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Fulbright awards expand George Mason faculty and staff perspectives

Katarina Benson — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:50:52 +0000

Fulbright awards expand George Mason faculty and staff perspectives Katarina Benson Mon, 08/04/2025 - 10:50

Each year, academic professionals teach and conduct research abroad through the highly competitive Fulbright Scholar Program. �� has a rich history of sending and hosting faculty and staff through the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State. This year, Frank Krueger of the College of Science, Nathalia Peixoto of the College of Engineering and Computing, and Yali Pan of the Office of International Programs and Services, received Fulbright awards.

Krueger is working with Tamagawa University.

Krueger, who is an associate professor of systems social neuroscience, received a Fulbright Scholars award to teach social neuroscience in Japan. Based at Tamagawa University in Tokyo, he will also be working on a project about cross-cultural relations to explore people’s perception of trust between the United States and Japan using epigenetic research.

“The interdisciplinary and cross-cultural nature of this Fulbright experience perfectly complements my research philosophy and will significantly advance my work,” said Krueger, who has previously collaborated with Tamagawa University.

Peixoto, an associate professor in the Volgenau School of Engineering, received a Fulbright to travel to Mbarara University for Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda, where she is working directly with MUST’s electrical and electronic engineering department of faculty of applied sciences and technology to review and provide feedback on their bachelor’s and PhD curricula.

Peixoto collaborated with Ugandan entrepreneurs. Photo provided

For Peixoto, spending a month in Uganda fulfilled a lifelong dream to go to Africa and has been incredibly rewarding. “I had never been to this continent, despite feeling like I belong here,” she said. “I am originally Brazilian, and I have always heard that Brazil has the largest population of people of African ancestry who live outside of Africa. Many Brazilians consider Africans our cousins, but I don’t know any Brazilians who have ever visited Africa. Now it is clear to me that I really needed to come.”

During her time in Africa, Peixoto, who holds a joint appointment in neuroscience with George Mason’s College of Science, has also connected with the Ugandan business community, consulting on critical health and community projects.

Pan in a Korean hanbok during the program. Photo provided

In Pan’s role as assistant director of engagement and assessment in the Office of International Programs and Services, she provides programs and initiatives to help international students adjust and feel connected to the Mason community. Pan was awarded an International Educator's Award to attend a two-week higher education administration seminar in South Korea.

“I saw this as a valuable opportunity to learn more about South Korea—a country that consistently ranks among the top five senders of international students to George Mason,” said Pan. “I also have a deep appreciation for Korean culture and cuisine, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.”

Pan said she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Fulbright International Education Administrator program and believes it was valuable to her work at George Mason. “Opportunities like this—designed specifically for higher education administrators to gain a systematic understanding of international education—are rare, and this experience was truly transformative.”

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Global summit looks at the future of education

Katarina Benson — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:17:45 +0000

Global summit looks at the future of education Katarina Benson Fri, 07/25/2025 - 12:17

In This Story

Alpaslan Özerdem

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of ��’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, recently participated in discussions at the 2025 Global Higher Education Symposium, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on July 18.

Özerdem was invited in his capacity as the chair of the United Nations Academic Impact Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—a leadership role held by the Carter School through 2027. At the invitation-only symposium, thought leaders were discussing UNESCO’s Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education report, which asks three guiding questions to help envision education beyond 2050: What should we continue doing? What should we abandon? And, what needs to be creatively invented afresh?

A high-level dialogue focused on rethinking the purpose and design of higher education in light of rapid global change, Özerdem emphasized that in an era marked by political volatility and deepening societal divisions, higher education institutions must rise to the challenge of becoming credible and reliable partners to the public.

Dean Özerdem with colleagues at UN Sustainable Development Goal Hub meeting. Photo provided

“As universities, we hold a distinct and urgent responsibility—not only to foster democratic values but also to help rebuild public trust by championing truth, transparency, and the integrity of knowledge,” he said.

The symposium highlighted the potential of universities to play a far more prominent role in shaping the future. As articulated in the group’s consensus statement, “Higher education institutions can demonstrate responsible leadership that anticipates and addresses long-term individual and collective readiness for economic, environmental, and social challenges—including climate resilience, peacebuilding, and community impact.”

The SDG16 Hub is a global initiative that brings together universities, scholars, and students to advance more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Under the Carter School’s leadership, the hub collaborates with three vice chairs—the University of Oxford (UK), University for Peace (Costa Rica), and Narxoz University (Kazakhstan).

George Mason’s engagement in this high-level platform further cements its reputation as a thought leader in peace and conflict resolution, while opening exciting new pathways for research collaboration, student engagement, and global visibility. As the first school in the United States serving as a hub chair, the Carter School represents the George Mason community on the world stage and contributes to shaping the next social contract for education—one that places peace, justice, and human dignity at its core.

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Statement from Board of Visitors regarding new federal investigations

Jeannine Harvey — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:30:07 +0000

Statement from Board of Visitors regarding new federal investigations Jeannine Harvey Tue, 07/22/2025 - 15:30

The University received notice yesterday from the Department of Justice regarding new Title VI investigations alleging racial discrimination in admissions, scholarships and student benefits and the University’s response to antisemitism on campus. This is in addition to the previously announced Title VII investigation relating to hiring and promotions and earlier notices from the Department of Education. The Attorney General of Virginia has appointed outside counsel to represent and assist us with responding to these inquiries. Our attorneys are communicating with the DOJ and are working with the University to respond fully to the Government’s requests. The Board of Visitors will ensure GMU complies with all federal anti-discrimination laws as it continues to excel, provide a world-class education, and serve the Commonwealth.

The Board of Visitors

��

July 22, 2025

George Mason launches Virginia’s first robotics PhD

Martha Bushong — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:39:04 +0000

George Mason launches Virginia’s first robotics PhD Martha Bushong Tue, 07/22/2025 - 14:39

��’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is leading the way in robotics with the approval of Virginia’s first PhD program in robotics that will launch in fall 2025. On July 10, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) officially approved the trailblazing program that will educate future leaders in the growing field.

Researcher Missy Cummings will direct the PhD in robotics program. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Mechanical Engineering Department Chair Leigh McCue and leading robotics faculty across the College of Engineering and Computing combined forces to create the multidisciplinary program that spans mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity.

“George Mason is a powerhouse in robotics,” says McCue. With more than 30 faculty members in the field, numerous labs, and research projects, students in the program have access to countless opportunities.

The approval for this program was years in the making and involved many faculty, and it’s coming at the right time to make an impact. “With faculty like Missy Cummings, who will be the program director, Cameron Nowzari, Quentin Sanders, Daigo Shishika, Ningshi Yao, and many more, plus our centers and labs that span across all of our northern Virginia campuses, it felt like the time was right to put together a multidisciplinary program that brings together many great researchers,” says McCue.

The new labs in the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC) in Fairfax, the Life Sciences and Engineering Building on the SciTech ��, and Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington increase the college’s capabilities by providing state-of-the-art areas for designing and constructing any robotic system students and faculty envision, enhancing research and teaching activities.

Students at work in the new robotics makerspace in Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

MARC, which opened in spring 2024, is already pioneering designing secure and intelligent autonomous systems. “Every robotics PhD student has a home in MARC. Like the program, it spans expertise across the College of Engineering and Computing and other colleges throughout the university,” says Missy Cummings, PhD program director and codirector of MARC.

As the program grows, Cummings, McCue, and Jeffrey Moran, Mechanical Engineering's associate chair for graduate studies, hope to see more partnerships and opportunities for these students. “I hope to see the types of projects diversify over the next ten years. Robotics is everywhere, and it touches so many industries, so I would like to see us break into new research areas, such as medical robots or micro-robotics,” says Moran.

Cummings adds that they are looking to partner with other universities and colleges across the state to support this growth and access to research in robotics.

The program is ready for transfer students starting in fall 2025. The department’s decision to fast-track the launch reflects high student interest and strong faculty readiness. “We have the talent, the infrastructure, and a clear vision,” says McCue. “This program is ready to go.” New students may apply for January 2026.

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Statement from Board of Visitors regarding federal investigations

Lynden Tennyson — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:36:59 +0000

Statement from Board of Visitors regarding federal investigations Lynden Tennyson Mon, 07/21/2025 - 14:36

�� is an institution of excellence that plays a special role in educating Virginians and students from across the country and around the world. The Board of Visitors has a fiduciary obligation both to �� as an institution and to the Commonwealth of Virginia to ensure that the University continues to thrive as the largest public university in Virginia. This includes making sure that GMU fully complies with federal anti-discrimination laws as it excels in its mission. The University and the Board will respond fully and promptly to the requests from the U.S. Government and intends to keep the public informed along the way.

The Board of Visitors

��

July 21, 2025

Statement on the passing of Edwin J. Feulner

Bronwyn Longchamp — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 19:13:18 +0000

Statement on the passing of Edwin J. Feulner Bronwyn Longchamp Sat, 07/19/2025 - 15:13

�� mourns the passing of Dr. Edwin J. Feulner, a distinguished public servant, thought leader, and former member of George Mason’s Board of Visitors.

Dr. Feulner, founder and longtime president of The Heritage Foundation, brought a legacy of principled leadership and dedication to public policy during his tenure on George Mason’s Board of Visitors from 1997 to 2001. His commitment to academic excellence, civic responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge helped guide our university during a pivotal moment in its growth.

“Ed Feulner was a champion for freedom and liberty not only in our country, but for people across the globe,” said Charles “Cully” Stimson, Rector of the Board of Visitors. “He served on the Board of Visitors along with former Attorney General Ed Meese, and together they helped put our beloved university on a path to greatness. We all owe Ed Feulner a debt of gratitude for his service to this university, our Commonwealth, and our country.”

The university extends its deepest condolences to the Feulner family and honors Dr. Feulner’s enduring legacy of leadership and service.

Fuse at Mason Square welcomes three new tech industry tenants

Katarina Benson — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:54:01 +0000

Fuse at Mason Square welcomes three new tech industry tenants Katarina Benson Fri, 07/18/2025 - 14:54

Three more tenants have moved into ��’s state-of-the-art Fuse building at Mason Square in the Rosslyn-Ballston Innovation Corridor of Arlington, Virginia.

JSI, Corvex, and Oasis Hill strengthen Fuse as a center for collaboration between industry leaders, government, university researchers, and students. All three tenants moved into Fuse this spring.

Fuse at Mason Square is a 345,000-square-foot technology-focused facility designed to be an innovation community that fosters partnerships and opportunities that accelerate research outcomes into real-world solutions. The private commercial suites, which are adjacent to George Mason’s Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA) and academic programs in disciplines like computer science and engineering, provide immediate access to leading-edge labs, collaboration zones, and convening spaces, as well as highly activated and curated programs, day and night, for the building’s occupants, visitors, and the wider community.

The new tenants represent diverse sectors crucial to the digital economy:

Based in Chantilly, Virginia, JSI is a trusted provider of AI-enabled digital intelligence solutions deployed in more than 40 countries. JSI’s software is used to expand awareness, surface patterns, and simplify data complexity in support of mission-critical operations. Purpose-built for the evidential requirements of law enforcement, JSI has been helping protect what matters, both domestically and abroad, for more than 45 years.

“Quality and speed matter, and Fuse will accelerate our momentum with academic partners to close today's most pressing mission-critical gaps,” said Josh McKenna, president of JSI USA. “It’s more than a collaboration space; it’s a launchpad for practical, cost-effective innovation that helps clean streets, secure borders, and protect communities.”

Corvex provides accessible computing infrastructure for the entire AI lifecycle. The Corvex AI Cloud enables innovators to train, fine-tune, and inference AI models using the latest generation of supercomputers paired with white-glove support to ensure client success.

"Fuse at Mason Square is thriving with innovation. It’s not just the technology focus of the building, but the community of innovators it is attracting," said Jay Crystal, Corvex Co-CEO.

Corvex operates at the absolute cutting edge of hardware and software that powers third-party developers' AI applications. The Corvex team's background in large-scale distributed computing and enterprise-grade software development infuses our community with a unique perspective in the fastest growing segment of the technology industry.

Oasis Hill is an innovation hub that will host pitch competitions, networking events, and accelerate start-ups in the tech marketplace and healthcare AI world. Co-founder Shy Pahlevani has been recognized as one of D.C.’s Top Young Entrepreneurs and Washington Business Journals’ 40 Under 40. He is also the founder of two Arlington start-ups: LiveSafe, which crowdsources safety intelligence, and HUNGRY, an office catering service.

JSI and Oasis Hill are collaborating with George Mason colleges and programs to offer mentorship to student entrepreneurs, mentorship/internship opportunities, and joint research projects.

“��’s Mason Enterprise is excited to be partnering with Oasis Hill on a series of tech accelerators focused on vertical markets, including artificial intelligence, biomedical, and more,” said Paula Sorrell, associate vice president for innovation and economic development at George Mason. “Mason Enterprise will bring its expertise in running effective technical field accelerators that bridges universities and the community, while Oasis Hill will bring their entrepreneurial energy and subject matter experts to deliver programs based in Fuse in Arlington at Mason Square.”

“JSI's tenancy in Fuse will accelerate our ability to collaborate on existing and new research endeavors, provide a direct line of tech talent to JSI and facilitate JSI's efforts to create project-based learning opportunities for George Mason students at Mason Square,” said Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement at George Mason.

"The latest cohort of tenants will drive innovation at Fuse, and each brings unique solutions to the market,” said Brian Naumick, managing director at Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. “Fuse allows them unparalleled opportunities and tailored amenities designed to foster greater innovation and collaboration. The experience at Fuse is different, driven by its one-of-a-kind space and unique curated events and experiences planned every day for the benefit of our collaborators.”

Learn more about Mason Enterprise

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Background on new investigation from Department of Justice

Lynden Tennyson — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:31:21 +0000

Background on new investigation from Department of Justice Lynden Tennyson Fri, 07/18/2025 - 10:31

Dear fellow Patriots:

As anticipated, the US Department of Justice has joined the US Department of Education to investigate allegations of discriminatory hiring practices at ��. I am writing to update you on what we understand to be unfolding.

�� learned of the new investigation when a news release was distributed yesterday. Because the Board of Visitors has opted to outsource the university’s engagement with federal agencies to the Torridon Law firm, university staff is not able to make direct contact with the DOJ in order to learn more about the complaint.

Regardless, we will as always work in good faith to cooperate fully with the investigation, and are gathering requested information as required. We remain confident that facts and evidence show that George Mason does not engage in “illegal DEI,” as the general accusation has been labeled.

Based on yesterday’s news release and accompanying letter sent to the law firm, it appears parts of the complaint are based on outdated digital posts, namely a tweet from my account from June 27, 2022, in which I praised a faculty member’s award for his work in diversity and inclusivity, and a livestreamed town hall from November 2020, in which a group of university leaders described how we hoped to answer the public’s demand for more inclusivity in university operations.

Historical context

I am compelled to offer historical reminders to students, faculty, and staff who were not on campus in 2020. Context is vital to fully understanding why these statements were appropriate at the time and in fact were complying with state mandates.

Both the 2020 video town hall and my 2022 tweet occurred in the wake of several tragic events culminating in George Floyd’s murder. As part of addressing this national reckoning, we were examining ourselves, looking for ways to become better. Not only were we working to improve, being Virginia’s largest and most diverse public university meant government leaders and the public expected George Mason to play a meaningful part in creating structures and programming to address old biases and persistent inequalities in business operations.

Engagement with local and state governments ensued, and this culminated in Gov. Ralph Northam announcing the launch of the ONE Virginia plan in March 2021 to advance “inclusive excellence across state agencies.” At the time, then-Director of the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management Emily Elliott said, “We charge all agency leaders to adopt the ONE Virginia Plan and subsequent Principles of Community to create an engaged workforce that leverages diversity as a strength … and practices that hold each agency accountable for expanded access, success, and overall inclusive excellence.” And George Mason did as expected by state government.

In March 2021 Virginia also enacted amendments to Virginia Code 2.2-602, which now requires George Mason and all state agencies to “establish and maintain a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan in coordination with” the Governor’s Office. Law requires the plan to “integrate the diversity, equity, and inclusion goals into the agency's mission, operations, programs, and infrastructure.” It goes on to require us to address “barriers to equal employment opportunities,” “foster pay equity,” “promote diversity and equity in hiring,” and “promote employee engagement and inclusivity.”

This is current law in Virginia.

Our practices and initiatives, including some being questioned by the DOJ, emanated from this framework. They were developed in collaboration with our Board of Visitors, and through shared governance with our students, faculty and staff. It has never been a “one man show” at Mason.

After the 2021 gubernatorial elections, newly-appointed members of the Board of Visitors who held critical views of DEI activities began directing staff to review and scale back DEI efforts by late 2023. However, in June of 2022, the new Governor had not yet rolled back those directives in the ONE Virginia plan. By 2025, after a year of study from two university committees whose membership included board members and staff, and followed by a subsequent restructuring, the board instructed us to dismantle programs and reassign or eliminate staff, which we have done.

Just as we complied with leadership expectations to increase DEI programming, we have also worked in good faith to follow directives in the opposite direction. Throughout the shifts, we have leaned on our institutional values, and stayed true to our core ethos to remain a constant beacon of welcoming and inclusivity to everyone who seeks us out. It’s a very difficult path to travel, but we have worked in earnest to maintain that path.

Free expression, but not exclusionary policies

It is true that on regular occasions I have publicly and passionately expressed my aspirations and goals to erase bias against any and all groups, and maintain an environment welcoming to all who seek it out. I remain as passionate about that today as I was when I arrived in July 2020.

It is inaccurate to conclude that we created new university policies or procedures that discriminated against or excluded anyone. To the contrary, our systems were enhanced to improve on our ability to consistently include everyone for consideration of every employment opportunity. That is our ethos and it is core to our identity as a national leader in inclusive excellence in higher education.

Being under such federal investigations is not familiar territory to George Mason, and I understand how this can be upsetting and distractive to so many who work or study here. As we work through this, it is my hope that we will be granted due process to explain in detail much of what I have highlighted above. I will always do my best to keep you as informed as possible on events as they occur.

We have weathered so much as one community, not least of which a pandemic and a recession. As always, we will come through this as the George Mason community always does: together.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

Update on University response to investigations

Lynden Tennyson — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:24:10 +0000

Update on University response to investigations Lynden Tennyson Wed, 07/16/2025 - 10:24

Dear fellow Patriots:

By now, you know that last week �� was given a second notice of investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), this time regarding alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 relative to our faculty hiring.

As in all cases, we will cooperate fully with the OCR.

We are also thankful for the outpouring of support for George Mason from our greater community – from on campus, the Northern Virginia region, and around the nation.

On Friday, I was notified by the rector of our board of visitors that the board has retained the Torridon Law firm to represent the university on all matters related to both investigations. Torridon also now serves as the only authorized news media interface on all matters related to the OCR inquiries.

Though university staff is no longer coordinating the university response, I can assure you that George Mason has always operated with a commitment to equality under the law, ever since our inception. It is simply the Mason way, and in my experience, it has not discriminated based on race, color, national origin, or otherwise. Our diversity efforts are designed to expand opportunity and build inclusive excellence – not to exclude or advantage any group unlawfully.

The investigation reportedly stems from a complaint alleging that the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts amount to unlawful racial preference. The university strongly rejects that characterization.

In Response to a Widely Distributed Press Release

The Department of Education issued a press release at the same time it notified George Mason of the latest investigation, and I want to be sure that our community has an accurate understanding of the realities of how we hire faculty and staff at George Mason.

No academic units mandate outcomes based on race, color, national origin, sex, or any other characteristic protected by law. These practices are consistent with equal opportunity principles.
There are no mechanisms in Mason’s promotion and tenure policies that give preferential treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, or any other characteristic protected by law.
There are no academic unit performance evaluations authorized at George Mason that use race or anti-racism measures as determinants of institutional success.
All task force work around inclusivity has aligned with state-level policy priorities and directives included in Virginia’s “One Virginia Plan.” No task force outcomes instituted hiring quotas or race-based policies.
We support units in developing rigorous standards in alignment with strong research institutions nationally, the university does not define those standards, and all hiring evaluations are based on the required and preferred qualifications listed in our position descriptions. Units are never instructed by the university to hire individuals with credentials below those standards or based on race or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why Title VI Exists – and What It Was Meant to Correct

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted to dismantle explicit and systemic racial discrimination that denied access to education, employment, housing, and public services based solely on race, color, or national origin. It was designed to ensure that no person in the United States would be excluded from participation in federally funded programs because of who they are.

Before the Civil Rights Act, it was legal in many states – including Virginia – to deny African Americans access to quality public schools, equal job opportunities, and basic services. Activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., alongside countless citizens of all races and faiths, sacrificed their lives and livelihoods to secure these protections. Title VI was born from this movement and was intended to be a tool to expand opportunity – not to suppress efforts to build fairer, more inclusive systems.

Today, we are seeing a profound shift in how Title VI is being applied. Longstanding efforts to address inequality – such as mentoring programs, inclusive hiring practices, and support for historically underrepresented groups – are in many cases being reinterpreted as presumptively unlawful. Broad terms like “illegal DEI” are now used without definition, allowing virtually any initiative that touches on identity or inclusion to be painted as discriminatory.

This shift represents a stark departure from the spirit in which civil rights law was written: not to erase difference, but to protect individuals from exclusion and to enable equal opportunity for all.

George Mason’s Broader Commitment

As Virginia’s largest and most diverse public university, Mason enrolls more Pell-eligible students than any other institution in the Commonwealth and graduates students from all backgrounds at similarly high rates. It admits 90% of applicants and proudly offers an elite education to the broadest possible public. Its mission is grounded in excellence, access, and impact, not exclusion. And we send students into an economy that depends deeply on George Mason to be a reliable source for career talent. This region would not be the powerhouse it is without our university, carrying out its mission in what we often refer to as “the Mason way.”

That “Mason way” includes the belief that diversity includes thought, background, and circumstance and any attempt to artificially redefine our diversity, as one of race-based exclusivity, is doomed to fail no matter who ends up being excluded.

I will continue to update you as circumstances allow, and wish everyone a continued productive and rejuvenating summer as we anticipate another record class of entering freshmen next month.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible

Sarah Holland — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:42:01 +0000

V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible Sarah Holland Tue, 07/15/2025 - 15:42

In 2025, �� came out on top for its commitment to increasing access to opportunity in two key rankings. U.S. News and World Report ranked �� #1 in the state of Virginia for internships, and the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) named �� to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings.

Critical to expanding the field of opportunities is University Career Services, which provides top-tier support for students, including critical scholarships to increase internship accessibility. And as a testament to their dedicated work, the office recently received a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) subaward for $40,000 for continued development and expansion of internship programs.

Students at the 2025 Career Fair. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Internships play a large part in career readiness. They give students a chance to test their skills in real-world situations while becoming comfortable in new office environments and navigating new responsibilities.

“Data shows that students who complete experiential educational activities are always more likely to be able to find career success in their first job,” said Matthew Myers, associate director of employer and alumni engagement and recipient of the subaward on behalf of University Career Services.

But one of the largest barriers for students interested in internships is the cost.

“A lot of George Mason students are working while putting themselves through school,” said Myers. “Doing an unpaid internship might mean having to cut their hours or even quit the jobs that they need to provide for themselves and their families, without receiving supplemental income in return.”

To help give all students the opportunity to pursue an internship, University Career Services offers scholarships for students who take unpaid internships. The V-TOP subaward will, in part, support these scholarships.

“Part of our duty as a university is to provide students with opportunities. More opportunities mean better outcomes for them in both internships and future careers,” said Myers.

Myers noted that this doesn’t just help the students: It gives employers a unique opportunity to grow. Lack of funding for internships is just as much of a barrier for smaller organizations as it is for the students. Through the internship scholarships, smaller organizations get a chance to explore what interns can do for their company without as heavy a cost burden.

“Interns bring fresh perspectives and new talents, and they widen applicant pools, particularly for smaller organizations,” said Myers. “Once they see the value, we hope they’ll be encouraged to continue providing those opportunities."

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

George Mason is well-regarded in the area for the strength of its graduates across various industries. Myers, in his work with employers, believes the proof is in their continued engagement with the university and recruitment of George Mason students.

Angela Biehl, director of talent acquisition for the nonprofit organization ATCC, calls ATCC’s strategic partnership with George Mason, “an integral component of our broader talent acquisition strategy.” Multiple ATCC team members are George Mason alumni, many of whom started their early career journeys with internships at ATCC. And the pipeline continues: Two current George Mason students are participating in their 2025 Summer Internship Program.

“ATCC’s partnership with George Mason continues to deliver measurable results—fueling innovation, advancing our scientific mission, and empowering the next generation of scientists,” said Biehl. “It is a model of how strategic academic collaboration can drive workforce development and long-term organizational impact.”

“Our students are go-getters. They aren’t afraid of a challenge,” he said. “And the multicultural experiences they get in the classroom—working not just with people from around the globe but also of different ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more—is highly valuable to employers.”

Whether through scholarships, internship fairs, or resume and interview help, University Career Services’ dedication to connecting students with valuable internship experiences helps strengthen Virginia’s workforce.

Myers said, “we want our students to impact the community, and being able to get meaningful experiences in their field of choice is a big piece of that.”

Learn more about internships at George Mason

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George Mason’s Broader Commitment

V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible

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Update on University response to investigations

In Response to a Widely Distributed Press Release

Why Title VI Exists – and What It Was Meant to Correct

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V-TOP subaward will help make George Mason’s top-ranked internship opportunities more accessible

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