Students

Law student represents combat veteran at Board of Veterans’ appeals hearing

Katarina Benson — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:02:48 +0000

Law student represents combat veteran at Board of Veterans’ appeals hearing Katarina Benson Mon, 06/16/2025 - 17:02

In May, a �� law student, working with the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS), advocated for a U.S. combat veteran before an administrative law judge at a hearing before the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).

From left, M-VETS Client Richard Fahlman, Student Advisor Samantha Hargis, and M-VETS Director Timothy M. MacArthur. Photo provided

Founded in 2004, the M-VETS clinic enables Antonin Scalia Law School students to assist veterans, servicemembers, and their dependents with military/veteran/DVA administrative matters, including disability compensation and educational benefits appeals, discharge upgrades, and Boards for Correction of Military Records matters.

This case centered on a veteran’s 2016 claim for an increased rating for a service-connected disability resulting from an improvised explosive device attack in Afghanistan, which led to the veteran’s medical separation from the Army.

Originally, Army veteran Richard Fahlman received a 20% rating for his injury, but based on new medical evidence, M-VETS filed a request in 2019 to increase this rating to 40%. The DVA initially denied the request. Had the 40% rating been approved, Fahlman would have been medically retired and received all the benefits accompanying that status, including much-needed health care. In response to the DVA’s rejection, M-VETS filed a motion alleging a Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE).

“I’m glad our client reached out to M-VETS, and we could advocate on his behalf at this hearing,” said M-VETS Director Timothy M. MacArthur. “Our position was that the decision review officer had made a CUE error, contradicting federal law and regulatory standards.”

Many Scalia Law students, called student advisors at M-VETS, worked diligently on behalf of the client during case preparations. Student advisor Samantha Hargis was chosen to conduct the hearing under MacArthur’s supervision.

“Working on this matter for our client was an incredible opportunity,” said Hargis, who graduated from George Mason with a JD in May. “I am deeply grateful to the student advisors who came before me and laid a solid foundation for our argument at the hearing, our client for his commitment and collaboration throughout the process, and my supervising attorney for his invaluable guidance and support.”

“Ms. Hargis did a phenomenal job arguing the motion and presenting evidence during the hearing,” MacArthur said. “Sam conducted a pre-hearing conference with the judge, delivered an opening statement, conducted a direct examination of our client, and delivered an impactful closing, effectively arguing our position.”

MacArthur said the DVA benefits process allows M-VETS student advisors to gain practical experience in a nonadversarial setting, while providing valuable pro bono services to veterans.

“Mr. MacArthur and Ms. Hargis put their heart, time, and soul into developing my defense, and I couldn’t have asked for a better legal team. Without M-VETS, combat veterans like me wouldn’t have a voice,” Fahlman said.

M-VETS continues to work with the veteran while the hearing outcome is pending.

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Antonin Scalia Law School

George Mason grad explores environmental management strategies

Katarina Benson — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:24:09 +0000

George Mason grad explores environmental management strategies Katarina Benson Fri, 06/13/2025 - 16:24

For Northern Virginia native Ryan McIntyre, the path to a master’s in environmental science and policy at �� began with something simple: a love for the outdoors and a family connection.

Ryan McIntyre. Photo by Office of University Branding

While attending Northern Virginia Community College, McIntyre was introduced to a job opportunity in the Meaningful Watershed Education Experience through family friend Cindy Smith, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy who runs George Mason’s program with Fairfax County Public Schools.

“I liked being outside, so I took the job,” McIntyre said. That decision would plant the seed for a future dedicated to conservation and environmental policy.

After completing his associate degree, McIntyre said George Mason felt like a natural next step. He enrolled in Mason’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program working on degrees in environmental science, a decision that would shape his academic and professional future.

“The accelerated master’s set me on a research path,” McIntyre said. “I don’t know where I would have ended up otherwise.”

McIntyre with blue crab. Photo provided

That research path led him to a recent fellowship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). His work focused on invasive aquatic plants, specifically Trapa bispinosa, a species of water chestnut known for its ability to rapidly spread across the surface of freshwater bodies.

“There’s a history of this genus in the U.S. going back to the 1940s,” McIntyre explained. “One species took over much of the Potomac River, and it took years to eradicate.”

Now, with a new species surfacing in Northern Virginia, the U.S. Army Corps brought McIntyre on board to study how local, state, and federal agencies are managing the threat. His master’s thesis centered on observing the management techniques of different organizations, including Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. “It became an observational study comparing their management techniques, how effective they are, and how they compare to each other,” he said.

This blend of environmental science and government is no coincidence. When McIntyre earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from George Mason, he did so with a minor in public policy. “It was clear to me that you can’t protect the environment without the law,” he said. “I can do all the science I want to, but unless there is legislation in place, I don’t think we’ll make a lot of progress.”

That philosophy inspired his leadership as president of the George Mason student organization Science Policy Network, which works to bridge the divide between policymakers and scientists. The group organizes social and professional events that bring together students from both fields.

One of the most defining moments of his time at George Mason was a semester at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC). “It reset the course of what I wanted to do and changed my perspective on nature and ecology,” he said.

For someone who grew up memorizing environmental trivia and enjoying time outdoors, McIntyre said it was the first time those passions were recognized as valuable academic assets. “There were a lot of skills I had that I’d never applied in an academic setting before,” McIntyre said. “That experience showed me how my knowledge and interests could contribute to a deeper understanding of ecology and biodiversity.”

That semester working alongside Smithsonian Institution scientists at SMSC in Front Royal, Virginia, led to two internships for McIntyre. One summer he spent hunting for Virginia orchids in Shenandoah and identifying plants that grow around them, “in an attempt to understand the factors that make these hyper-specialized blooms call particular areas home.”

The next summer he found himself aboard a boat in the Chesapeake Bay counting fish as part of an internship with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. There he served as an intern liaison between the Fisheries Conservation Lab and the center’s public-facing education department.

“My background as a science communicator got me a role turning the FishCon’s work into lesson plans for the public,” he wrote in an essay about his experience for a Smithsonian Magazine blog.

As he prepares for the next chapter, teaching as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College, McIntyre hopes to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders.

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Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

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Students

Engineering students in Ecuador give locals a leg up

Jennifer Pocock — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:37:38 +0000

Engineering students in Ecuador give locals a leg up Jennifer Pocock Wed, 06/11/2025 - 14:37

In This Story

Ketul Popat

Shani Ross

Sixteen students from George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing took an early summer ROMP in Quito.

Computer engineering major Darion El shapes a prosthetic as ROMP prostheticist Mireya Moreno supervises.
Photo by Shani Ross

It could have been just another frivolous start to the summer, full of parties and pools before kicking off internships and jobs. Instead, these students opted to change lives: those of amputees—and their own.

From May 16 to 26, 16 students in the BENG 417 Bioengineering World Health class with trip leaders Claudia Borke and Shani Ross worked in Quito, Ecuador, with the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) to fit locals with high-quality prosthetic devices. Ketul Popat, chair of the Department of Bioengineering, brought the ROMP program to George Mason after a successful run at Colorado State University.

“This was the first year that we did this,” he said. “The goal was to give more hands-on experience to students so they could see how a background in engineering could make a difference in people’s lives instantly.”

Different styles of prosthetics are displayed with shoes at the ROMP workshop. Photo by Darion El

The students absolutely felt the difference. Nicolas Garcia Callejas is a rising senior who began his academic career as a pre-med nursing student, earned an associate’s degree in health science, and is now hurtling through undergrad and straight into a master’s in bioengineering with George Mason’s Bachelor’s Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program.

“We got to know the patients and help them through the process. Then we got to do everything from scratch in making the prosthetics,” he said. “We went from taking measurements, doing the sculpting and molding, refinements around the socket, and building the prosthetic. It was a full 9-5 job, but the time flew by because I was having fun.”

This trip, Garcia Callejas said, lit a fire in him to continue working with ROMP. Not only did he get to help others, as he wanted to do as a nursing student, but he could also make things hands-on and use his language skills to help translate. “ROMP was a really cool experience. I fell in love with the people there.”

Andres Miguel Cruz Guzman was another student who transferred to George Mason from a community college with an associate’s degree in engineering. This mechanical engineering major wants to eventually work on solar and water technology projects, but the personal and hands-on aspect of the Ecuador program attracted him.

“I liked that we were going to work directly with the patients,” he said. “The prosthetics are going on their bodies and will be something they wear for the next three years. I was intrigued by that challenge.”

One thing he didn’t anticipate, however, was the emotional aspect of the work. “I saw one 12-year-old boy walk for the first time. It didn’t hit me at the moment, but at bedtime the impact that we had on his life overwhelmed me,” he said.

Popat said that one thing that struck him was how quickly the students adapted to the work. “I went on the third day, and it didn’t seem like the students were new there,” he said. “They were already very comfortable with what they were doing.”

And that’s the kicker (pun intended). These programs are so valuable because they enable students to see, in a very short time, how their years of study prepared them to make a difference in the world.

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Student literary journal recognized with Pacemaker award

Katarina Benson — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:43:26 +0000

Student literary journal recognized with Pacemaker award Katarina Benson Wed, 06/11/2025 - 09:43

For more than 30 years, the student-run bilingual literary journal Hispanic Culture Review (HCR) at �� has published poetry, essays, and narratives in both Spanish and English and highlighted photography and visual art. Now it is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

HCR has been awarded a 2024 National Magazine Pacemaker Award by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP). Volition, George Mason’s undergraduate literary and arts journal, was named a finalist in the same category.

ACP has awarded the preeminent recognition in student journalism, unofficially known as the “Student Pulitzer,” to spotlight excellence in college media since 1927.

The HCR team with the Pacemaker Award. From left, HCR faculty advisor Carla Burns; Valeria Veliz-Vargas, 2024-25 HCR editor-in-chief; Katty Becerra de Melo, 2023-24 HCR editor-in-chief; HCR faculty advisor Jason Hartsel; and Robin Borge Mora, 2023-24 HCR managing editor. Photo provided

HCR’s mission is to bridge communication gaps and strengthen cultural bonds between English- and Spanish-speaking peoples by publishing original works from diverse creators around the world.

Since the first issue of Volition in fall of 2006 (formerly known as Apathy), the publication’s mission has been to unite George Mason’s artistic community and serve as a showcase for undergraduate creativity. Publishing original poetry, prose, and visual art, Volition seeks to elevate emerging artists and writers.

Gary Lundgren, coordinator of the Pacemaker competition, noted the quality of the winning student magazines rivals those produced by professionals. “The creativity displayed in the literary arts magazines is incredible — the unique formats and creative designs make the magazines themselves a work of art,” he said.

For Valeria Veliz-Vargas, HCR’s editor-in-chief, the award was welcome news. “Getting the news about the Pacemaker award was super exciting,” said Veliz-Vargas, who worked on the journal for three years. “It goes to show that the work HCR produces is valuable and seen.”

Veliz-Vargas, who is double majoring in Spanish and communication with a concentration in public relations, said she first heard about the journal in her SPAN 315 Spanish in Context for Heritage Speakers class. “It caught my attention because it blends the two majors I’m studying and blends language and culture with writing and literature.”

HCR and Volition faculty advisor Jason Hartsel in George Mason’s Office of Student Media said he was thrilled to see the two journals recognized nationally. “Each issue [of the journals] is the culmination of many hours of hard work, creativity, and hands-on learning by our talented students, and this award will no doubt inspire future teams to leave behind their own legacy of distinction."

Student Media comprises more than 10 student-run media groups that publish original content online and in print, enabling students hone career-related skills in publishing and broadcasting. Those outlets include the university’s official student newspaper, radio station, and television network, as well as seven journals/magazines, a sports broadcasting team, and student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Veliz-Vargas said working on HCR definitely enhanced her time at George Mason, and she gained a lot of experience from her leadership role. “I learned how to delegate and lead a team while managing hard deadlines, planning events, and promoting the publication both on and off campus,” she said. “It has motivated me into exploring career paths that will allow me to continue doing this kind of work.”

"Putting out a journal that shines light on the beauty of Hispanic literature and art meant a lot to me, and seeing other people's reactions was always a treat," said George Mason alumna Katty Becerra De Melo, BA English '24, who served as editor-in-chief of the award-winning issue. "I really value what writing and reading bring to the world, and I believe it should be celebrated."

Learn more about George Mason's Student Media

Check out the award-winning issue

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Mason Korea hosts record-breaking digital art competition

Katarina Benson — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:20:04 +0000

Mason Korea hosts record-breaking digital art competition Katarina Benson Thu, 06/05/2025 - 12:20

The fifth annual Progress@Play Social Impact Digital Art Competition has successfully concluded with an award ceremony at ��’s Korea campus. This year’s competition was supported by the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education and the Game Culture Foundation.

This year’s competition centered on creative ideas and sustainable solutions to emerging social issues and attracted a record 255 teams of middle school, high school, and university students from Korea and abroad. Participants presented their ideas through various digital formats, including animations, webtoons, computer games, videos, and illustrations. Notably, many submissions focused on the psychological and social effects of social media, reflecting concerns shared across generations.

Progress@Play exhibition. Photo provided

The ceremony brought together student finalists and their families, as well as Mason Korea leadership and staff, and Computer Game Design Program faculty James Broderick and John McGrew. Special guests included Cheolsoo Son, director of secondary Education at the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, and Hyunkyung Kim, director of the Game Culture Education Center at the Game Culture Foundation.

“This year’s entries offered sharp insights into the social issues driven by social media,” said Broderick, an assistant professor of computer game design who also served as a competition judge. “While previous years often explored traditional themes like the environment, human rights, and aging, this year reflected a shift toward challenges faced by digital natives—including online performative culture and psychological effects of social media. It signals an expanding spectrum of social awareness among youth.”

Entries were evaluated by Mason Korea’s Computer Game Design faculty and external experts for social impact, quality, creativity, and artistic merit.

The top prize in the middle/high school division was awarded to Hyunbi Kim of Korea Animation High School for the project "Have You Seen the Southern Land?" while Yoonsik Kang of Sejong University took first place in the university division with "Omniscient."

The Korea Animation High School team won for their project "Have You Seen the Southern Land?" Photo provided

All winners received cash prizes. Middle and high school awardees also earned a certificate from the superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education and a $2,000 scholarship (USD) upon admission to Mason Korea.

“This competition has created a meaningful platform for students and the public to engage with Korea’s evolving social issues,” said Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea. “Through our Computer Game Design Program and Korea Serious Game Institute, Mason Korea delivers a distinctive practice-based education. We remain committed to strengthening collaborations with academic, industry, and public-sector partners to serve as a trusted global hub for innovation and learning.”

Connect with Mason Korea

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Students

Student nurses converge for an interdisciplinary research conference organized by George Mason students

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:59:11 +0000

Student nurses converge for an interdisciplinary research conference organized by George Mason students Taylor Thomas Wed, 06/04/2025 - 09:59

In This Story

Karen Trister Grace

Tara Altay, a PhD student in George Mason’s School of Nursing, noticed an unfortunate conference trend: a decrease in attendance and an increase in price. Disheartened but refusing to remain passive, Altay leveraged her role as treasurer of the �� Graduate Nursing Organization (GNO) to combat this observation becoming the norm. Refusing to see knowledge and network become inaccessible to fellow students and nursing professionals, the GNO, in partnership with George Mason Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health (NSRH), organized a D.C.-area interdisciplinary student nursing research conference.

Tara Altay. Photo provided

“The main motivation was to create an affordable, in this case free, student research conference inclusive of all nursing degree programs (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD),” Altay said. "One of the most fun parts of professional conferences is the connections made and side conversations with peers. We wanted to create that opportunity for students here and all students around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia."

Altay also added that they also wanted to provide doctoral students with a supportive space to practice presenting their research—one where peers fostered meaningful discussions that enriched and strengthened their work.

The 67 student participants who registered for the conference came from the University of Maryland, Shenandoah University, University of Virginia, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

“This conference was a great networking opportunity, as well as a chance to learn what other doctoral students are doing during their final year project and what they plan to do with their degree afterwards,” said Kathryn Oliver, an attendee and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student.

As a self-described young, aspiring health care professional of color, Ka'Lise Benson, a direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student, was thrilled to engage with those with similar aspirations. “I left feeling so grateful and so encouraged. I felt that the conference, having placed me in a space full of like-minded individuals, confirmed the call I already felt so led to answer,” she said.

Meghan Stough presenting her research on opiod use disorder interventions. Photo by Rene Ayala

The conference featured doctoral research in both poster and podium presentations, offering bachelor’s and master's-level students the opportunity to observe the trajectory of their future careers. Meghan Stough, another DNP-FNP student, was one of 18 student presenters. She utilized the conference to share her DNP project on evidence-based interventions to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder in the pre-hospital setting.

“The conference allowed me to practice translating complex clinical work into a concise, accessible format—an essential skill in nursing leadership and advocacy. Presenting and receiving feedback enhanced my confidence in scholarly communication and solidified my role as a nurse leader committed to knowledge dissemination,” Stough said.

Community practitioners were invited to share their field experiences and the innovative ways they apply their nursing degrees to serve diverse populations beyond hospital and primary care settings, including keynote speaker Terri-Ann Thompson from Ibis Reproductive Health, who spoke about her work on reproductive justice. Thompson was joined by four nurse practitioners as co-panelists in breakout sessions. Additionally, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Women and Gender Studies department adapted their Intersectionality 101 program into a nurse-specific presentation and discussion panel for attendees in support of the conference’s theme, “Equity.”

“I'm so proud of our student chapter members for organizing this impressive event. It was inspiring to spend the day among such motivated students, and I hope this is just the start of an ongoing tradition at George Mason,” said Karen Trister-Grace, assistant professor in the School of Nursing and faculty advisor for NSRH.

Attendees from across the Washington, D.C.-area gather for George Mason student-led nursing conference. Photo by Rene Ayala

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Nursing Research

Student Research

Master of Science in Nursing

bachelor of science in nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

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Mason Korea undergrads publish research in international environmental journal

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:44:09 +0000

Mason Korea undergrads publish research in international environmental journal Katarina Benson Mon, 06/02/2025 - 10:44

An undergraduate student-led Mason Impact project at Mason Korea results in a co-authored article published in the peer-reviewed international journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. “Accessible water quality monitoring through hybrid human–machine colorimetric methods” stems from the Mason Impact project focused on environmental conditions in the Seunggi-cheon stream in Incheon.

Under the mentorship of Soyoung Kwon, associate dean of external affairs and professor of global affairs, and Dakota McCarty, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Mason Korea students collected and analyzed water samples, tested an innovative low-cost method for monitoring water quality, and contributed new insights to the field. Their approach combined colorimetric testing with human-guided digital analysis, producing data that closely aligned with laboratory results.

Students test the water samples. Photo provided

The project gave students valuable, hands-on experience in all stages of academic research—from fieldwork and data analysis to writing and publication. It introduced them to the world of scientific inquiry and academic publishing, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and credentials to pursue future research and graduate study.

“Working with Dr. McCarty and the other Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS) Fellows gave me new insight into environmental security concerns like access to clean drinking water,” said Sam Sims, a junior global affairs major. “Now it’s an important part of how I think about security as a whole.”

CSPS, founded by director Ellen Laipson, is a unit of the Schar School of Policy and Government.

“[This paper] highlights the power of collaborative inquiry and the real social impact of student research,” Kwon said. “Mentoring these emerging scholars was incredibly rewarding, and I hope it inspires future student-led projects.”

McCarty agreed. “I’m incredibly proud of the students. Moving from a local project to a peer-reviewed international publication is a rare achievement at the undergraduate level,” he said. “It not only gives students a glimpse into real research but also strengthens their academic profiles for graduate school and beyond.”

Students with their research poster. Photo provided

Learn more about Mason Korea

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Schar School of Policy and Government

GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

Patriot Profile: Midori Galligan

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:05:18 +0000

Patriot Profile: Midori Galligan Katarina Benson Mon, 06/02/2025 - 10:05

Back in 2023 on the day before she moved into her residence hall at ��, Midori Galligan received a bit of advice from her dad as she embarked on her college journey. “He kind of gave the normal talk of ‘You need to do new things, meet new people, and just say yes.’”

In her two years on campus, Galligan has taken that guidance to incredible heights. In the process, she’s discovered new passions while pursuing the degree that prompted her to come to George Mason.

Midori Galligan. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Rowing on a Whim: A former soccer player, Galligan decided to focus on academics when she came to George Mason. But during an activities fair on campus, a George Mason rower encouraged her to try out for the squad. “I was like, you know what? I’m just going to try it. I was looking for things to do, trying to meet new people.”

Despite having no prior awareness of the sport, Galligan cleared tryouts and embarked on a journey that’s still going strong three years later. “The program takes in a lot of novices, and they will teach you how to row. It ended up being the best decision I feel like I’ve made so far.”

Keep to the Beat: Galligan is also an active member of Noteworthy, George Mason’s a cappella group. Like with rowing, she joined on a whim. “I decided [to try out] 30 minutes before the audition.” She got in, and by her third year the group named her music director, which had her selecting the music and leading rehearsals. Her favorite song to perform is “Somebody That I Used to Know.” “I have a solo in this one! Plus the group has enjoyed learning this one, and it was our concert finisher, so energy was always high!” 

She’s Got Rhythm: Galligan has found some surprising similarities between her two passions. “Rowing is a very rhythmic sport. In a boat of people, you have to be moving together. Constantly being on a beat has helped me pick up rowing technique.”

Honors College student Midori Galligan was recently recognized as one of this year's Stearns Scholar Athletes. Photo provided

The teamwork and collaboration she has experienced come with their own rewards. “It’s a really cool feeling, having a collective goal, working hard for it, wearing a uniform of the school, and going out and competing or performing. I take a lot of pride in it.”

Best Laid Plans: While Galligan, who is also an Honors College student, seemingly left the social part of her life as a Patriot to chance, her academic path shows strong intention. “I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist,” she says, “and a big part of preparing for PT school is experience.” She cites the university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its rich pool of internship opportunities as major factors in her decision to come to George Mason. “The kinesiology curriculum has set aside credits and time for you to get internships as well. I thought I would be really set up to create a strong PT application.”

Advice for New Patriots: In her journey of “saying yes,” Galligan says she’s discovered something far more important. “I think the point of going to school and having all the opportunities is just to kind of get out of your comfort zone and see what’s there. You learn something about yourself and what you want…it helps you figure out who you can be.”

Learn more about the Rowing Team

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Honors College

Sit! Stay! Buzz?

Jennifer Pocock — Thu, 29 May 2025 14:56:51 +0000

Sit! Stay! Buzz? Jennifer Pocock Thu, 05/29/2025 - 10:56

These �� students are short-circuiting voice commands, dog whistles, and clickers.

Covert Dog Comms Team Leader Paul J. Wyche displays their finished prototype at the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) Celebration. Photo by John Boal

If you’ve had a puppy, you probably know the patience it takes to train them in basic commands, and it can be a noisy affair involving begging, pleading, and some yelling. Working dogs like those in police and military K9 units need to learn so much more.

Sometimes, they need to obey without hearing a word.

Rescue situations can be chaotic, with so much going on that a command gets lost in the noise. Sometimes, a team of dogs need to hear many different commands, and competing voices are confusing. Other times, operation teams need to go radio silent and any noise at all will give their positions away.

Enter Team Covert Dog Comms. This pack of cybersecurity seniors at George Mason, all of whom graduated in May, sniffed out a way to direct dogs without barking commands.

Together, they became the dream team that was the envy of anyone who has ever worked on a bad group project—and proof that great leadership combined with a passionate team yields amazing results.

“Working with this team has been a very positive experience. One key factor that made it successful was the balance of specialized skill sets,” said team leader Paul J. Wyche, who also recently spoke at his College of Engineering and Computing graduation. “While some of our backgrounds overlapped, each team member had a distinct area of expertise, allowing us to overcome any obstacle and collaborate effectively.”

Those members were Maxime Bonnaud, who specialized in the vest’s wireless and cryptographic security; Jonathan Perry, who designed the hardware; and AJ Hoepfner, who set up testing standards and regulations, along with assisting Wyche with project management.

“Mostly, what made this team great was good execution on the fundamentals,” said Bonnaud. “Everyone showed up, communicated well, and looked for areas they could work on instead of having to be assigned work.”

The end result was a securely encrypted working prototype of a vest that can be programmed with three different vibrating pattern commands that a dog can be trained to obey. While they were unable to find a working dog to test on, the team tested the vest on themselves and found it to work as intended.

When asked whether the team planned to patent or commercialize the vest, Wyche said that they wouldn’t rule it out. “We haven’t formally discussed commercializing the project. However, if the opportunity arises and we receive the necessary support, we may explore those possibilities.”

Until then, they achieved their goal of making “a fully operational haptic vest that could be refined for real-world use in special operations.”

And that is something to howl about.

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Senior Capstone Project

Cybersecurity

Military

Police and Public Safety

A Place to Belong, A Space to Grow: Learning Communities at the Schar School

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 28 May 2025 17:26:43 +0000

A Place to Belong, A Space to Grow: Learning Communities at the Schar School Andrew J Schappert Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:26

In This Story

Jennifer N. Victor

Eric McGlinchey

Lucas Núñez

Shea M. Holman Kilian

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

When it comes to preparing students for the complex, unpredictable world of public service, the Schar School of Policy and Government at �� is not content with conventional classrooms. Instead, it has invested in a transformative model of undergraduate education known as “learning communities” (LCs).

Learning Communities take students beyond the classroom and into the key institutions of Washington, D.C., for first-hand experience where policy is created. Above, the First-Year Democracy Lab poses at the Capitol after meeting lawmakers and their staffs. Photos provided

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—helping students build critical skills, networks, and experiences that position them for success in internships, graduate school, and careers in public service.

Across four distinct communities—International Relations Policy Task Force (IRTF), First-Year Democracy Lab (FY Dem Lab), Upper-Level Democracy Lab (UL Dem Lab), and Jurisprudence Learning Community (JPLC)—students are not only learning policy and governance but living it.

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. 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, the largest public university in Virginia. George Mason is also a Carnegie Opportunity College, indicating proven accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility for graduates, and these programs showcase those features.

A Task Force That Tackles the Real World

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.

In the IRTF, students are charged with identifying and addressing some of the world’s most intractable problems. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Eric McGlinchey, they craft policy solutions rooted in deep research and human experience. This isn’t armchair theorizing—it’s engagement with the real world.

“Professor McGlinchey’s ability to foster a sense of community, guide discussion, and lead us helped me flourish as a student,” said senior government and international politics (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. “After this year together, I feel confident in my understanding of the government, philanthropy, think tanks, immigration, and foreign policy.”

Both Chervenak and fellow GVIP major Sofía Lorenzo, a student government senator, echoed how transformative the policy paper writing process was, offering an energizing mixture of constructive criticism and encouragement.

“It was so fun to hear about my peers’ findings and be involved throughout the process with one another. It was such an uplifting experience,” said Lorenzo, winner of the Women and Gender Studies program’s 2025 Feminist Leadership Award and an intern for the recently deceased U.S. Rep. Gerry Connelly (D).

“I loved the community it created—it was like a village. It takes a village to raise an IRTF scholar,” she joked.

McGlinchey points to how the students connect their classroom learning with the networking opportunities he creates.

“In the fall semester, we met with colleagues at [Ukrainian nonprofit] Razom,” he said. “In the spring semester, we traveled to the United States-Mexico border and learned from counterparts in El Paso and Juárez how changing U.S. immigration policy can profoundly impact deeply interconnected communities.”

Demystifying the Law

Taking advantage of the Schar School’s proximity to Washington, D.C., Upper-Level Democracy Lab students visited the renowned think tank, the Cato Institute, and met with policy researchers.

The JPLC, directed by Assistant Professor Shea Holman, offers a law school-like experience for undergraduates. Students don’t just read about the law, they simulate jury selections, analyze real Supreme Court cases, and meet judges and prosecutors. It’s more than an education, the students said, it’s a revelation.

For GVIP May 2025 graduate Madison Quick, one moment stood out.

“The most impactful experience I had in the JPLC course was volunteering at the Fairfax County General District Court,” said Quick, who continues to work postgraduation with the university’s LGBTQ+ Resources Center as a Queer Leadership Development intern. “I watched my first civil proceeding, specifically a protective order. That experience made me realize that I wanted to practice civil law—and become a judge.”

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.

“Our GOVT 301 course mimics the intensity and structure of a [first year] 1L law school curriculum,” she said.

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.

This example of a direct bridge from classroom-to-career is not an accident, it’s an intentional ambition of the LCs.

Building Democracy, One First-Year at a Time

The First-Year Democracy Lab was the Schar School’s first foray into learning communities, with more than 60 incoming students signing on for the first in-person cohort in fall 2021.

Led by Associate Professor Jennifer N. Victor, 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.

“The FY Dem Lab is the gateway learning community,” said Victor. “The 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.”

For 2025 GVIP graduate Ruthu Josyula, the FY Dem Lab was catalytic.

“As a freshman, I worked with Professor Victor on the First-Year Democracy Lab voter turnout study,” she said, referencing a research project intended to understand voting patterns among young voters (hint: campaigns relying on digital platforms are misguided).

“I had the incredible opportunity to present preliminary findings of this research at the annual Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence National Conference,” she said. The conference gives 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.

The impact of these beyond-the-campus relationships ripples outward.

“Being a part of First-Year Dem Lab connected me to Dr. Victor and many other students and faculty,” said Josyula, who the next year joined the IRTF community for deeper engagement. “I owe many of my collegiate experiences to the different things I learned and experienced in Dem Lab.”

Rising sophomore GVIP sophomore Emebet Neale discovered newfound confidence in Dem Lab.

“Dr. Victor has had a major influence on me,” said the student government senator. “From the start, she’s created an environment where students feel heard, supported, and encouraged. That kind of mentorship, especially so early in college, is rare.”

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’s 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.

“The Peer Pathways event was a wonderful and meaningful experience for me,” Neale said. “It helped create a supportive network of peers and mentors who want to see each other succeed.”

Upperclassmen, Deeper Dives

The Upper-Level Democracy Lab, taught by Associate Professor Lucas Núñez, 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.

“Students developed their critical thinking and a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between law, ethics, politics, and geographical realities,” said Núñez.

Just as importantly, the yearlong cohort model builds lasting relationships and trust.

“As a faculty member, this continuity allows me to better get to know students as individuals,” Núñez added.

That deeper connection made all the difference for rising GVIP major Neelam Gurung.

“The most impactful experience I had in the Upper-Level Dem Lab course was meeting guest speakers, especially during the alumni dinner,” she said. “These conversations helped me reflect on my own goals and gave me a clearer picture of what paths align with my interests and values.”

Rising junior international security and law major Georges Saade, another UL Dem Lab student, highlighted the personal attention.

“Professor Núñez is not just a great professor, but a great resource and mentor to have,” he said. “He really cares about all his students and makes everyone feel included.”

More Than Coursework

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.

“The impact of JPLC is most clearly reflected in our students’ achievements and evolving sense of self-efficacy,” said Holman. “They have discovered a belief in their ability to succeed in law school and beyond.”

Victor agrees. “When 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.”

McGlinchey puts it simply: “IRTF 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.”

Clearly, these learning community “villages” aren’t just innovations in teaching, they are platforms for transformation. For students, they represent the difference between getting by at a university and thriving within it.

During a two-day visit with justices in Richmond, members of the Jurisprudence Learning Community found themselves literally in the seats of power at the Supreme Court of Virginia.