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Movers and Shakers Mixer connects George Mason students with industry leaders

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:46:41 +0000

Movers and Shakers Mixer connects George Mason students with industry leaders Lauren Reuscher Wed, 11/05/2025 - 12:46

�� students recently gathered with leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector at Fuse at Mason Square for an evening of mixing, mingling, and making connections. The annual Movers and Shakers Mixer introduces George Mason undergraduate and graduate students to professionals in a variety of career fields.

For students who are new to Mason Square, the event is also a great opportunity to connect with fellow Patriots.

The annual Movers and Shakers Mixer introduces George Mason students to professionals in a variety of career fields. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Caroline Kung, a student pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, aspires to be a software engineer at an aerospace company, such as Boeing or Lockheed Martin.

“It sounded like a great opportunity to meet other graduate students as well as community leaders in the area,” she said. “I’ve just started my program this fall, and I’m glad to have the chance to meet more people face to face.”

During the event, Kung spoke with the director of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, and an external affairs representative from Dominion Energy.

“They were both very welcoming and happy to tell me more about their work. It was great to learn more about a new industry and other people’s career paths,” stated Kung.

Kung was also one of five attendees selected in a raffle to receive a one-on-one networking lunch with an industry leader.

George Mason alumnus Erick Arrivillaga, a first-year student at the Antonin Scalia Law School, also attended the event to expand his professional network. Arrivillaga graduated with a BS in criminology, law and society and a BA in government and international politics in 2024.

The aspiring criminal defense attorney met senior leaders from the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council and Arlington County government.

“I enjoyed meeting all the leaders at the event. They gave us valuable insight into their careers,” Arrivillaga said.

The Movers and Shakers Mixer gives students an opportunity to connect with leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

For Shaye Dietrich, BS Criminology, Law and Society ’24, Movers and Shakers was the starting point of her career in law enforcement. As a student at last year’s event, she met several area professionals, including representatives from the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.

“I spoke with the deputies and told them about my career goals,” Dietrich said. “They had an upcoming academy and encouraged me to apply.”

Following graduation, Dietrich completed 10 weeks of training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. She now serves as a deputy at the Arlington County Detention Facility.

This year, Dietrich returned to Movers and Shakers—as a representative of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office—to share her experience and inspire fellow Patriots.

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Costello hosts first AI Symposium

Katelynn C Hipolito — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:30:55 +0000

Costello hosts first AI Symposium Katelynn C Hipolito Tue, 10/28/2025 - 12:30

On Wednesday, October 22, the Costello College of Business at �� welcomed students and members of the local business community to its first-ever Artificial Intelligence Symposium, held on the Fairfax ��. Sponsored by NABA and Deloitte, the event featured two dynamic panel discussions focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workforce.

(Left to Right) Dean Ajay Vinzé, Patrick Soleymani, BS ’07, MBA ’09, Cheryl Druehl, Tasha Austin-Williams, James Suh, Amarda Shehu, Rajiv Shenoy, Guylaine Sainte Juste, BA ’94. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business.

As the lights dimmed, attendees were greeted by an AI-generated voice, setting the tone for the evening: “The future isn’t written by algorithms. It’s co-authored by people bold enough to lead them.”

Following the introduction, Patrick Soleymani, BS Management ’07, MBA ’09, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement and emcee for the evening, framed the significance of the event. “Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging concept—it's a transformative force shaping every industry, discipline, and leadership decision,” he said. “Tonight’s program brings together leading voices from academia and industry to discuss how AI is changing the way we work, learn, and lead.”

“Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging concept—it's a transformative force shaping every industry, discipline, and leadership decision.”

— Patrick Soleymani, BS Management ‘07, MBA ‘09, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement

The first panel focused on the technological implications of AI. Moderated by Cheryl Druehl, senior associate dean for faculty affairs and research, the discussion featured Rajiv Shenoy, partner and associate director at Boston Consulting Group; and James Suh, CTO/CIO of NABA, Inc. and CEO and co-founder of Nashville Analytics, LLC. Both Shenoy and Suh emphasized the importance of analyzing threats, challenges, and opportunities within the organization that AI would be addressing. “AI can’t compete with human creativity,” said Shenoy. However, he said, using AI is critical to upskilling, and those unwilling to embrace the technology will eventually be replaced. Suh shared that at NABA they strive to hire hyper curious employees.

“Now we turn our focus to the people, policy, and leadership implications of AI adoption,” said Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Costello College of Business, who moderated the second panel that featured Tasha Austin-Williams, principal at Deloitte; Guylaine Sainte Juste, BA International Relations ’94, president and CEO, NABA Inc.; and Amarda Shehu, inaugural vice president and chief AI officer, ��. Acknowledging that one person cannot be an expert at everything, Sainte Juste noted, “This technology will move us from a world of expertise to a world of adaptability.” Shehu shared that George Mason has worked closely with students, faculty, and staff to provide access to AI tools in a secure and user-friendly environment, with a strong emphasis on innovative curriculum development.

The message of the evening was clear: The era of AI is here. Now is the time to embrace this transformative technology and integrate it into skillsets, leadership strategies, and educational frameworks. “Whether you’re in academia, business, or government, the future of AI requires bold thinking, inclusive design, and ongoing collaboration,” Soleymani said in closing. The Costello College of Business is committed to convening thought leaders and equipping students and faculty with the tools to not only keep pace with AI—but to lead with it.

(Left to Right) Rajiv Shenoy, Amarda Shehu, Dean Ajay Vinzé, Tasha Austin-Williams, Julia Coulter, Patrick Soleymani, Guylaine Sainte Juste, Cheryl Druehl, James Suh. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business.

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Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair

Katarina Benson — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:56:29 +0000

Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair Katarina Benson Thu, 10/23/2025 - 16:56

Over the three days of this fall’s Career Fair, more than 5,000 �� students filled Dewberry Hall in sharp professional attire and with polished résumés in hand—ready to take the next step toward their careers.

George Mason’s Career Fair, held each fall and spring semester, is the university’s largest on-campus recruiting event, connecting students with representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. The event offers students opportunities to explore internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions across a range of industries.

Wilkerson and fellow staff members at the career fair. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

“These are opportunities to get right in front of the employers,” said Phillip Wilkerson, employer engagement consultant at University Career Services (UCS). “I like to tell students this is not a place where you can automatically get a job or a magic ticket; it’s a great way to build relationships, get business cards, and stay in touch.”

While the fair is about connections, success begins long before students step into Dewberry Hall. University Career Services offers one-on-one advising to help students refine résumés, craft cover letters, and practice introductions before the career fair.

“Confidence comes with preparation,” Wilkerson said. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you are.”

A students converses with an employer. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Mary Claire Kraft, employer outreach manager for University Career Services, recommended that students research before the fair to be even more prepared. “Number one, check Handshake, George Mason’s job search web site,” she said. “When students meet an employer they’re interested in, they can then share one thing they already know about them.”

Each day of the fair is focused on a different area or industry. Day one was focused on science, technology, engineering and health; day two was a general day for all companies; and day three was mainly attended by business, government, education and nonprofit organizations.

Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore majoring in management information systems, approached the fair with an open mindset, something she credits with helping her make the most of the fair. “I think it’s important not to limit yourself, even if you have a specific major,” she said. “There are benefits to attending all days of the Career Fair.”

First-year student Lilliana Russell attended her first fair this fall eager to learn. The civil and infrastructure engineering major arrived early with a list of employers to meet and a curiosity about what her field has to offer. “I’m really just trying to scope out what the different companies in my field are and maybe score an internship,” she said.

Students meet with potential employers. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Russell added that her nerves faded once she began speaking with recruiters. “Once I got to know everyone and saw how excited they were to talk with students, I let go of any preconceived notions I had about the event,” she said.

University Career Services hosts a wide variety of career fairs throughout the year. Students can keep the momentum going a Clearance Ready event on October 28 at noon. Engineering Careers Week kicks off November 10. Learn more about these and other career opportunities.

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Center for Community Mental Health partnership provides behavioral health training

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:33:19 +0000

Center for Community Mental Health partnership provides behavioral health training Katarina Benson Wed, 10/15/2025 - 17:33

Since 2010, the Center for Community Mental Health’s (CCMH) mission has been twofold: train �� students to become behavioral health care professionals, and provide evidence-based, accessible, and affordable mental health care to members of the Northern Virginia community.

The center’s latest partnership checks both boxes.

From left: Claude Moore Opportunities CEO Bill Hazel, George Mason Center for Community Mental Health director Robyn Mehlenbeck, ConnerStrong Foundation president and founder Tom Worosz, and George Mason PhD student Lucy McClellan. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/CHSS

The center, in conjunction with nonprofits Claude Moore Opportunities and the ConnerStrong Foundation, hosted a four-day training in September led by Sources of Strength, a nationally renowned, evidence-based suicide prevention program, for nearly 30 trainees, including more than 20 George Mason students. The goal is for the Sources of Strength curriculum to be implemented in local schools across Virginia, to improve mental health among youth populations.

“This was an incredible opportunity to bring together impactful partners to meet both aspects of our mission,” CCMH director Robyn Mehlenbeck said, “to be an integral part of expanding the youth mental health workforce here in Virginia while also providing our George Mason undergrads some really unique opportunities to both be trained and then credentialed to give them career paths.”

In addition to the Sources of Strength training, 12 Youth Mental Health Corps members through Serve Virginia, and seven Youth Mental Health AmeriCorps members—all George Mason or Rappahannock Community College students—are participating in a two-semester course at George Mason titled Special Topics: Supporting the Youth Mental Health Workforce. By taking the course, all 19 students will meet requirements for state certification.

George Mason students receive Sources of Strength training at the Center for Community Mental Health. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/CHSS

Five of the AmeriCorps students and the 12 Youth Mental Health Corps students will seek certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee through George Mason. Two Youth Mental Health AmeriCorps members will receive certification as a Behavioral Health Technician Assistant through Rappahannock Community College. Both certifications are through the Virginia State Board of Counseling and provide more job options for these students.

“It is an exciting opportunity through multiple lenses,” said Lucy McClellan, a George Mason clinical psychology PhD candidate who is teaching the course. “There is an ongoing youth mental health crisis. Engaging these motivated and passionate students will be a step toward addressing that. It can be challenging to find mental health service experience as an undergraduate so this experience is really integral.”

Bill Hazel serves as the CEO of Claude Moore Opportunities, which, in collaboration with Danville Community College and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, sponsored the seven AmeriCorps members. Hazel was previously the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources and senior advisor for innovation and community engagement at George Mason.

Since leaving his role as the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources in 2014, Hazel jokes he has been on his atonement tour to address all the areas he “couldn’t or didn’t fix” while in his post. He said lack of “meaningful support” through behavioral health care remains a growing issue, especially for younger generations.

“What is important about this group is they are a potential workforce to deliver the service,” Hazel said. “When you get to be a certain age, maybe you lose touch with the younger generation. These trainees are as near to peers as you can get to dealing with teens. Our hope is that this training will be personally beneficial, as they look at their own situations and their own goals in life and that it will provide them career opportunities they will enjoy.”

George Mason students and AmeriCorps members before Sources of Strength training at the Center for Community Mental Health. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/CHSS

Tom Worosz, president and founder of the ConnerStrong Foundation, has sponsored Sources of Strength training and implementation in approximately 20 schools in Virginia. Worosz founded the ConnerStrong Foundation in 2017 after his son, Conner, died by suicide at 17. The foundation’s mission is to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention and to change the discussion about mental health, especially for teenagers and young adults. The foundation has partnered with the CCMH for the last five years.

With the ConnorStrong Foundation, Mehlenbeck and George Mason clinical psychology students hold monthly virtual workshops for parents of school-aged children from K-12 that are available throughout the school year. The workshops address a variety of topics, including domestic violence, social media, artificial intelligence, and graduation.

“Through finding like-minded people in our community—[CCMH] director Robyn Mehlenbeck, her team, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences dean Ann Ardis, Dr. Hazel and his staff over at Claude Moore Opportunities—and others who want to change the way we address mental health, we cover all age groups, but especially getting to our kids early and often has been a blessing,” Worosz said.

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Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05

The Career Influencers Network at �� empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The network exemplifies George Mason’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George Mason to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George Mason, and share career resources with students.

“�� partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George Mason’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George Mason students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. About 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

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George Mason pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum

Katarina Benson — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:01:23 +0000

George Mason pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum Katarina Benson Fri, 10/03/2025 - 15:01

Quantum science may operate at the tiniest scales of the universe, but its potential to reshape our world is anything but small. This summer, �� hosted the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program, preparing high school students for careers in the rapidly emerging field of quantum science.

The program welcomed rising seniors from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Virginia for an immersive, two-part experience consisting of a two-week virtual course covering the fundamentals of quantum science, followed by an in-person week centered at the George Mason Fairfax ��. During the in-person experience students engaged with hands-on learning and saw how quantum concepts are already shaping the world around them. They also visited leading institutions in research, technology, and policy.

Program leads Nancy Holincheck and Jessica Rosenberg. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

“Before this experience, I always associated 'quantum' with quantum physics,” said participant Benjamin Fu. “But I’ve learned that quantum technologies power many of the applications and systems we rely on every day.”

The program is led by Jessica Rosenberg, professor of Physics and Astronomy and director of education at George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, and Nancy Holincheck, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and associate director of the Center for Social Equity Through Science Education.

"We want to give the students a feel for why it is interesting and important so that they consider taking that next step in a field that can be challenging," said Rosenberg. "If we can get these students interested, there will be plenty of time for them to dive into the math and other details that you need to really pursue the field. We also make sure to introduce them to a lot of people with a lot of different backgrounds and experiences to show them the variety of ways they can engage with and make an impact in the field."

Both Rosenberg and Holincheck guided students this summer through interactive sessions and field experiences, with many participants citing the visits as a highlight of their experience. For Fu, the visit to the MITRE Corporation, an organization that manages federally funded research and development, left a lasting impression.

“I met so many working professionals, and I admire their curiosity and how well they communicate their expertise,” he said. “They have to work closely with government agencies and serve as a bridge between academic research and real-world policy, and I could definitely see myself doing something like that in the future.”

2025 Quantum Pathways Program participants. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

Fellow participant Laura De also liked visiting MITRE. “I’m interested in industry-based applications of quantum and so seeing how people in the workforce implement the technologies, outside of academia, was the coolest thing. I think seeing that helped me envision doing that in the future.”

Participant Colette Cookson described the visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as the highlight of the program, where she witnessed aerospace engineering in action and saw the massive machinery used in final-stage rocket testing. The students were shown how the facility uses vibration, sound, and extreme temperatures to ensure a rocket is sound before sending it to space. “I didn’t realize how many people were involved in making a single launch possible and that each step had its own specialist come in to do their part. There’s a lot of collaboration and interdisciplinary work,” she said.

Rosenberg and Holincheck also took participants through George Mason’s labs and let them see some of the work being done by current George Mason students.

Participant Horayn Gibson uses a handheld spectrometer to look at the different light waves that make up helium. Photo by Kimberly Cruz-Cruz

“I had no idea George Mason had so many resources or was investing this much in STEM,” said Cookson. “Every lab we visited was amazing, and it was cool to hear the postdocs talk about their research. One was working on something they said they hoped could cure cancer.”

For Avanthika Thodupunuri, the most exciting part was meeting current George Mason students whose research connected with her own interests. “I want to know how quantum can be applied to the stock market, and one student was working on a physics-based study in that area,” she said. “This program was incredible. I was surrounded by people who were not only incredibly smart, but also genuinely curious, asking thoughtful questions and interested in the subject.”

The Quantum Pathways Immersion program is part of QSEC’s K12 Quantum Workforce Development Project, which was funded by an appropriation sponsored by former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton and aims to inspire the next generation of students to pursue the field while simultaneously preparing a diverse quantum workforce in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

“As the next generation, I think everyone is going to want to at least have some basic understanding [of quantum], and this program definitely gives you a head start on it,” said Thodupunuri.

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George Mason highlighted for creating workforce partnerships

Colleen Rich — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:50:59 +0000

George Mason highlighted for creating workforce partnerships Colleen Rich Mon, 09/15/2025 - 10:50

�� President Gregory Washington was a panelist at an American Council on Education (ACE) briefing on Capitol Hill that focused on universities partnering with industry to address shortages in the health care workforce.

From left, George Mason President Gregory Washington, Inova Health System's John Moynihan, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Labouré College of Healthcare President Lily Hsu, Ascentria Care Alliance President and CEO Angela Bovill. Photo by ACE

The event also highlighted George Mason as one of the Carnegie Foundation and ACE “Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings.”

Among the other panelists at the Sept. 9 briefing was Inova Health System President and Chief of Clinical Enterprise John Moynihan. George Mason partners with Inova and others in the industry to provide pathways to careers for George Mason graduates. The Mason Center for Health Workforce serves as a catalyst and facilitator of community action for health workforce development across Virginia.

“This is ultimately about creating opportunity for the next generation,” Washington said. “Opportunity should be at the heart of every partnership we build.”

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NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training

Nathan Kahl — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:43:45 +0000

NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training Nathan Kahl Sat, 09/13/2025 - 18:43

�� faculty members received nearly $1 million in a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program providing hands-on nanofabrication training and education to people seeking a career change.

The funding comes under NSF’s ExLENT Pivots track and will serve the national interest by expanding experiential learning pathways in emerging hardware technologies driven by nanofabrication. It focuses on increasing workforce opportunities in Northern Virginia, a region positioned for growth in emerging technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence hardware, quantum information science, data center engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.

Ahn's research focus is nanofabrication. Photo by Office of University Branding

“The most important term is ‘experiential,' and it’s rare for NSF to provide this kind of funding," said Ethan Ahn, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a founding director of Mason Nanoelectronics Laboratory, who is the lead principal investigator (PI) on the project. "The idea here is to produce this workforce for very high tech-focused areas by applying the learning-by-doing model.”

George Mason is already known as one of the commonwealth's largest producers of tech talent.

The program provides an opportunity for working professionals who are looking to change careers; even those with no STEM background are encouraged to apply, as suggested by the “pivot” track from NSF.

“We’ll take people regardless of their background, education, or readiness," said Ahn. "We’ll provide everything they need to be job-ready by training participants with both lab and soft skills, providing connections with industry, and, if hired, paying them during their summer employment."

Co-PI Jessica Rosenberg, professor of physics and director of education at George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, said, “Nanofabrication is important for a range of high-tech industries, including semiconductors, biomedical, and energy. We’re creating a program to provide the support, education, and training needed for individuals to get a job in this growing sector. It will help them meet their goals while also supporting a regional talent pipeline.”

The program will run for three years, with approximately 20 participants every year. A key component of the initial phase of the program is access to a mobile app used for virtual training. The team is developing the app because they recognize that participants may have existing responsibilities that make coming to campus a challenge. After participants complete this first phase on their own schedule, they will then go to campus to participate in a research lab for the hands-on portions of the program.

Jessica Rosenberg is director of education at George Mason's Quantum Science and Engineering Center. Photo by Office of University Branding

Ahn said a particularly interesting element of the program is a guaranteed interview in the industry. They are already working with BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman and expect this number of companies participating to grow through a collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. "The hope is that the participants will be able to turn the opportunity into a full-time position,” he said.

George Mason will give program participants microcredentials, competency-based qualifications indicating a mastery of a subject, as they complete each phase of the program. This opportunity’s timing is ideal for Virginians looking to make a career change and supports the university’s efforts in building Virginia’s high-tech workforce.

Ahn was inspired to apply for the funding in part by the fact that the new Innovation District, led jointly by ��, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by George Mason’s Science and Technology ��, co-locates the university with industry and government to create a dynamic collaboration model.

“Relationships between university and industry are common, but this also includes government,” said Ahn. “We already have this established network via the Innovation District and in my proposal I said we are going to focus on nanofabrication, which is my area of expertise. I think those things made it appealing to NSF.”

Jill Nelson, professor and associate dean for undergraduate programs, and Nathalia Peixoto, associate professor, both in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are also PI's on the grant.

The program will welcome its first cohort in spring 2026.

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New lab school brings work-based learning to Shenandoah Valley students

Colleen Rich — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:21:54 +0000

New lab school brings work-based learning to Shenandoah Valley students Colleen Rich Thu, 09/04/2025 - 13:21

Commonwealth, public school and higher education leaders joined community members, parents and students Wednesday for the opening of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications (DSCA Lab School).

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears helped kick off the academic year for the new Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School. Photo by Liz Roll Photography

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Virginia Commissioner of Virginia Works Nicole Overley and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears joined George Mason College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards and school leadership at the Dowell J. Howard Center in Winchester, Virginia, to kick off the school year.

The DSCA Lab School is collaborative partnership between �� and Frederick County Public Schools, as well as six rural and rural-fringe school districts in the Shenandoah Valley including Clarke County, Fauquier County, Page County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, and Winchester Public Schools, along with Mountain Vista Governor’s School and Laurel Ridge Community College. The Governing Board of the DSCA Lab School is co-chaired by Edwards and George Hummer, superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools and includes College of Science Chief Business Officer Meghan St. George.

One of 16 Virginia lab schools created by Youngkin and the second for George Mason, this DSCA Lab School will support 10th- through 12th-grade students through academic programming that fosters data literacy and showcases the latest innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Academic pathways will focus on data science and computing through research opportunities, apprenticeships and internships, experiential and project-based learning, certifications and microcredentials in data analytics, offering opportunities to earn an associate’s degree and college credits, as well as work-based learning.

The George Mason team with DSCA students. Photo by Liz Roll Photography

In the era of expanding demand for skilled data science professionals, Edwards explained in his remarks that the DSCA Lab School’s innovative data science curriculum offers a real-world, problem-based learning environment with focused educational experiences shaped directly by workforce needs and student interests.

Students will work on specific, student-led research projects with peers, faculty, and other researchers. Mentorship is offered to students throughout the program by Big Data business and industry partners through a choice of work-based experiences to equal a minimum of one high school credit per year. Global and multicultural experiences are integral to the program as well, and students will interact with peers from U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, and developing countries.

The lab schools are part of George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative, showcasing how the university is advancing 21st century education for all, as well as the university’s commitment to workforce readiness.

“With the launch of today’s lab school, even more Virginia high school students in the Shenandoah Valley will be able to seize and benefit from a great educational opportunity catered to their interests.” said Youngkin. “By creating personalized pathways where students can pursue their interests and chase their dreams, we are empowering the next generation with the data-literacy skills they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven workforce.”

“Data science is the fastest-growing industry in Virginia, projected to grow 18.2% in the next five years,” said Secretary Guidera, noting that the lab school will provide critical “exposure, experience and expertise” to Virginia students.

“This school’s distinctive learning approach connecting learning to real-world challenges can drastically enhance students’ educational trajectories,“ Edwards said. “Instead of beginning with theories, students are using data to find answers.” For instance, to determine the safest places in the Shenandoah River for swimming, students could collect and test water samples, analyze the results and interpret their findings.

“In addition to developing students’ data literacy, this learning approach also strengthens competencies of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, the very competencies future employees need to successfully lead,” he added.

DSCA Lab School lead Padhu Seshaiyer, a George Mason professor of mathematical sciences, explained, “Students from rural and rural-fringe school divisions will gain the expertise needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a data-driven world—empowering a data-literate next-generation workforce prepared for the demands of the modern economy and essential for workforce readiness.”

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Mason Korea hosts Young Innovators Summer Camp for local youth

Colleen Rich — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:00:54 +0000

Mason Korea hosts Young Innovators Summer Camp for local youth Colleen Rich Tue, 09/02/2025 - 13:00

Eighty elementary, middle, and high school students from Incheon, South Korea, spent four days exploring the technologies shaping the future at Mason Korea’s 2025 Young Innovators Summer Camp. Held on the Songdo campus from August 18–21, the program is part of Incheon’s Youth Talent Development initiative.

Young Innovators Summer Camp at Mason Korea. Photo provided

Each day began with “AI, Robotics, and Me,” a lecture by Eunmee Lee, Mason Korea’s associate professor of English for academic purposes, who introduced students to the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics while encouraging conversations about their ethical use. The program also featured a computer game design workshop led by James Broderick, assistant professor of computer game design, giving students a chance to develop and test their own game ideas.

“We designed this camp to give students space to explore, play, and discover new ideas,” said Lee, who led the program. “Our goal was to make learning dynamic and creative, something that sparks curiosity.”

Students also built and flew drones, conducted some climate experiments, and explored computer coding. They also took a campus tour led by Mason Korea student ambassadors and visited the National Gwacheon Science Museum.

Organized under Mason Cares, Mason Korea's social impact project, and supported by the Incheon Institute for Talent and Lifelong Education and Incheon Global ��, the camp brought together Mason Korea faculty, student mentors, experts, and volunteers to support and empower local youth.

“The camp provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the digital and AI skills of Incheon’s youth while advancing George Mason’s mission of building a more just, free and prosperous world," said �� Dean Joshua Park.

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