disrupt even the best laid plans. But according to Ron Aira, it can also create unexpected opportunities. In Aira’s favorite photos, forces of nature created powerful results. “Without the challenges of the wind and the rain, these shots would never have happened,” Aira said.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Gabriella Grabovska, a first-year student in the Schar School, came to Mason from war-torn Ukraine. Aira captured her portraits in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“It was very windy—her hair and the flag were flying all over the place,” Aira said. “I decided to go with the wind. I told her to face the wind, think about her country, and let the flag fly, thinking about what it represents to her.” Read more about Grabovska.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Mason Day is a day of celebration and fun, but Mason Day 2023 was also a day of torrential rain. Aira and his equipment were getting soaked. But he watched as Mason students still enjoyed the day, not letting the rain ruin their experience.

“In the downpour, I saw a moment of peace between this couple under the umbrella,” Aira said. “It was a beautiful moment of quiet serenity, in the middle of the concert and the rain coming in sideways.”

Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Creative Services

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Sometimes as a photographer, I get to witness students’ ‘aha’ moments, and it was amazing to see how social work students connected with each other and horses from Project Horse Empowerment Center,” Cantwell said.

Each semester, Associate Professor Vicki Kirsch brings students from her advanced Trauma and Recovery course to the center to learn about the emerging field of equine assisted psychotherapy. Read more about their experiences.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We were finishing up our lifestyle photo session with students and the Office of International Programs and Services, and this robot beeped by,” Cantwell said. “This photo is also a great representation of how students from so many different countries all went to classes at Mason’s Fairfax Campus.”

Pumpkinbot, part of the Starship Robot fleet, appears on campus around Halloween. Because he’s somewhat elusive, those who spot him consider themselves lucky. “I’ve heard that if you take a selfie with Pumpkinbot, all your dining wishes come true,” Cantwell said.

Cristian Torres, videographer, Strategic Communications

Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

In September 2022, students from the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation‘s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation program tagged monarch butterflies on their journey south to help researchers better understand their grand migration.

“This was a fun day,” Torres said. “We documented one of the different opportunities that students have in the field, capturing monarch butterflies to identify and tag them.” Watch the video.

Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Torres took photos at the Homecoming Tip Off Party in February 2023. “This was my first Homecoming at Mason,” Torres said. “I found the energy of the students celebrating together exciting. The event was full of happy faces, with everyone rooting for each other in the Lip Sync Battle.” See more photos from Homecoming events.

Topics

Around Mason (E-Files)

Faculty and Staff News

Campus News

Mason Day

Homecoming

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Starship Robots

Schar School

Social Work

College of Public Health

Peraton awards scholarships to Honors College students with interests in national security

Sarah Holland — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:04:42 +0000

Peraton awards scholarships to Honors College students with interests in national security Sarah Holland Fri, 06/16/2023 - 11:04

Peraton, a Virginia-based national security company, awarded 10 ��AV Honors College students the Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship in National Security at the Honors College’s 15th Annual Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.

Peraton is one of the largest employers in the Washington, D.C., region, according to the Washington Business Journal. Funded by a generous donation from the Peraton Corporation, the Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship in National Security awards each recipient up to $10,000 to provide financial support for their studies and academic enrichment.

Matt McQueen, chief communications and engagement officer at Peraton, shakes hands at the awards ceremony. Photo by Honors College

“As national security challenges continue to evolve, we need to tap into the full breadth and depth of our academic partnerships to meet the call,” said Stu Shea, chairman, president and CEO of Peraton. Shea spoke at Mason’s 2022 Spring Commencement and is a former member of the College of Science Advisory Board. “Students from nontraditional backgrounds bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and unique solutions to the workforce enabling our nation to remain competitive and proactively address increasingly more complex customer mission needs.”

Mason students overall are exceptionally well-positioned to succeed in the national security work envisioned by Peraton: the university is ranked No. 9 in the world in cybersecurity and is the largest producer of tech talent among four-year higher education institutions in Virginia, as well as being the No. 1 most ethnically diverse public institution in Virginia.

Laila Salguero, Peraton’s chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, noted that, “Mason has distinguished itself as one of the most diverse and inclusive incubators for next-generation talent in the nation.”

The selected Honors College students represent a breadth of majors within the College of Engineering and Computing, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Schar School for Policy and Government. All recipients credit the Honors College’s multidisciplinary approach to learning, research, and civic engagement and the diversity of their cohorts as critical to their growth as scholars and their future success in the workplace.

Layan Wahdan, one of the scholarship winners, holds her award plaque. Photo by Honors College

“The interdisciplinary Honors College courses have shaped the way I think about approaching problems in bioengineering,” said Layan Wahdan, junior bioengineering major and one of this year’s scholarship recipients. For Wahdan, the scholarship will support her in preparation for applying to medical school upon graduation. “I am confident that my studies will uniquely prepare me to help support national security.”

Aarush Sivaram Jambunathan, a junior majoring in international security and law, hopes to meaningfully contribute to national security in ways that “would not only reflect my experiences as an immigrant, but would ensure that people like me have a voice in the future of the United States.”

“With this generous support, Peraton enables the Honors College to support the development of the next generation of leaders,” said Zofia Burr, dean of the Honors College. “These scholarships show Peraton’s commitment to helping us cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of future professionals who are ready to respond to tomorrow’s multidimensional national security challenges.”

Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship in National Security Recipients

Fariha Ali, senior, information technology

Moneem Bhuiyan, junior, information technology

Harshita Vivek Chaudhari, junior, cybersecurity engineering

Dulguun Gantumur, senior, global affairs

Rida Hasan, junior, cybersecurity engineering

Aarush Sivaram Jambunathan, junior, international security and law

Berk Kasimcan, junior, bioengineering

Sebastian Rodionov, senior, government and international politics

Layan Wahdan, senior, bioengineering

Learn more about the scholarship recipients here.

Topics

Honors College

Honors College Award Ceremony

Scholarships

College of Humanities and Social Science

Schar School

College of Engineering and Computing

Students

Internships helped this Mason grad hone in on her career goals

Colleen Rich — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:25:23 +0000

Internships helped this Mason grad hone in on her career goals Colleen Rich Thu, 12/08/2022 - 12:25

Aloana Hall knew she wanted to study and practice law. She also knew she did not want to work in juvenile defense because, as she thought, “It’s going to be so emotionally taxing.”

University Scholar Aloana Hall. Photo by Creative Services

But after her experience as a legal intern at the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, the government and international politics major at ��AV changed her mind. Yes, working with juveniles was emotional, as she feared. “But it also is so rewarding,” she said, “and so I feel like I’m doing something good.”

Hall, a member of the Honors College and a University Scholar, added to her résumé with an internship at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Her Honors College research project, examining the drought and climate change in the West, was an eye-opener as well.

“I know a bit about climate change and rising sea levels because I’m from Virginia Beach, and it’s a problem,” Hall said. “It’s so strange the idea of not enough water in the West, and I’m worrying about too much water.”

What is your best memory of Mason?
One of my favorite memories from my time at Mason is the Spring 2022 Homecoming. Despite being in the middle of winter, it was a beautiful, warm day. I usually do not stay outside much during the winter, but I participated in the outdoor tailgate. It was great to see so many people showing school spirit and see some of my older friends who returned as alumni.

How have you grown while at Mason?
I have grown by challenging myself. I pushed myself to stay engaged and take on leadership positions in various organizations on campus. I also pushed myself to apply for internships, fellowships, and jobs despite feeling inadequate and underqualified. I have grown into someone who is not afraid to go outside their comfort zone and fail at times.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
I encourage incoming students to not let their college years pass them by. Most people are in college for only a few years. So, do not let great memories, relationships, and opportunities get away from you. Reach out to professors who are researching what you are interested in, start a conversation with the person sitting beside you in class, and go to the club-interest meeting even though you do not know anyone. It is easy to keep your head down, but try to push yourself.

What’s next for you?
I am in the process of applying to law school for fall 2023.

Topics

Jill Deering is December Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:34:03 +0000

Jill Deering is December Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 11/29/2022 - 11:34

Jill Deering knows how fragile student success can be.

After nearly 20 years of helping students in ��AV’s Schar School of Policy and Government navigate all manner of personal and professional turmoil, the senior assistant dean of student and academic affairs is well known as someone with the experience, knowledge, and skills to negotiate, mediate, and problem-solve the thorniest of predicaments.

President Washington and Jill Deering. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

For that, as well as her leadership of the Schar School student services staff, Deering is the December Employee of the Month.

Bonnie Stabile, associate dean for student and academic affairs at the Schar School, called Deering a “linchpin among the members of the staff, a trusted mentor and a role model” who is a “polished professional in every circumstance.”

Silva Pecini, assistant dean for master’s student services at the Schar School, and a former Mason Employee of the Month (July 2020), described Deering as possessing “unflappable grace and warmth.”

Former Mason interim president Anne Holton said, “It’s a treat to work with someone who starts from a point of ‘yes we can.’ ”

And Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell said he’s come to depend heavily on Deering’s “reliable, loyal, and hard work” as a leader.

She’s also an alumna.

How she got to Mason:

I was working in student affairs at a small private college in Pennsylvania and needed to relocate to the Washington, D.C., area when I was alerted to a position at what was then the School of Public Policy at George Mason. What an ideal opportunity—I could continue my higher education career working with students who were studying public affairs at my alma mater. I earned my BA in government and politics at Mason in 1995. I was also drawn to being a part of an institution that values inclusion and innovation so highly.

Best day on the job:

Many days stand out, but I recall one in particular in 2015 when one of our graduate students who was from Yemen faced a financial crisis that threatened her ability to remain enrolled. She was entering her second semester when her family’s resources could no longer be accessed because of war in her home country. Not only was her family’s safety threatened, but her plans for a master’s degree were now in question. In about 24 hours, we identified an emergency funding source within the now Schar School and coordinated with our incredible University Life and Office of Financial Aid partners for additional emergency support. The student was able to continue her studies and ultimately graduate. This epitomized the best of Mason—everyone involved said ‘let’s find a solution.’

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Without question, my team and my boss. I constantly learn from and find motivation from both. My team is second to none, they are amazing individuals who care deeply about the success of our students and programs. Broadly speaking, Mason is never dull. I love being a part of a place that is helping to shape future leaders and thinkers, where so much consequential research is happening, and where you get to interact regularly with people who have such interesting stories and experiences.

What do you do when you’re not working:

My husband and I love to explore new places with our three-year-old Labrador retriever, and I try to find as many opportunities as possible to travel, which has been hard the last few years. I also love taking photos and hope to focus more time on developing my photography skills.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Employee of the Month

Schar School

Alumni

Human Resources and Payroll

Mason Square

These Marines embrace their Mason mission

Colleen Rich — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 13:48:00 +0000

These Marines embrace their Mason mission Colleen Rich Thu, 11/10/2022 - 08:48

Neither Paul Deller nor Michael Harris knew anything about ��AV before they enrolled in the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program in the Schar School of Policy and Government.

Now, both are Mason boosters.

Two Marine Corps officers from Mason's Congressional Fellowship Program. From left, Michael Harris, Anne Holton, Paul Deller. Photo provided

“Exceptional,” Deller said when asked about his experience at the university. “There are a number of people who teach at Mason who I have heard on some of my favorite podcasts and read about in the news for years. I’m still amazed that I get to learn at an institution where you regularly bump into these people in the hall.”

“Outstanding,” Harris said. “The faculty, staff, and students I’ve met so far have all been amazing.”

Deller and Harris are part of an interesting cohort of 11 Marine Corps officers attending Mason through the Congressional Fellowship Program, which gives Marines opportunities for professional development that include working on Capitol Hill in the office of a member of Congress for one year and enrollment in Mason’s graduate public policy program.

It is another example of Mason identifying educational pathways that meet students where they are, while the university engages them, in this case, on the Mason Square Campus in Arlington, Virginia, which is just six miles from downtown Washington, D.C.

It also is an example of Mason’s commitment to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. With 1,790 Mason students holding veteran certification, the university is ranked as the nation’s No. 1 military-friendly institution by College Factual.

“Mason is unique from other universities I’ve attended or graduated from,” said Maj. TJ Byers, who manages the Congressional Fellowship program and graduated from Mason with an MPP in May 2022. “The professors set us up for success. I even reached back out to them during my year on Capitol Hill to get some technical assistance for some policy stuff I was working on, or with just a generalized question in a field I needed to research.”

For Deller, 35, a major, and Harris, 33, a captain, in the Marines’ Office of Legislative Affairs at the Pentagon, the master’s degree they will receive at the end of the program will prepare them for their year on Capitol Hill and enhance their career prospects in the Marine Corps.

“I’ve always been interested in pursuing a master’s degree,” Harris said. “My undergraduate degree is in economics and the MPP program has an economic policy focus area, so it aligns with my interests. The program will assist in my ability to be an effective liaison between Congress and the Marine Corps. And learning to be a more effective team leader will pay dividends in the future.”

Anne Holton, professor of public policy and education at Mason, has both Marines in her Public Sector Leadership class.

She called Deller “outspoken and chatty” and Harris “quiet and thoughtful.” And though Harris doesn’t speak as often, “when he does, it’s powerful.”

Both of them, Holton added, are “great contributors to the class.”

“The military presence is our classes is significant,” Holton said. “It’s exciting that these folks are taking seriously what it means to be leaders and future leaders.”

And, really, that is what the Congressional Fellowship Program and the MPP program are all about.

“The ultimate purpose is to bring back this knowledge to the Marine Corps and share it with others,” Deller said. “The program isn’t about what I get to take away from it, it’s about how this experience will allow me to contribute to the development of the Marines throughout the remainder of my career.”

Topics

Students

Veterans

Schar School

Master of Public Policy

Congressional Fellowship Program

Schar School News November 2022

Podcast - EP 43: Are the midterm elections the most consequential of our time?

Damian Cristodero — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 15:32:21 +0000

Podcast - EP 43: Are the midterm elections the most consequential of our time? Damian Cristodero Tue, 10/18/2022 - 11:32

In This Story

Gregory Washington

Jennifer N. Victor

Are the midterm elections the most consequential of our time? Jennifer Victor, associate professor of political science in Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government, and Mason president Gregory Washington wrestle with that, and you might be surprised at the answer. Want more surprises? Then hear why high voter turnout could be a double-edged sword for our democracy and how the parties misread the electorate. And just what is “thermostatic politics?”

Topics

Access to Excellence podcast

Schar School

American Society for Criminologists awards highlight special bond

Learn more about the Schar School of Policy and Government

Related Stories

In This Story

Topics

Building Businesses

Learn About Political Science at Mason

Join the Mason Nation

Read More Alumni Stories

Topics

Hispanic and Latinx Patriots share their cultural touchstones for Hispanic Heritage Month

View an accessible PDF version

Conoce la Universidad George Mason

Stories from our Hispanic and Latinx community

Topics

Wilkins Lecture offers a critical look at how to solve poverty in America

Related News

Topics

Learn more about Roger Wilkins

Around Mason: Favorite Photos of the Year

Read more faculty and staff news

Check out the Mason photo library

In This Story

Ron Aira, senior photographer, Creative Services

Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Creative Services

Cristian Torres, videographer, Strategic Communications

Topics

Peraton awards scholarships to Honors College students with interests in national security

Peraton, a Virginia-based national security company, awarded 10 ��AV Honors College students the Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship in National Security at the Honors College’s 15th Annual Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.

Topics

Internships helped this Mason grad hone in on her career goals

Topics

Jill Deering is December Employee of the Month

Topics

These Marines embrace their Mason mission

Topics

Podcast - EP 43: Are the midterm elections the most consequential of our time?

In This Story

Topics

Schar School

American Society for Criminologists awards highlight special bond

Learn more about the Schar School of Policy and Government

Related Stories

In This Story

Topics

Building Businesses

Learn About Political Science at Mason

Join the Mason Nation

Read More Alumni Stories

Topics

Hispanic and Latinx Patriots share their cultural touchstones for Hispanic Heritage Month

View an accessible PDF version

Conoce la Universidad George Mason

Stories from our Hispanic and Latinx community

Topics

Wilkins Lecture offers a critical look at how to solve poverty in America

Related News

Topics

Learn more about Roger Wilkins

Around Mason: Favorite Photos of the Year

Read more faculty and staff news

Check out the Mason photo library

In This Story

Ron Aira, senior photographer, Creative Services

Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Creative Services

Cristian Torres, videographer, Strategic Communications

Topics

Peraton awards scholarships to Honors College students with interests in national security

Peraton, a Virginia-based national security company, awarded 10 ����AV Honors College students the Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship in National Security at the Honors College’s 15th Annual Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.

Topics

Internships helped this Mason grad hone in on her career goals

Topics

Jill Deering is December Employee of the Month

Topics

These Marines embrace their Mason mission

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Podcast - EP 43: Are the midterm elections the most consequential of our time?

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Peraton, a Virginia-based national security company, awarded 10 ��AV Honors College students the Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship in National Security at the Honors College’s 15th Annual Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.