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Fuse at Mason Square powers research and innovation through collaboration

Colleen Rich — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:16:02 +0000

Fuse at Mason Square powers research and innovation through collaboration Colleen Rich Mon, 09/29/2025 - 16:16

�� celebrated Fuse at Mason Square with the same collaborative spirit that will fuel decades of innovation at the state-of-the-art facility in Arlington, Virginia. Hundreds of representatives from industry, academia, government, and the community came together for the grand celebration at Fuse on Thursday, which included Governor Glenn Youngkin speaking at the ribbon cutting for the Energy Exploration (E2) Center.

“Igniting a fuse signifies the moment where possibility transforms into inevitability,” George Mason President Gregory Washington said during the main program celebration that culminated the grand opening event. “It's that razor-thin instant where preparation meets decision and hesitation gives way to action. What we have done today is strike that initial flame. And that initial flame is a declaration that the future will no longer be passive. It will unfold because you dare to set it in motion.”

Fuse, which anchors the Arlington Innovation Corridor that runs from Rosslyn to Ballston, is a “a factory of dreams, factory of ideas,” said Takis Karantonis, chair of the Arlington County Board. Fuse will house research and economic opportunities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, power/energy, Next G communications, nuclear small reactor control systems, and data center engineering.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Much of that work will support the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative. In addition, Mason Enterprise will support thousands of entrepreneurs in tech and other fields on their path to commercialization and adoption of their ideas and inventions.

Washington singled out several key figures in the completion of the Fuse project, including College of Engineering and Computing dean Ken Ball; Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement; and Mason Innovation Partners, a development consortium led by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. The event also included acknowledgment of the key role philanthropy plays at George Mason, giving thanks to Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, whose names grace Virginia’s first School of Computing.

“We are celebrating more than a building,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the �� Foundation. “We are celebrating a bold vision come to life, a place where ideas, partnerships, opportunities will shape our future. So consider this an open invitation. Partner with us, invest with us. Help us ensure that the energy we celebrate today continues to inspire generations of thinkers, doers, and leaders.”

Ball said that 44 engineering and computing faculty have moved into their offices at Fuse and are setting up their labs, and 120 PhD students are there as well. Hundreds of students are already enrolled in classes at Fuse, where there are labs for robotics and autonomous systems, virtual reality, power engineering, networking, cybersecurity, and other innovative pursuits. With Fuse fully open, every school and college at Mason now has a presence at Mason Square.

From left, Vice President Trishana E. Bowden, Long Nguyen, Kimmy Duong, President Gregory Washington, and Dean Ken Ball at the Grand Celebration for Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“You'll see the best minds in higher education and private industry together tackling some of society's toughest ethical and technical challenges,” George Mason Board of Visitors Rector Charles “Cully” Stimson said. “And most importantly, you'll see our students gaining the kinds of hands-on experience that will carry them into the workforce ready to lead.”

Ball was one of multiple speakers to thank the university’s philanthropists, including Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, who gave a $20 million gift to establish the state’s first School of Computing in their name. Duong and Nguyen also provide scholarships to students at George Mason and other colleges and universities in the Washington, D.C., region through the Kimmy Duong Foundation.

One scholarship recipient is Rakibul Alam, an Honors College student in the Costello College of Business. Alam has served in Student Government and as a student ambassador at the business school, launched a startup called Project Hope to improve the availability of menstrual health products in Bangladesh, and studied abroad in Morocco and India. Alam also is president of Mason Consulting Group and interned with the Department of the Navy and KPMG.

“The generosity of our donors, including the Kimmy Duong Foundation, has not only helped me with the financial challenges of tuition, books, and living expenses, but has also help me accomplish my dream of a global education,” Alam said in thanking Duong and Nguyen, telling them, “You are changing lives and creating a generation of students who will be giving back. You are making this world a better place. And I hope that I can be part of that change and to represent you well.”

The Fuse celebration included the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center, the largest small modular reactor (SMR) control room simulator of its kind in the country, and one of 11 in the world.

E2, in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation, will provide students with opportunities to learn on the latest technology to become leaders and innovators in the sustainable energy workforce, a shared vision among higher education, government and industry.

Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank funded E2 as part of the Virginia Department of Energy’s investments in the state’s nuclear energy workforce development.

“You all are about to engage in a step function change in your ability to understand the power of nuclear power,” Youngkin said, singling out the students and faculty in attendance at the dedication on the seventh floor of Fuse. “Because you're no longer going to be reading about SMRs. You're no longer going to wish that you could work on one. You are going to be able to walk into that room….and do something incredible, which is prepare yourself for an extraordinary career.

“We have a collective moment to celebrate, a collective moment to say this is a step that we will all remember that the workforce of the future in order to drive the power of the future was right here at ��.”

Glenn Davis, BA Economics ’93, is the state’s energy director. He joined Youngkin, Washington, and NuScale Chief Commercial Officer Clayton Scott at the dedication.

“�� has been an exceptional partner building curriculum, recruiting talent, and opening this space to educators, local leaders, and the public. It’s the right capacity and capability in the right place at the right time,” Davis said.

At a VIP reception that preceded the E2 event, Washington thanked several groups for their involvement in Fuse, including the President’s Innovation Advisory Council, which includes representatives from industry, community, and government.

Washington specifically cited Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, for the extensive role he has played in championing Fuse and lifting technological innovation in Northern Virginia, including attracting Amazon HQ2 to the region.

“His efforts to drive economic growth, jobs, and investment across Northern Virginia has been recognized and championed all throughout the country,” Washington said. “He has been a huge supporter of us, putting George Mason literally at the center of that development, and has been incredibly helpful in helping to move it forward.

“He has provided leadership and vision in shaping Fuse at Mason Square as a model for collaboration among business, government, and academia.”

George Mason faculty and students presented interactive demonstrations involving drones, robots, and other tools of technological advancement.

“When the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Northern Virginia community, and �� work together, there is absolutely no limit to what we can achieve and achieve together,” Washington said.

Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square

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George Mason hosts grand celebration of Fuse at Mason Square

Colleen Rich — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 20:21:17 +0000

George Mason hosts grand celebration of Fuse at Mason Square Colleen Rich Tue, 09/23/2025 - 16:21

�� marks a defining moment today with the grand celebration of Fuse at Mason Square, featuring the formal naming of the School of Computing in honor of philanthropists Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, the ribbon cutting of the new Energy Exploration (E2) Center, and interactive exhibits as part of George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Located in Arlington, Virginia, Fuse is designed as a catalyst for collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The grand celebration will demonstrate how George Mason and its partners are advancing research, talent, and business to strengthen the region and addressing today’s grand challenge to drive solutions worldwide. Built in partnership with Mason Innovation Partners (MIP), a development consortium led by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Fuse stands as a model of how universities and private partners can work together to expand opportunity and accelerate innovation.

“Fuse is a symbol of what George Mason stands for: innovation, collaboration, and opportunity, as we collaborate to propel bold solutions for a prosperous, peaceful future,” said President Gregory Washington. “With support and investment from the state, Fuse at Mason Square not only opens doors to industry with a one-of-a-kind innovation destination, but also opens a new chapter in the university’s role as a leader of discovery and economic growth for Virginia.”

In recognition of the Kimmy Duong Foundation’s generosity, the event will honor the transformational naming gift for the university’s School of Computing—the first of its kind in the commonwealth. This gift, made possible through the vision and commitment of Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, establishes three endowments: two within the College of Engineering and Computing to provide lasting support for scholarships and student success initiatives aligned with the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, and one within University Life to provide scholarships.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen’s extraordinary gift will create pathways that expand what’s possible for our students and significantly enhance the experiential learning opportunities available,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the �� Foundation. “Fuse reflects that same promise, a bold space that nurtures talent, fuels discovery, and equips Mason students to transform the world ahead.”

This gift is part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic $1 billion campaign to expand innovation, increase access, and create opportunity for students and the commonwealth.

The celebration will also feature the ribbon cutting for the E2 Center, created in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation as part of the College of Engineering and Computing. The largest small modular reactor control room simulator of its kind in the United States, the E2 Center will engage students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering education and real-life scenarios. It was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, as part of the Virginia Department of Energy’s investments in the state’s nuclear energy workforce development.

“The E2 Center equips our students with cutting-edge technology, new educational opportunities, and will empower them to lead in the fast-evolving energy sector,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “This center also affirms George Mason as a leader in advancing sustainable energy solutions to meet society’s ever-growing energy demand. Partnerships, like this one between NuScale and George Mason, are crucial in advancing the region’s goals to cultivate the next wave of innovators who will shape Virginia’s future and make a global impact.”

Attendees of the grand celebration will be able to explore interactive demonstrations by faculty, researchers, and students, such as an indoor drone challenges, hands-on engagement with humanoid robots, a virtual reality beehive, and AI-enabled virtual reality emergency response. Exhibits will spotlight George Mason’s leadership in advancing the six Grand Challenge Initiative solutions: advancing 21st-century education for all, building a climate resilient society, driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure, improving human health and preparedness, pioneering space exploration, and strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy.

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Fuse at Mason Square unlocks opportunities for College of Humanities and Social Sciences research

Katarina Benson — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:15:21 +0000

Fuse at Mason Square unlocks opportunities for College of Humanities and Social Sciences research Katarina Benson Fri, 09/19/2025 - 14:15

Eileen Roesler can’t help but be giddy about her new digs—and the opportunities that await.

An assistant professor in the Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) program, Roesler is one of three professors in the Department of Psychology in George Mason University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences who recently relocated their office to Fuse at Mason Square.

Roesler with robots. Photo provided

Joining Roesler will be HFAC assistant professor Elizabeth Phillips, along with clinical psychology assistant professor Natasha Tonge. At Fuse, they’ll be able to use state-of-the-art facilities and technology to expand their respective studies and research with units from other colleges. Tonge and Roesler will serve as lab managers for the Human Subjects and Behavior Lab on the second floor at Fuse and Phillips will co-manage the Robotics Lab on the third floor.

With the Institute for Digital Innovation and the College of Engineering and Computing also housing specialized labs at Fuse, Roesler welcomes the cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Much of her excitement is geared toward her students, who will gain experience collaborating with other academic programs along with industry and government leaders.

On the Fairfax ��, Roesler currently heads the Human-Agent Collaboration (HAC) Lab and collaborates with Phillips in the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Lab. Phillips also leads the Autonomous Systems (ALPHAS) Lab while Tonge runs the Trust and Interpersonal Disclosure (TIDL) Lab.

“It is really nice for the people who are at the intersection of technology and humans because we have the perfect surroundings to do research on both,” Roesler said. “It is a really diverse outlet space we can use for different topics. So, we are extremely excited about the research opportunities, but we are even a little more excited about having the chance of meeting industry, government, and faculty in the same space.”

Psychology won’t be the only CHSS department represented in the new building. Next System Studies, an initiative of the Center for Social Science Research and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, will also call Fuse home. The Digital Commonwealth Project (DCP) in Next System Studies fits nicely into the mission of Fuse. The DCP connects leading technologists with local community groups, civic leaders, workers, business associations, and universities in a community-led design process that addresses local priorities while supporting resilient local business ecosystems and increasing community and employee ownership.

Ben Manski, an assistant professor in sociology and the director of Next System Studies, said the ample meeting space and being closer to community partners such as the NOVA Web Development cooperative, the Arlington Education Association, and Latinx community cooperative SECOSOL—among others—will be extremely beneficial.

“We need to be closer to where our people are, and they are all throughout Northern Virginia,” Manski said. “The use of the Fuse facilities will be very helpful with our research and action.”

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Elizabeth Phillips

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ACCESS Academy’s inaugural AI Summer Camp builds critical technology skills—and miniature robots

Sarah Holland — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:38:25 +0000

ACCESS Academy’s inaugural AI Summer Camp builds critical technology skills—and miniature robots Sarah Holland Wed, 08/06/2025 - 09:38

In the kitchenette on the third floor of Fuse at Mason Square, students huddle around laptops and inspect the codes on display in their Microsoft MakeCode programs. By their sides are little micro:bit three-wheeled robots. One sings a little 8-bit tune. Another flashes a pattern of colored lights. Another chirps like a bird, as the students at the table share a perplexed look.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

These high school students have spent the past week working on their robots, from assembly to coding, to make them do basic tasks like follow a provided track. Now, they’re each trying to do something new: make it go faster, sing a song, drive in reverse, or flash its lights like a turn signal. With every spin-out, slow-motion crash, or odd sound, the students return to their laptops to reprogram the bot and try again. If one student is struggling, they turn to their peers. Together, they’re making the robots work.

This is the inaugural ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp. Open to all 9th—12th graders across Virginia, the camp runs three one-week sessions at the ACCESS Academy headquarters in Fuse at Mason Square. Through hands-on exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, students can imagine and begin preparing for technology-sector careers. Only in its first year, the camp already has 130 total participants over the course of three sessions.

"The goal of ACCESS Academy is to create a more inclusive pathway to college and high-demand careers for students who may not have previously seen those opportunities as within reach,” said Dean Ingrid Guerra-López of ��’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

“We continue to hear from industries that we are not preparing our high school graduates to be employable,” said Roberto Pamas, professor of education leadership and director of the ACCESS Academy. Prior to his transition to teaching higher education, Pamas served 30 years in Fairfax County Public Schools as both an educator and an administrator. “They want both technology skills and soft skills. How to collaborate, how to communicate: we’re building those skills in these programs. And CEHD is in the business of teaching, learning, and leading.”

AI was a natural choice for the camp’s curriculum. Working with faculty from the College of Engineering and Computing, the CEHD ACCESS Academy team developed a five-day program to build foundational skills to set students up for success.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The first four days of the camp focus on conceptual understanding and real-world applications of those ideas. On Friday, guest speakers from local education innovation technology company Kovexa engaged with students as part of a tinkering lab.

“AI represents a cutting-edge field and a dynamic problem space where students can practice essential skills such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and problem-solving,” said Guerra-López. “It’s not just about coding, but about asking better questions, evaluating outputs, and imaging new possibilities.”

The students agree.

Mariia Tkach (center) tests her robot on the track. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“I really like the atmosphere of people coming together and doing the things that they love,” said Mariia Tkach, a rising sophomore at Marshall High School. Her father works in cybersecurity, and she hopes to follow in his footsteps. “We had an AI training, and it was very challenging. The process of figuring it out and competing with one another was fun.”

Arkash Reith, who is entering his sophomore year at Evergreen Christian School, said, “This camp gave me experience in what AI can help you do as well as what it can’t help you do. Like, with coding, it can help with basic stuff, but nothing too hard.”

After each day, students write down one word to describe their experience. From this first week, the white board is filled with words like “fun,” “inspiring,” and “fascinating.”

Guerra-López envisions the bootcamp not only as a hands-on learning experience for students, but as a launchpad for expanding access to AI education across the region.

“The tinkering lab model in particular is a powerful way to reduce anxiety around emerging technologies, increase skill and self-efficacy for both students and educators, and foster a stronger sense of community around innovation,” she said.

Plans are underway to explore how this model can scale—both to offer more advanced learning tracks for students and to engage educators in professional development that supports responsible, inclusive digital innovation.

“George Mason is a keeper of knowledge for Northern Virginia,” Pamas said. “And I believe it is our moral imperative to share that knowledge, particularly with students who otherwise might not have access to higher education.”

Discover the ACCESS Academy

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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."

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George Mason launches its inaugural ACCESS Academy cohort

Katarina Benson — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:09:41 +0000

George Mason launches its inaugural ACCESS Academy cohort Katarina Benson Wed, 07/09/2025 - 16:09

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at �� is excited to welcome the inaugural class of students for their Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy.

Developed in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), ACCESS Academy is a lab school designed to reimagine how students prepare for college, careers, and civic life in a rapidly evolving world. The program will particularly support students who may not have previously expected to follow a college pathway—those navigating limited exposure to higher education or career pathways, relevant information, or professional networks.

“ACCESS Academy reflects a commitment to transforming how we think about readiness—not just for college or careers, but for life in a complex, interconnected society,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of CEHD. “By aligning K–12, higher education, and industry partners, we’re creating more coherent and responsive pathways that honor learners’ potential while addressing workforce and societal needs.”

ACCESS Academy students will work toward high school graduation requirements while engaging in real-world problem-solving situations informed by industry partners. They will develop future-ready skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, while building the mindsets and capacities required to navigate dynamic and evolving work environments.

"With the launch of ACCESS Academy, we’re not just starting a new program, we’re opening doors to new possibilities for dual enrolled students and reimagining what learning could look like. This inaugural class is stepping into a bold, future-focused initiative designed to empower students not only to succeed in high school, but to lead in college, career and beyond,” said Eun-Woo Chang, NOVA vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer.

As a preview of ACCESS Academy’s learning model, students from across Northern Virginia are participating in the ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summer Camp at Mason Square in Arlington. This one-week program introduces foundational concepts in machine learning through engaging hands-on projects guided by problem-based learning strategies.

“The level of interest in the ACCESS Academy AI Summer Camp has been both affirming and encouraging,” said Roberto Pamas, director of ACCESS Academy. “With three week-long sessions accommodating a total of 180 students, the camp presents an early

opportunity for students to engage with foundational concepts in machine learning while offering a preview of ACCESS Academy’s broader approach to experiential education.”

ACCESS Academy’s curriculum is shaped by collaboration among faculty in CEHD and the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at the College of Engineering and Computing, with input from NOVA, LCPS, and industry partners who make up the ACCESS Academy Curriculum Innovation Advisory Board. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure alignment with evolving workforce needs while streamlining coursework.

“The insights shared through our collaboration with the advisory board have been invaluable,” said Guerra-López. “They help ensure that ACCESS Academy remains grounded in what will best prepare our graduates to be competitive and confident in the modern workforce, even if that requires reimagining traditional educational pathways and practices.”

“ACCESS Academy is more than a program—it’s a launchpad. By combining academic rigor with real-world relevance, we’re empowering students to graduate with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce,” said LCPS Chief Academic Officer Ashley Ellis.

ACCESS Academy is positioned for expansion through the formation of a regional consortium that could include new partnerships with school divisions across Virginia’s Region 4 to scale the model for other high-demand fields such as education and health care.

Powering Artificial Intelligence at George Mason

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NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room

Katarina Benson — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:59:12 +0000

NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room Katarina Benson Wed, 06/04/2025 - 13:59

��'s College of Engineering and Computing announces the opening of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation at Fuse at Mason Square.

The E2 Center, the largest of its kind in the United States, engages students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering educational activities. The center was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, powered by the Virginia Department of Energy, a strategic investment in Virginia’s nuclear energy workforce development.

NuScale E2 Centers, including the one at George Mason, feature a state-of-the-art simulator that replicates a NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) control room. Students at George Mason will have the unique opportunity to assume the role of a control room operator, engaging with real-life scenarios that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

NuScale control room. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

“This cutting-edge SMR control room simulator will ensure that our students have access to emerging technologies that will drive innovation,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason. “Partnerships such as this give our students the tools and education they will need to prepare for the future and become part of Virginia’s dynamic workforce.”

George Mason is invested in solving humanity’s ultimate grand challenge: securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. As a part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, the simulator is part of George Mason’s commitment to advancing a 21st-century education for all as well as building a climate-resilient society.

The establishment of NuScale’s E2 Center at George Mason also marks a significant advancement for Virginia's educational landscape, preparing the next generation of nuclear professionals to engage with the evolving energy industry.

"A reliable and increasingly clean energy future is what the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is all about," said Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy. "With this investment alongside world-class higher-education partners at George Mason and cutting-edge industry leaders at NuScale, we're ensuring Virginia has the energy to power our thriving economy and the expertise to continue leading the nation in innovation, education, and opportunity."

“The opening of NuScale’s E2 Center at George Mason reinforces our mission to drive innovation in nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “Together, we are shaping a skilled nuclear-ready workforce and fostering a more informed public, providing a strong foundation for the future of clean, reliable energy in Virginia and around the world.”

User in the lab. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Fuse at Mason Square is a 345,000-square-foot facility designed to promote technology, partnerships, and community engagement. The E2 Center, which opened at the end of May, offers opportunities outside the college curriculum, including practical demonstrations and interactive tours for local leaders and K-12 students, to deepen their understanding of nuclear power and the role it plays in providing reliable, clean energy.

In addition to the E2 Center at George Mason, NuScale has centers at Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Texas A&M, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, South Carolina State University, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and Seoul National University. Learn more about NuScale E2 Centers here.

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