Schar School Featured Stories / en Schar School Students Explore Geopolitics and Human Security in Cyprus /news/2025-07/schar-school-students-explore-geopolitics-and-human-security-cyprus <span>Schar School Students Explore Geopolitics and Human Security in Cyprus</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-24T15:08:44-04:00" title="Thursday, July 24, 2025 - 15:08">Thu, 07/24/2025 - 15:08</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/elaipson" hreflang="und">Ellen Laipson</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/mmcelwai" hreflang="en">Michal McElwain Malur</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3897e99d-fcb4-480b-8b66-aedf92d1d92c"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="72ca9d06-681c-493c-ace5-47124595bf2d"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school-0"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-07/cyprus-2025-1-web.jpg" width="640" height="400" alt="A group of people smile at the camera as they stand in front of a government logo." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>海角社区 students and professors with Chrysilios Chrysiliou (center), director of the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas, and Port Security.</figcaption> </figure> <p><span class="intro-text">Students from 海角社区鈥檚&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span class="intro-text"> recently returned from an intensive study-abroad program in Cyprus, where they examined the Eastern Mediterranean鈥檚 shifting geopolitical landscape and human security challenges.</span></p> <p><span>Led by Schar School professor </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/elaipson"><span>Ellen Laipson</span></a><span>, director of the master of international security program (ISEC), and </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/mmcelwai"><span>Michal McElwain Malur</span></a><span>, director of external programs, the course blended rigorous academic study with direct engagement with diplomats, policymakers, security officials, and civil society organizations.</span></p> <p><span>High-level diplomatic engagement was a hallmark of the program. Before departing, students visited the Embassy of Cyprus in Washington, D.C., to meet Ambassador Evangelos Savva. In Cyprus, briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered insights into the island鈥檚 strategic role in regional diplomacy. A highlight was meeting Carter Wilbur, a George Mason alumnus and acting political-economic chief at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, who shared perspectives on U.S. policy and economic interests in Cyprus.</span></p> <p><span>Security institutions and regional preparedness were other key focuses. The class visited facilities underscoring Cyprus鈥檚 role in regional security, including the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS), a U.S.-Cyprus initiative serving as a regional hub for training in border security, customs enforcement, and cybersecurity.</span></p> <p><span>Students also toured the Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), which coordinates maritime and aerial search and rescue operations. During their visit, the JRCC was actively managing evacuations following U.S. bombings in Iran鈥攁 vivid example of Cyprus鈥檚 role as a regional humanitarian hub.</span></p> <p><span>The program emphasized peacebuilding efforts on the island. Students visited the United Nations Buffer Zone and met with representatives from the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). They toured the Home for Cooperation, an NGO fostering dialogue between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and visited the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) Anthropological Laboratory, where a bi-communal team works to identify and return remains of individuals missing since the island鈥檚 1974 division.</span></p> <p><span>Beyond field visits, students attended lectures covering topics such as great power politics in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish Cypriot politics and economic developments since 1974, regional conflicts and their global implications, climate change and environmental security, energy developments, international law, and the transnational challenges of migration and climate.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淥ffering these study-abroad experiences is essential to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and global awareness they need to become effective leaders and practitioners in policy and international affairs,鈥 said Malur.</span></p> <p><span>While the week was academically demanding, students also explored Cyprus鈥檚 archaeological sites in Kourion and Paphos to experience firsthand the island鈥檚 nearly 13,000 years of history. The program concluded with a scenic boat cruise along the coast鈥攁 well-deserved moment of reflection.</span></p> <p><span>Students praised the program for its immersive, real-world learning.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淪eeing the JRCC coordinating evacuations in real time during U.S. military actions against Iran underscored the critical importance of human security in conflict zones and drove home the real-life implications of what we are learning in the classroom,鈥 said Sarah Bassil, an ISEC student who was herself evacuated through Cyprus from Lebanon in 2006.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淥ur group enjoyed lectures from leading experts, intensely engaging field visits, and great camaraderie among our diverse student group. Cyprus is an intriguing case study,鈥 added John Thacker, another ISEC student.</span></p> <p><span>As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the Eastern Mediterranean, Schar School students return to George Mason with invaluable insights and a deeper understanding of how regional dynamics intersect with global security.</span></p> <p><em><span>For more information on Schar鈥檚 study-abroad offerings, visit the </span></em><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/current-students/study-abroad"><em><span>Schar School study-abroad page</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1676" hreflang="en">study abroad</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17126" hreflang="en">Master of International Security</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:08:44 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 166151 at Hina Kazmi: Meet the Schar School Alum Who Is Launching 鈥業ntro to Space Policy鈥 /news/2025-07/hina-kazmi-meet-schar-school-alum-who-launching-intro-space-policy <span>Hina Kazmi: Meet the Schar School Alum Who Is Launching 鈥業ntro to Space Policy鈥</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-17T11:55:13-04:00" title="Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 11:55">Thu, 07/17/2025 - 11:55</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/hkazmi1" hreflang="en">Hina Kazmi</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="705847a4-638e-4535-9824-bff7b628eda4"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="e47006e7-5340-4c95-b9a2-cd99810bf8ae"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school-0"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-07/hina-kazmi-1-web.jpg" width="800" height="500" alt="A woman in a black and white top sits in front of a white airborne observatory." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Hina Kazmi: 鈥榃e鈥檙e expanding our access to space,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it&nbsp;has become critical infrastructure鈥攂ut what does that mean policywise?鈥 Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-07/hina-kazmi-2-600x600.jpg?itok=kfJKEcCL" width="350" height="350" alt="A woman in a red top poses in front of an image of a NASA logo." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Hina Kazmi, after seeing Voyager 1鈥檚 images of Saturn: 鈥業 knew I was going into aerospace.鈥</figcaption> </figure> <p><span class="intro-text">When you ask&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/hkazmi1"><span class="intro-text">Hina Kazmi</span></a><span class="intro-text"> if she would ever like to live in a colony on the moon, her answer is quick and enthusiastic.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>鈥淥h, I would absolutely do that,鈥 she said. 鈥淒o they need a tester for the first flight to Mars? I would do that too.鈥</span></p> <p><span>It鈥檚 not a farfetched question to ask Kazmi. The&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span> at 海角社区 adjunct professor is set to teach a new course, Introduction to Space Policy, beginning in August with the start of the 2025 fall semester. It鈥檚 one of the rare courses in the country that will bring the growing fields related to space exploration鈥攁nd exploitation鈥攊nto the classroom.</span></p> <p><span>The course is designed to support a broad range of public policy interests, Kazmi said. Those interested in international and national security, engineering, business, public administration, and other topics will find the course useful in their academic pursuits and future careers.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淲hen you think of space,鈥 she said, 鈥測ou think of commercial startups and Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk launching their rockets. That鈥檚 the fun stuff. But beyond that excitement there are huge national, international, and commercial aspects to this industry.鈥</span></p> <p><span>As more of the business of space falls into in private hands, there comes a need for clear, informed, and educated thinking on public policy, she said.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淚n the past, [space activity] was government controlled, but now it鈥檚 commercially available for navigation, weather prediction, communications. We鈥檙e expanding our access to space,</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span>and</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span>it&nbsp;has&nbsp;become critical infrastructure鈥攂ut what does that mean policywise?鈥</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>As an example of the field鈥檚 growth, the tiny island of Bahrain, where the Pakistan native spent her middle school years, has a space agency. 鈥淓very country now sees this as important,鈥 she said.</span></p> <p><span>Kazmi, an engineer by training who at one point was leading programs for NASA, developed a fascination for space in 1980, when the interstellar craft Voyager 1 sent its first images of Saturn back to Earth from some 800 million miles away. The astronomical event made an impression on the young scholar.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淚 knew I was going into aerospace,鈥 she said.</span></p> <p><span>Kazmi earned her undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, with a minor in mathematics, in 1993 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>She also holds a master of business administration degree. After rising through the ranks in technical and management roles at major private and public aerospace leaders,&nbsp;she began teaching at George Mason, revitalizing a dormant course in managing government contracting.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Realizing her future was in academia, she earned a </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/public-policy-mpp"><span>master of public policy</span></a><span> degree from the Schar School in 2008, followed by a </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/phd-programs/public-policy-phd"><span>PhD in public policy</span></a><span> in 2016. She received the Joseph A. Fisher Award for best PhD dissertation.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淚 really believe Gen Z, who is in college now, and Gen Alpha behind them will be the space generations,鈥 she said. 鈥淪pace tourism, living in space, working in space, moon colonies鈥攁ll of that is happening. We鈥檙e in the very, very early stages of it.鈥</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2121" hreflang="en">Master of Public Policy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17941" hreflang="en">PhD Public Policy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18821" hreflang="en">Schar School Student Spotlight</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20826" hreflang="en">GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2491" hreflang="en">Space</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:55:13 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 118256 at Alumna Whitney Woods to Lead Denver Domestic Violence Survivor Center /news/2025-07/alumna-whitney-woods-lead-denver-domestic-violence-survivor-center <span>Alumna Whitney Woods to Lead Denver Domestic Violence Survivor Center</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-07T13:41:55-04:00" title="Monday, July 7, 2025 - 13:41">Mon, 07/07/2025 - 13:41</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="7f08dbf4-9e14-4e47-a62e-e1bf70946f55"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="bf5a066c-9d4c-4266-b708-eac6ebd24586"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Whitney Woods, a 2007 graduate of the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Schar School of Policy and Government鈥檚</span></a><span class="intro-text"> renowned&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/government-and-international-politics"><span class="intro-text">government and international politics program</span></a><span class="intro-text">鈥攌nown for preparing students to lead in complex policy environments鈥攈as been appointed executive director of the Denver-based Rose Andom Center, a comprehensive resource center supporting survivors of domestic violence. The announcement was made earlier this month.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-07/whitney-woods-1-600x600.jpg?itok=VA8Q_Q12" width="350" height="350" alt="A woman with long brown hair in a dark top smiles at the camera." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Whitney Woods: 鈥榃hen I came to visit, it was a picture-perfect weekend and felt like something out of movie. George Mason turned out to be a great fit for me.鈥 Photos provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>For Woods, n茅e Phillips, the new position at the helm of Colorado鈥檚 first family justice center is a fitting next chapter for someone whose career has already included high-stakes crisis communication on Capitol Hill, work with the White House, and strategic leadership across government and philanthropy.</span></p> <p><span>The Colorado native chose 海角社区 in 2004 鈥渂ecause I wanted to go to college very far away from where I grew up鈥攊t was important to me,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to work in government someday and George Mason had a great program.鈥</span></p> <p><span>Woods, who minored in conflict analysis and resolution in an accelerated degree program, was also interested in studying international policy.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>鈥淚f I decided to go that route, I wouldn鈥檛 need to change schools,鈥 she said, an observation that underscores one of the Schar School鈥檚 defining strengths: housing both political science and international affairs under one interdisciplinary roof.</span></p> <p><span>But it was the tour of the Fairfax 海角社区鈥攁 leafy hub of innovation and buzzing with student life鈥攖hat was the deciding factor.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>鈥淲hen I came to visit, it was a picture-perfect weekend and felt like something out of movie,鈥 she said, recalling the campus vividly more than 20 years later. 鈥淕eorge Mason turned out to be a great fit for me.鈥</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-07/whitney-woods-2.jpg" width="186" height="456" alt="A woman with brown hair in a red tee shirt smiles at the camera." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Whitney Woods Alpha Xi Delta鈥檚 2006 recruitment event&nbsp;</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>The Schar School鈥檚 proximity to key institutions in nearby Washington, D.C., was another draw. 鈥淚t was close to the city but not in it,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t felt like a small community even thought it was really connected to not just the larger community, but to the world.鈥</span></p> <p><span>That proximity paid off: While balancing her coursework with roles as a Mason Ambassador鈥攇iving campus tours to prospective students鈥攁nd an active member of Alpha Xi Delta, a Schar School professor helped her develop a resum茅 and encouraged her to apply for internships on Capitol Hill, despite her only experience being retail work.</span></p> <p><span>That nudge led to a 2007 internship with U.S. Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) and an extended stay on Capitol Hill until 2013, rising through the ranks, ultimately serving as communications director for U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) until his retirement in 2013.</span></p> <p><span>In that role, she helped shape national narratives and dealt with the world鈥檚 major media outlets during a series of historic moments: the assassination of Osama bin Laden, the government shutdown, Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook school shooting, and the death of Muammar Gaddafi, among other generational milestones.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>鈥淲hen I eventually went to work in Congress, I often thought of how interesting it was that our [government] framework remained the same鈥攖hree branches鈥攂ut that so much else had changed,鈥 she said. 鈥淢y [Schar School] degree provided a solid foundation for understanding how our government is supposed to work and the intention behind its design.鈥</span></p> <p><span>As she begins her new role leading the Rose Andom Center, Woods is drawing once again on the values and vision she developed in Fairfax where, she said, 鈥淚 really grew up there and found my independence, and who I wanted to be.鈥</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13331" hreflang="en">Government and International Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17046" hreflang="en">Schar School BA in Government and International Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18821" hreflang="en">Schar School Student Spotlight</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:41:55 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 117991 at South of the Border, Deep in Policy: Study-Abroad Students Tackle U.S.-Mexico Relations in the Field /news/2025-07/south-border-deep-policy-study-abroad-students-tackle-us-mexico-relations-field <span>South of the Border, Deep in Policy: Study-Abroad Students Tackle U.S.-Mexico Relations in the Field</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-07T10:01:12-04:00" title="Monday, July 7, 2025 - 10:01">Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:01</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/dmills1" hreflang="en">Derek M. Mills</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/mmcelwai" hreflang="en">Michal McElwain Malur</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="df7d5a78-859b-40e7-9d31-ba922459458d"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="9827535a-42c3-44f4-a70d-93ab82a9b572"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-07/mexico-2025-1.jpg" width="640" height="474" alt="A group of people stand in front of a large and colorful mural in Mexico." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>George Mason鈥檚 study-abroad cohort visits the Universidad Nacional Aut贸noma de M茅xico鈥檚 landmark Central Library. Adjunct professor Derek M. Mills is at right. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><span class="intro-text">You could feel the weight of geopolitics in the air as 15 海角社区 students stepped onto the worn stone of the Plaza of Three Cultures, where centuries of conquest, revolution, and resilience converge. The students weren鈥檛 just tourists with backpacks and bottled water. They were emissaries of inquiry鈥攁nd there would be a quiz.</span></p> <p><span>Over a weeklong intensive in Mexico鈥檚 bustling capital, the students鈥攎ost from George Mason鈥檚&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span>鈥攊mmersed themselves in the multifaceted knot of issues that define United States-Mexico relations. The students were eager to see firsthand elements of theory learned in classrooms: Migration, trade, national security, and the still-rippling effects of a second Trump administration.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淭hroughout the program, students were encouraged to approach the experience not merely as observers but as engaged policy analysts,鈥 said&nbsp;</span><a href="https://content.sitemasonry.gmu.edu/profiles/dmills1"><span>Derek M. Mills</span></a><span>, the Schar School adjunct professor who led the trip. 鈥淭he course,&nbsp;U.S.-Mexico Relations in the Age of Trump, provided an experiential lens into the historical, political, and economic complexities shaping bilateral ties.鈥</span></p> <p><span>The group took deep dives into policy briefings with diplomats at the U.S. Embassy and with business leaders at the American Chamber of Commerce. They sat in on discussions at the Mexican Federal Congress and exchanged ideas with their counterparts at the prestigious Universidad Nacional Aut贸noma de M茅xico (UNAM).</span></p> <p><span>They weren鈥檛 just studying policy. They were living it.</span></p> <p><span>A highlight was meeting Schar School alum Jose Loyola-Trujillo, who earned his&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/phd-programs/public-policy-phd"><span>PhD in public policy</span></a><span> in 2005. Loyola, once Mexico鈥檚 undersecretary of energy, is now head of international affairs for LIGA MX鈥攖he top-flight Mexican soccer league.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Students also visited Casa de los Amigos, a migrant shelter that pulls no punches in portraying the human cost of border enforcement.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Another stop took the students to a nonprofit dedicated to empowering marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced people and families by means of a range of support programs. In fact, meeting the staff at New Comienzos 鈥渁nd hearing from returning migrants was inspiring to see how resilient they are and how that connects to the deep ties between Mexico and the United States,鈥 said Jackie Tuala, a master鈥檚 student in&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/public-administration-mpa"><span>public administration</span></a><span>. 鈥淚t was my favorite visit.鈥&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>There were lessons in history and humanity at every turn鈥攆rom the pyramids of Teotihuacan to the testimonies of deportees. But there was also room for forward-looking policy dialogue.</span></p> <p><span>In Cuernavaca, south of Mexico City, the group met with the Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodriguez Zamora, who didn鈥檛 mince words about how U.S. political rhetoric affects Mexico鈥檚 global image. When U.S. media parrots terms like 鈥渞apists鈥 and 鈥渕urderers,鈥 the official said, the damage isn鈥檛 abstract鈥攊t costs Mexico tourist dollars, jobs, and dignity.</span></p> <p><span>Students also toured AirDesign and FloraPlant鈥攖wo export-focused companies where the granular details of tariffs, supply chains, and sustainability initiatives became tangible.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>鈥淭he trip brought the issues we study in class to life. I loved how everything鈥攆rom policy debates to cultural sites鈥攚as tied together,鈥 said Stella Lovelady, a master鈥檚 student at George Mason鈥檚 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.</span></p> <p><span>As the Trump administration 2.0 begins to cast long shadows over cross-border cooperation, the students came away with a clearer, more nuanced perspective, as well as a deeper sense of responsibility.</span></p> <p><span>鈥淓xperience is crucial to our students鈥 professional development as future public, private, and nonprofit leaders,鈥 said&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/mmcelwai"><span>Michal McElwain Malur</span></a><span>, Schar School鈥檚 external program director, who accompanied the students for the week.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>鈥淏y engaging directly with these issues on the ground, they build the kind of informed, empathetic understanding that will shape them into thoughtful leaders in our increasingly interconnected world,鈥 she said.</span></p> <p><em><span>Study abroad is a vital and highly recommended component of a Schar School education. Questions on future classes can be directed to McElwain Malur at</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></em><a href="mailto:mmcelwai@gmu.edu"><em><span>mmcelwai@gmu.edu</span></em></a><em><span>and be found on the </span></em><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/current-students/study-abroad"><em><span>Schar School of Policy and Government Study Abroad page</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-07/mexico-2025-2.jpg" width="640" height="342" alt="A group of people stand in front of a red, white, and blue sign of the number 200." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Students visit the U.S. embassy in Mexico to gain insights into the life and work of a diplomat. The students were briefed on issues of the day and saw in real time what they studied in classrooms. Photo by Ibis Perez.</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1676" hreflang="en">study abroad</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17081" hreflang="en">Master of Public Administration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17941" hreflang="en">PhD Public Policy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18821" hreflang="en">Schar School Student Spotlight</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:01:12 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 267066 at From the White House to Borough Council: Brandon Ledford Makes Local Government Matter /news/2025-06/white-house-borough-council-brandon-ledford-makes-local-government-matter <span>From the White House to Borough Council: Brandon Ledford Makes Local Government Matter </span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-11T11:02:59-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 11:02">Wed, 06/11/2025 - 11:02</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="aa2ce5fa-19d8-4253-a772-d87973b3a549"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3aa13c2b-267a-47fb-a7e1-caeeb2514a3b"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="intro-text">Brandon W. Ledford doesn鈥檛 do things halfway. By day, he鈥檚 the senior vice president and general manager of MGT, a public-sector consulting firm that helps state and local governments tackle everything from cybersecurity to compensation fairness.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-06/brandon-ledford-600x600.jpg?itok=Z98vICOT" width="350" height="350" alt="A man in a dark jacket and dark tie smiles at the camera." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Brandon Ledford: 鈥榊ou can have a much bigger impact locally 鈥 It doesn鈥檛 take, literally, acts of Congress to get things done.鈥 Photo provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>By night鈥攚ell, evenings and weekends鈥攈e puts his 2011&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span> </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/public-policy-mpp"><span>master of public policy</span></a><span> (MPP) degree into practice as vice president of the Borough Council in Dormont, Pennsylvania, a community of 8,000 bordering Pittsburgh.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>As it happens, the borough manager, John Stinner, is also a Schar School graduate. (</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/news/2025-03/change-plans-federal-workers-government-students-find-opportunities-local-government"><span>See Stinner鈥檚 story on&nbsp;this page</span></a><span>.) The two did not know each other at 海角社区.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淲hen he said we had the same degree, I thought he meant an MPP, not necessarily an MPP from George Mason,鈥 Stinner said.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>For Ledford, being a councilmember is personal.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>At age 9, Ledford was diagnosed with the African form of Burkitt鈥檚 lymphoma, an incredibly rare and aggressive cancer. He was the third known case in the United States鈥攁nd the first to survive.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>But survival came with consequences. His mother, forced to miss work to care for him, lost her job. That was just as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was being passed, and a pro bono attorney helped her fight for reinstatement.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淲e were on public assistance because of medical bills,鈥 Ledford said. 鈥淪o, growing up, I got to see government protecting folks in their neediest, and I wanted to dedicate my life to this.鈥&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>While earning an MPP degree with concentrations in science and technology policy at George Mason, he interned for a semester at the White House鈥檚 Office of Science and Technology Policy, a perfect fit.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>After graduating with his degree, Ledford, 41, spent years in federal government consulting, working for Deloitte U.S., Booz Allen, and now MGT. But he never lost his belief in the power of local government.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In Dormont, as a councilperson (there are seven) and chair of the public safety, building and code enforcement committee, he鈥檚 championed initiatives such as a fa莽ade grant program to revitalize the town鈥檚 business district and, particularly, a robust family leave policy for borough employees.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淵ou can have a much bigger impact locally,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he time from idea to implementation is way shorter. It doesn鈥檛 take, literally, acts of Congress to get things done.鈥&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Ledford has lived and worked in the highest levels of government. But in a town where he knows his neighbors and can see change happen firsthand, he鈥檚 found where he can make the biggest difference.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚t started with wanting to be involved in politics,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut when we had our first daughter, I really liked the community we were in. I thought, 鈥榃e can do great things here.鈥欌&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><em><span>The Schar School is working to assist those considering careers in government, nonprofit, and government-adjacent organizations by offering application fee waivers, discount pricing, flexible and customizable courses, and other programs. </span></em><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/enriching-policy-professionals"><em><span>Find out more about 鈥渦pskill鈥 and retooling certificate and degree programs&nbsp;at this webpage</span></em></a><em><span>.&nbsp;</span></em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2121" hreflang="en">Master of Public Policy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18821" hreflang="en">Schar School Student Spotlight</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:02:59 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 117706 at A Place to Belong, A Space to Grow: Learning Communities at the Schar School /news/2025-05/place-belong-space-grow-learning-communities-schar-school <span>A Place to Belong, A Space to Grow: Learning Communities at the Schar School</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-28T13:26:43-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 13:26">Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:26</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="intro-text">When it comes to preparing students for the complex, unpredictable world of public service, the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span class="intro-text"> at 海角社区 is not content with conventional classrooms. Instead, it has invested in a transformative model of undergraduate education known as 鈥渓earning communities鈥 (LCs).&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-05/lc-1-web.jpg?itok=ZswzBBDr" width="341" height="350" alt="A group of people stand on the steps in front of the Capitol Building." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Learning Communities take students beyond the classroom and into the key institutions of Washington, D.C., for firsthand experience where policy is created. Above, the First-Year Democracy Lab poses at the U.S. Capitol after meeting lawmakers and their staffs. Photos provided</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>These immersive, yearlong programs offer cohorts of students a mix of academic rigor, real-world experience, and faculty mentorship, all within an environment designed to feel more like a home base than a lecture hall. In addition to academic growth, these communities emphasize professional development鈥攈elping students build critical skills, networks, and experiences that position them for success in internships, graduate school, and careers in public service.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Across four distinct communities鈥</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-learning-communities/ir-policy-task-force"><span>International Relations Policy Task Force</span></a><span> (IRTF),&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/first-year-democracy-lab"><span>First-Year Democracy Lab</span></a><span> (FY Dem Lab),&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-learning-communities/upper-level-democracy-lab"><span>Upper-Level Democracy Lab</span></a><span> (UL Dem Lab), and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-learning-communities/jurisprudence-learning-community"><span>Jurisprudence Learning Community</span></a><span> (JPLC)鈥攕tudents are not only learning policy and governance but living it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Launched as a virtual program in fall 2020, the first learning community evolved into what is now the First-Year Democracy Lab. Since then, the initiative has expanded rapidly, driven by strong student interest in experiential, community-centered education.&nbsp;The LCs give participants the benefits of a small college atmosphere while taking advantage of the considerable advanced resources of a Carnegie R1 research institution with more than 40,000 students,&nbsp;</span><a href="/about/key-facts"><span>the largest public university in Virginia</span></a><span>. George Mason is also a&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-highlighted-one-carnegies-opportunity-colleges-and-universities"><span>Carnegie Opportunity College</span></a><span>, indicating proven accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility for graduates, and these programs showcase those features.&nbsp;</span></p> <h4><span><strong>A Task Force That Tackles the Real World</strong></span></h4> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-05/lc-2-web.jpg?itok=pGOpeir2" width="350" height="203" alt="A group of people stand with their backs facing the camera in bright sunshine under a blue sky with white clouds." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>To understand how to better create and communicate policy, the International Relations Policy Task Force traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border, seen as a fence in the middle distance.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In the IRTF, students are charged with identifying and addressing some of the world鈥檚 most intractable problems. Under the guidance of Associate Professor&nbsp;</span><a href="https://mcglinchey.gmu.edu/"><span>Eric McGlinchey</span></a><span>, they craft policy solutions rooted in deep research and human experience. This isn鈥檛 armchair theorizing鈥攊t鈥檚 engagement with the real world.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淧rofessor McGlinchey鈥檚 ability to foster a sense of community, guide discussion, and lead us helped me flourish as a student,鈥 said senior </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/government-and-international-politics"><span>government and international politics</span></a><span> (GVIP) major Nicholas Chervenak, a combat engineer in the U.S. Army who graduated from George Mason in May. He was particularly pleased with how well the content of the community supported his future goals. 鈥淎fter this year together, I feel confident in my understanding of the government, philanthropy, think tanks, immigration, and foreign policy.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Both Chervenak and fellow GVIP major Sof铆a Lorenzo, a Student Government senator, echoed how transformative the policy paper writing process was, offering an energizing mixture of constructive criticism and encouragement.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚t was so fun to hear about my peers鈥 findings and be involved throughout the process with one another. It was such an uplifting experience,鈥 said Lorenzo, winner of the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://wmst.gmu.edu/"><span>Women and Gender Studies</span></a><span> Program鈥檚 2025 Feminist Leadership Award and an intern for the late U.S. Rep. Gerry Connelly (D).&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 loved the community it created鈥攊t was like a village. It takes a village to raise an IRTF scholar,鈥 she joked.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>McGlinchey points to how the students connect their classroom learning with the networking opportunities he creates.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚n the fall semester, we met with colleagues at [Ukrainian nonprofit] Razom,鈥 he said. 鈥淚n the spring semester, we traveled to the United States-Mexico border and learned from counterparts in El Paso and Ju谩rez how changing U.S. immigration policy can profoundly impact deeply interconnected communities.鈥</span></p> <h4><span><strong>Demystifying the Law</strong></span></h4> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-05/lc-3-web.jpg?itok=gm_2kK_F" width="350" height="263" alt="A group of well-dressed people stand in front of a glass and chrome building." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Taking advantage of the Schar School鈥檚 proximity to Washington, D.C., Upper-Level Democracy Lab students visited the renowned think tank, the Cato Institute, and met with policy researchers.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The JPLC, directed by Assistant Professor </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/sholman3"><span>Shea Holman</span></a><span>, offers a law school-like experience for undergraduates. Students don鈥檛 just read about the law, they simulate jury selections, analyze real Supreme Court cases, and meet judges and prosecutors. It鈥檚 more than an education, the students said, it鈥檚 a revelation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>For GVIP May 2025 graduate Madison Quick, one moment stood out.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭he most impactful experience I had in the JPLC course was volunteering at the Fairfax County General District Court,鈥 said Quick. 鈥淚 watched my first civil proceeding, specifically a protective order. That experience made me realize that I wanted to practice civil law鈥攁nd become a judge.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Holman, a lawyer and policy advocate specializing in workplace harassment reform, gender equity, and civil rights, notes how JPLC demystifies the legal profession through mentorship and real-world exposure.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淥ur GOVT 301 course mimics the intensity and structure of a [first year] 1L law school curriculum,鈥 she said.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>One student, Holman said, leveraged her class experience to secure an internship at the Legal Services Corporation, the largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>This example of a direct bridge from classroom-to-career is not an accident, it鈥檚 an intentional ambition of the LCs.</span></p> <h4><span><strong>Building Democracy, One First-Year at a Time</strong></span></h4> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The First-Year Democracy Lab was the Schar School鈥檚 first foray into learning communities, with more than 60 incoming students signing on for the first in-person cohort in fall 2021.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Led by Associate Professor&nbsp;</span><a href="https://jvictor.gmu.edu/"><span>Jennifer N. Victor</span></a><span>, FY Dem Lab introduces incoming students to the foundations of democratic engagement and research. Just as important, it connects them to a network of mentors, faculty, and peers that continues long after the first year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭he FY Dem Lab is the gateway learning community,鈥 said Victor. 鈥淭he community, connections, and access to Schar School and George Mason resources keep many of them looking to reinforce these experiences as they continue their education.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>For 2025 GVIP graduate Ruthu Josyula, the FY Dem Lab was catalytic.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淎s a freshman, I worked with Professor Victor on the First-Year Democracy Lab&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2024-10/schar-school-research-project-explores-how-encourage-student-voting"><span>voter turnout study</span></a><span>,鈥 she said, referencing a research project intended to&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/2024-10/schar-school-research-project-explores-how-encourage-student-voting"><span>understand voting patterns among young voters</span></a><span> (hint: campaigns relying on digital platforms are misguided).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 had the incredible opportunity to present preliminary findings of this research,鈥 she said. Conferences give students experience in presenting in front of practitioners from higher education, community organizations, nonprofits, foundations, and small businesses, all dedicated to encouraging student involvement in research.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The impact of these beyond-the-campus relationships ripples outward.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淏eing a part of First-Year Dem Lab connected me to Dr. Victor and many other students and faculty,鈥 said Josyula, who the next year joined the IRTF community for deeper engagement. 鈥淚 owe many of my collegiate experiences to the different things I learned and experienced in Dem Lab.鈥&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Rising sophomore GVIP sophomore Emebet Neale discovered newfound confidence in Dem Lab.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淒r. Victor has had a major influence on me,鈥 said the Student Government senator. 鈥淔rom the start, she鈥檚 created an environment where students feel heard, supported, and encouraged. That kind of mentorship, especially so early in college, is rare.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Neale emphasized the human connection that makes FY Dem Lab unique, including the Peer Pathways program that links First-Year and Upper-Level Dem Lab students in mentorship relationships. It鈥檚 an outreach program that provides academic and personal guidance, highlighted by an advice-laden panel discussion and breakout conversations about goal setting, dealing with stress, and overcoming failures.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭he Peer Pathways event was a wonderful and meaningful experience for me,鈥 Neale said. 鈥淚t helped create a supportive network of peers and mentors who want to see each other succeed.鈥</span></p> <h4><span><strong>Upperclassmen, Deeper Dives</strong></span></h4> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Upper-Level Democracy Lab, taught by Associate Professor&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/lnunez6"><span>Lucas N煤帽ez</span></a><span>, builds on the freshman LC experience with advanced student-directed research. Students tackle issues such as redistricting, creating their own maps using real data, and presenting their findings with professional polish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淪tudents developed their critical thinking and a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between law, ethics, politics, and geographical realities,鈥 said N煤帽ez.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Just as important, the yearlong cohort model builds lasting relationships and trust.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淎s a faculty member, this continuity allows me to better get to know students as individuals,鈥 N煤帽ez added.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>That deeper connection made all the difference for GVIP major Neelam Gurung.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭he most impactful experience I had in the Upper-Level Dem Lab course was meeting guest speakers, especially during the alumni dinner,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hese conversations helped me reflect on my own goals and gave me a clearer picture of what paths align with my interests and values.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Rising junior&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/ba-international-security-and-law"><span>international security and law</span></a><span> major Georges Saade, another UL Dem Lab student, highlighted the personal attention. 鈥淧rofessor N煤帽ez is not just a great professor, but a great resource and mentor to have,鈥 he said. 鈥淗e really cares about all his students and makes everyone feel included.鈥</span></p> <h4><span><strong>More Than Coursework</strong></span></h4> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The common thread running through all these stories is confidence. By developing relationships among participants, students gain a strong sense of purpose and direction, and are positioned for success during their time on campus and after graduation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭he impact of JPLC is most clearly reflected in our students鈥 achievements and evolving sense of self-efficacy,鈥 said Holman. 鈥淭hey have discovered a belief in their ability to succeed in law school and beyond.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Victor agrees. 鈥淲hen I see Dem Lab alumni in my other classes, they are often the most enthusiastic students in the room. They are ready to learn from their peers, contribute constructively, and share the depths of their knowledge.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>McGlinchey puts it simply: 鈥淚RTF students provide real-world solutions to real-world challenges and graduate from the learning community ready to apply their newly honed skillsets in diverse policy environments.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Clearly, these learning community 鈥渧illages鈥 aren鈥檛 just innovations in teaching, they are platforms for transformation.</span> <span>For students, they represent the difference between getting by at a university and thriving within it.</span></p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-05/lc-4-web.jpg" width="600" height="255" alt="A group of people sit in chairs while others stand behind them in a large, regal room." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>During a two-day visit with justices in Richmond, members of the&nbsp;Jurisprudence Learning Community found themselves literally in the seats of power at the Supreme Court of Virginia.</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/jvictor3" hreflang="und">Jennifer N. Victor</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/emcglinc" hreflang="und">Eric McGlinchey</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/lnunez6" hreflang="und">Lucas N煤帽ez</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/sholman3" hreflang="en">Shea M. Holman Kilian</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="82165ef6-4665-4ad6-8204-0b5f15b8c0dd"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="e74b4255-c7e3-4896-85d0-ded81d0c74d9"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; 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Victor/Schar School of Policy and Government</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>On May 10, she moves into her first apartment. Five days later, she鈥檒l don cap and gown at 海角社区鈥檚 EagleBank Arena to receive her bachelor of science degrees in public administration, from the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span>, and </span><a href="https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/computational-data-sciences/computational-and-data-science-bs"><span>computational and data science</span></a><span> from the College of Science.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Three days after that, she starts her new job at the Reston, Virginia-based government contracting giant Leidos, where she鈥檒l work in the Artificial Intelligence Accelerator.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>And the very next day, she begins her master鈥檚 degree program in artificial intelligence at Johns Hopkins University鈥檚 Whiting School of Engineering.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Garren, 21, is used to managing big transitions with poise and purpose. She grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, home of George Mason, but she began her college career more than 200 miles away, at Roanoke College, where she was a third-generation student and her grandfather, Kenneth R. Garren, had been a dean (he retired in 2001).&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Initially a computer science major, she quickly realized she wanted a broader, more interdisciplinary focus. She transferred to George Mason as a sophomore and declared a double major in computational and data sciences and public administration.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 always knew I wanted to go into STEM,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut after taking government classes in high school, I added the political science aspect.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>She was further inspired by the passing of her high school legislative bill project鈥攔egarding a special needs indicator on state vehicle registration鈥攁ctually being passed into law by the Virginia legislature.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>That hybrid identity鈥攁nalytical and civic-minded鈥攈as been her hallmark at George Mason. And at the Schar School, Garren found not just challenging coursework but a welcoming and supportive community.&nbsp;In fact, the community she found was a higher education highlight for her.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淒efinitely the relationships I made with my professors and peers,鈥 she said when asked what stands out from her time there, adding that her two terms as part of Associate Professor </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/jvictor3"><span>Jennifer N. Victor鈥檚</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://jvictor.gmu.edu/index.php/politics-research-lab/"><span>Politics Research Lab</span></a><span> was a particular highlight.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-05/anna-garren-2-web.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Two women smile at the camera as they stand in front of a poster about political caucuses." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Anna Garren, left, and mentor Associate Professor Jennifer N. Victor. Photo provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In that setting, Garren, who was also a teaching assistant, was part of a collaborative environment where undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty work on real-world political science research鈥攕ometimes for credit but always for impact.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Not surprisingly, Garren has made an impression on one of her professors.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淎nna鈥檚 eagerness to meet the world鈥檚 challenges head-on should make the world鈥檚 challenges very nervous,鈥 said Victor, the university鈥檚 2025 Faculty Mentor Excellence Award winner. (An aside: Garren is the 2025 OSCAR Student Excellence Award winner.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淪he is a remarkable student,鈥 Victor added. 鈥淗er combination of deep knowledge and interest in politics and government combined with her incredible skills in computational and statistical programming make her one of the most sought after students I鈥檝e ever worked with.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Outside the classroom, Garren took her passion for technology and education into the community, volunteering as coach for the robotics team at Centreville High School, her alma mater. During peak season, the team, a certified nonprofit organization that offers STEM training to middle and elementary schools, consumed about 20 uncompensated hours a week. The squad also competes in the prestigious international FIRST Robotics competitions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot,鈥 she agreed in a tone that mixes understatement and pride, adding that she also substitutes on occasion as a teacher at the school.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In addition to her double-major course work, her volunteer hours with Victor鈥檚 lab, and her high school robotics club, Garren completed four summer internships at various units of the Department of Defense.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Ask her what she鈥檒l miss most about George Mason and her answer is fast鈥斺渢he Schar School,鈥 specifically the people and the intellectual exploration of government and politics, even as she pivots into the sharper tools of data science and AI.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭he Schar School degree really helped expand my worldview,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he type of brainwork in data science is different than in political science classes, and I鈥檒l miss that.鈥</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/jvictor3" hreflang="und">Jennifer N. Victor</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="d51b3b72-d7c9-471b-b485-1290a7c85f38"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> 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</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 05 May 2025 16:17:31 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 117096 at From Vietnam to Virginia: Duy Vu鈥檚 Remarkable Journey to the Commencement Stage /news/2025-04/vietnam-virginia-duy-vus-remarkable-journey-commencement-stage <span>From Vietnam to Virginia: Duy Vu鈥檚 Remarkable Journey to the Commencement Stage</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-28T11:38:56-04:00" title="Monday, April 28, 2025 - 11:38">Mon, 04/28/2025 - 11:38</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="intro-text">As the rows of soon-to-be graduates fill EagleBank Arena in a sea of green and gold at the May 15 Commencement ceremony, all eyes will turn to senior Duy Vu, who will take the podium as the student commencement speaker. For Duy, the honor to represent the graduating 海角社区 student body is the culmination of a seven-year journey that began half a world away.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-04/2504106001.jpg?itok=AlUqz_KS" width="350" height="336" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Student Commencement speaker Duy Vu: 鈥楧uring my studies I learned about looking at things from different perspectives, how to think about decision-making, beliefs, and ideologies.鈥 Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>His story鈥攁nd his advice to his graduating classmates鈥攊s worth listening to.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Duy came to the United States as a 15-year-old high school student, following his father, a deputy defense attach茅 for the Vietnamese government, to Washington, D.C. The transition, Duy admitted, wasn鈥檛 easy and his command of English was rudimentary.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淢y grammar was strong,鈥 Duy said of his language training in Vietnam, 鈥渂ut I could barely communicate when I first got here.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>He resolved to come to George Mason with a new attitude and develop the confidence to make the most of his time as a college student.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 told myself I would make college a worthwhile experience,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檇 try everything. I鈥檇 step out of my comfort zone.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The start was slow鈥擠uy and his undergraduate classmates are likely the last cohort to have endured the COVID-19 campus shutdown鈥攁nd by his junior year, Duy realized time was running short.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淭hat鈥檚 when it hit me: I have two years left. If I don鈥檛 do something now, I might not get another chance,鈥 he said.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Duy transformed his campus experience. He dove into extracurricular student life by joining campus organizations, including serving as treasurer of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and vice president of finance for Beta Theta Pi, before starting his own Registered Student Organization (RSO), George Mason鈥檚 first-ever Pool Club. Pool, as in billiards.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 just started enjoying the game,鈥 he said. 鈥淭here wasn鈥檛 a club, so I made one.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Pool Club quickly evolved into more than a casual hangout, with the team meeting at the tables at the Hub鈥檚 Corner Pocket game room, hosting tournaments, and traveling to other schools for competitions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Joining organizations, besides being fun, expanded Duy鈥檚 world view. As treasurer for ALPFA, he learned the ropes of networking and professionalism. 鈥淚t helped me understand the etiquette and skills needed in the business world,鈥 he said. 鈥淎nd I got to learn from peers who were already finding success.鈥</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-04/duy-vu-2-web.jpg?itok=VlCaaLIi" width="350" height="268" alt="A man in a black sweater stands in front of a green and gold sign." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Duy Vu majored in two bachelor of science programs, public administration and finance. Photo by Julia Conway/Schar School of Policy and Government</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>On top of his nonclassroom activities, Duy is a double major graduating from two bachelor of science degree programs: The&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government鈥檚</span></a><span> comprehensive&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/public-administration-bs"><span>public administration</span></a><span> program and the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/" target="_blank"><span>Costello College of Business鈥檚</span></a><span> robust&nbsp;</span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/faculty-and-research/academic-areas/finance-area" target="_blank"><span>finance program</span></a><span>.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>He signed on to public administration thanks to his father鈥檚 suggestion.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 sure about it at first,鈥 he said of the public administration major. 鈥淏ut during my studies I learned about looking at things from different perspectives, how to think about the way beliefs and ideologies play into a government鈥檚 decision-making.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Schar School professors also revealed to him a new-found fascination with 鈥渢he financial and economic side of things,鈥 he said, which is vital to creating successful public policy. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 when I declared a second major in finance.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Throughout his time at George Mason, Duy balanced a double-major鈥檚-worth of classes鈥攁nd all the reading, writing, and exams that go along with two majors鈥攚ith organizational leadership activities with classmates and a part-time job at the Schar School鈥檚 Aquia headquarters on George Mason鈥檚 Fairfax 海角社区, where he supported students for nearly four years as an office assistant.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚鈥檝e worked with Ms. Colette since my sophomore year,鈥 he said of K. Collette Lawson, the longtime Schar School administrative and technical coordinator. 鈥淚t was my first 鈥榬eal鈥 experience outside of school. It鈥檚 going to be hard to leave.鈥</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="bd7d34ac-b8c7-475e-9e0f-9b631a00f300"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL2lBWhSflA"> <h4 class="cta__title">Watch his Commencement speech <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; 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href="/news/2025-07/alumna-whitney-woods-lead-denver-domestic-violence-survivor-center" hreflang="en">Alumna Whitney Woods to Lead Denver Domestic Violence Survivor Center</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 7, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-07/south-border-deep-policy-study-abroad-students-tackle-us-mexico-relations-field" hreflang="en">South of the Border, Deep in Policy: Study-Abroad Students Tackle U.S.-Mexico Relations in the Field</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 7, 2025</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18721" hreflang="en">Fairfax 海角社区</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3831" hreflang="en">Commencement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15421" hreflang="en">Degree Celebration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17256" hreflang="en">BS in Public Administration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17261" hreflang="en">Schar School BS in Public Administration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18821" hreflang="en">Schar School Student Spotlight</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/481" hreflang="en">Graduation</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:38:56 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 116986 at Science, Service, and Strategy: How One Soldier Is Shaping the Future of Biodefense /news/2025-04/science-service-and-strategy-how-one-soldier-shaping-future-biodefense <span>Science, Service, and Strategy: How One Soldier Is Shaping the Future of Biodefense</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-23T11:55:13-04:00" title="Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 11:55">Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:55</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/gkoblent" hreflang="und">Gregory Koblentz</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="655c557e-2d29-479b-8501-b92fadbc034c"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="eacdd340-948d-424b-b2aa-a3158093e4f4"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="p1"><span class="intro-text">For Army Major Geoffrey Mattoon, the path to and through higher education wasn鈥檛 a straight line; it was a deliberate decision shaped by years of military service, a background in science, and a desire to meet the rising challenges of national security in a tense world.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-04/major-mattoon-600x600.jpg?itok=m2-S9rP9" width="350" height="350" alt="A man in Army fatigues gazes at the camera." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Army Major Geoffry Mattoon: 鈥業 knew I wanted something focused on biodefense and policy鈥攏ot just technical STEM training. The Schar School offered that balance.鈥 Photos provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淚鈥檝e always had an interest in chemistry,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut once I realized that the math side wasn鈥檛 where I wanted to focus, I started looking at how science could be applied more practically. I eventually found that the military and higher education could give me that path.鈥</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>Mattoon started his career through a four-year Army scholarship and earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His first 10 years of service saw him take on various roles, such as logistics, until he found his way to a field that was both intellectually challenging and urgently relevant: the Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) functional area and its Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense and response efforts.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淐BRN really caught my attention because it requires a different level of critical thinking,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 science through the lens of national security, and that intersection has always fascinated me.鈥</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>After a decade of field experience, he was selected for Advanced Civil Schooling, an Army program that allows officers to pursue graduate education in specialized fields aligned with military needs. 海角社区鈥檚&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span> stood out when choosing where to study.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淚 knew I wanted something focused on biodefense and policy鈥攏ot just technical STEM training,鈥 Mattoon said. 鈥淭he Schar School offered that balance.鈥</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-04/major-mattoon-2-web.jpg?itok=YxqcZ__j" width="350" height="343" alt="A man in a green cap and gown stands in front of a stage with flowers and an official university seal." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Mattoon received his diploma at the 2024 Schar School Degree Celebration.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="p1"><span>Unlike other programs in the area he considered, the Schar School鈥檚&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/biodefense-programs"><span>master of biodefense</span></a><span> program provided a curriculum that combined the technical depth of biodefense with the broader strategy of international security. It wasn鈥檛 just about how biological threats work; it was about how governments respond, how policy is made, and what happens when things go wrong.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淭he reality is, biological defense is one of the hardest CBRN domains to detect and respond to,鈥 Mattoon said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 ambiguous. There鈥檚 no one-size-fits-all answer. And that makes it both incredibly challenging and incredibly important.鈥</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>The transition from full-time service to graduate school could have been jarring, but for Mattoon, it was energizing. He credits the Schar School with providing an environment where real-world experience wasn鈥檛 just welcomed but essential.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淚 didn鈥檛 come in with a deep academic background in policy,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut I found a program that helped me bridge my experience in the armed services with deeper insight.鈥</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>That bridge started with foundational courses in nonproliferation and strategy, taught by faculty with both academic and operational experience. Professors including </span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/biodefense-programs"><span>Master of Biodefense graduate program</span></a><span> Director&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/gkoblent"><span>Gregory Koblentz</span></a><span> helped frame current and future biological threats within a historical and geopolitical context, giving Mattoon tools he could immediately apply鈥攏ot just in theory but in future roles that directly impact national readiness.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淚 remember working on a literature review about postattack biodetection systems,鈥 Mattoon said. 鈥淚t was my first time looking at open-source analysis from a policy angle. That process helped me get back into academic writing, and more importantly, it grounded me in how programs work鈥攐r don鈥檛 work鈥攁t the federal level.鈥</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>The Schar School鈥檚 location in Northern Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., was another key advantage. Evening classes and hybrid course options allowed Mattoon to balance academic demands with ongoing professional development. Being close to federal agencies, think tanks, and laboratories gave him a clearer sense of how policy is made, debated, and implemented.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淵ou鈥檙e not just studying theory,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e meeting people who are doing the work.鈥</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>Mattoon received his master鈥檚 degree in May 2024. He is now serving as an Army CBRN plans officer for the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is in a position where everything he has studied will translate directly into the defense of the homeland through management of the CBRN Response Enterprise (CRE).</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>鈥淲e talk a lot in this field about preparedness鈥攁bout saving lives, minimizing human suffering, and ensuring our forces are ready for what comes next,鈥 he said.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span>He also pointed out that the journey isn鈥檛 only for those already in uniform. One of the things he hopes prospective students take away from his story is that there鈥檚 no wrong time鈥攐r background鈥攖o pursue occupations in CBRN defense or response or for the military.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20786" hreflang="en">Biodefense Graduate Programs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17821" hreflang="en">Master of Biodefense</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2076" hreflang="en">Military</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:55:13 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 116886 at A Passion for the Past Pays Off: History Buff Christine Peretik's Timeless Internship /news/2025-04/passion-past-pays-history-buff-christine-peretiks-timeless-internship <span>A Passion for the Past Pays Off: History Buff Christine Peretik's Timeless Internship</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-09T08:28:40-04:00" title="Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 08:28">Wed, 04/09/2025 - 08:28</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="9e97bd12-d062-4ec9-9a07-39f6402e4457"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/why-study-here/admissions/request-more-information"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Schar School program information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="ba365406-81db-46c5-8fe8-00644d62cce0"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="intro-text">Christine Peretik is no stranger to hard work and unexpected opportunities. A senior at 海角社区 in the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Schar School of Policy and Government</span></a><span class="intro-text">, she is majoring in&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/government-and-international-politics"><span class="intro-text">government and international politics</span></a><span class="intro-text"> with minors in both history and criminology, law and society.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2025-04/christine-peretik-1-400x400.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="A young woman in black leans against a brick wall." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Christine Peretik: 鈥榊ou never know where an email or a small decision might lead you.鈥 Photos provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>But it was her passion for the past that landed her a fascinating internship at the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center in Fairfax, Virginia, a role she initially applied for on a whim.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 had applied for it, not expecting much,鈥 Peretik said. 鈥淚 was very interested in it, but I didn鈥檛 know if it was going to turn up. And lo and behold, I ended up getting this internship.鈥 (</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/news/2025-03/internships-where-when-how-and-why"><span>Let that be a lesson to all students considering internships.&nbsp;Help is here.</span></a><span>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Peretik鈥檚 work at the Historical Records Center placed her directly in the midst of history鈥攍iterally. Housed in what was once the clerk鈥檚 office, the center holds an extensive archive of documents, from land records to court proceedings, and even a&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/historic-records-center/finding-aids/fairfax-county-slavery-index"><span>Fairfax Court Slavery Index</span></a><span> compiled by a former 海角社区 student.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淲e have obituaries and just about every court proceeding you can think of,鈥 Peretik said. 鈥淓ven crimes that were committed back in the day, just about everything people went through.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>One of her main tasks was analyzing old court cases, which appealed to her higher ed interests, from government to history to law.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淢y manager asked me to identify who was the victim in these cases,鈥 she said, explaining how she often had to interpret the documents handwritten in the 1800s on the fly. 鈥淚 had to go back over each letter, like, 鈥極kay, this is how they write an A. This is how they write a T.鈥欌</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Beyond deciphering faded vintage calligraphy and researching legal documents, Peretik also contributed to the center鈥檚 public exhibits, which are displayed around the historic courthouse and judicial center. She helped create content for a walking tour that takes visitors through key sites, such as the Legato School, one of Virginia鈥檚 early schools, now a museum. Students attended the school between the 1870s and 1930 and is now furnished to mimic the look and feel of an 1870s schoolhouse.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淲e also have a little stone slab from the Spanish-American War era,鈥 Peretik said. 鈥淧eople believe it marks a grave, but neighbors say it was actually a cat named Clem.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Peretik鈥檚 enthusiasm for learning and history is palpable.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 am a huge, huge history nerd, for lack of a better word,鈥 she admits. 鈥淚 watch documentaries for fun. That鈥檚 one of my things.鈥</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-04/christine-peretik-2-600x600.jpg?itok=3VS2bRhD" width="350" height="350" alt="A young woman with dark hair grins at the camera." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Christine Peretik: 鈥楢nd lo and behold, I ended up getting this internship.鈥</figcaption> </figure> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Despite her love of history, Peretik鈥檚 academic focus remains on government and law.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚 want to work in the government someday,鈥 she said. 鈥淢aybe the Department of Justice, or Homeland Security. I鈥檓 keeping my options open.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Among her outside-the-classroom experiences at George Mason include working as a telecounselor for the Admissions Office. She鈥檚 also been an active member for three years of the International Buddy Program, which pairs domestic students with international students 鈥渨ith the whole purpose of forming connections between the two.鈥&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Peretik鈥檚 decision to attend George Mason was an intentional one. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her family relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina, over a decade ago. She considered other universities but ultimately chose George Mason for its unique balance.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚t鈥檚 the hub for government,鈥 she says. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e right near D.C., but also far enough away to have a real college experience.鈥</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>As she prepares to graduate in May, Peretik reflects on her time at the Schar School and the internship that deepened her appreciation for history.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>鈥淚t was an incredible opportunity,鈥 she says. 鈥淵ou never know where an email or a small decision might lead you.鈥</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13331" hreflang="en">Government and International Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17046" hreflang="en">Schar School BA in Government and International Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/556" hreflang="en">Schar School of Policy and Government</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18801" hreflang="en">Schar School Featured Stories</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18821" hreflang="en">Schar School Student Spotlight</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/481" hreflang="en">Graduation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/721" hreflang="en">internships</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:28:40 +0000 Andrew J Schappert 116511 at