National Science Foundation

NSF CAREER award will support teen autonomy in age of AI

Nathan Kahl — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:45:38 +0000

NSF CAREER award will support teen autonomy in age of AI Nathan Kahl Tue, 06/09/2026 - 11:45

Adolescence has always been a time of figuring out who you are. Increasingly, that process unfolds alongside social media feeds, recommendation algorithms, and AI chatbots. 91��’s Nora McDonald received a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award for $748,000 to better understand how adolescents experience and are shaped by these artificial intelligence (AI) and other personalized digital environments, and how they can develop the skills and capacities necessary to maintain their sense of self, autonomy, and agency within them.

McDonald, an assistant professor in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology, has spent several years studying a growing reality of adolescent life, and one increasingly shaped by personalized AI technologies. Her research has found that social media recommendation systems and AI chatbots can serve as spaces where young people reflect on themselves, experiment with identity, and seek feedback about who they are.

McDonald's work will give teens tools to properly engage with digital technologies. iStock photo.

“Much of the public conversation has been about how algorithms influence what kids see and how we go down rabbit holes,” McDonald said. “I’m interested in a different question: How do algorithms shape self-understanding and how do teens make sense of themselves in environments that are increasingly personalized and shaped by algorithms and AI?”

McDonald’s previous research suggests that even while teenagers often view AI chatbots and recommendation systems as practical tools, those systems can become important spaces for self-exploration and self-presentation.

“Over time, teens might come to expect these systems to reflect aspects of who they are,” McDonald said. “They use them not just for help with homework or entertainment, but also to explore and understand themselves.”

Those findings raise broader questions about identity development during adolescence. If recommendation systems continually influence what young people see, what feedback they receive, and what content captures their attention, how will that affect how they see themselves?

McDonalds's CAREER project will investigate that question through what she calls a resilience framework that examines how adolescents recognize, interpret, and respond to algorithmic influence and how it relates to the coherence of their sense of self.

The research combines interviews, diary studies, surveys, and participatory design activities to better understand how adolescents interpret and respond to algorithmic systems. McDonald will recruit teenagers from across the country, beginning with qualitative studies and eventually expanding to a national survey designed to generate broader statistical insights.

One major outcome of the project will be the development of practical resources and activities designed with teenagers to help them navigate personalized digital environments.

The effort differs from traditional digital literacy initiatives that focus primarily on explaining how algorithms work. “It helps them reflect on algorithmic influence and develop strategies that are really rooted in managing attention and maintaining perspective on who they are outside of digital experiences,” McDonald said.

The CAREER award also supports substantial educational activities. McDonald plans to develop a new undergraduate course focused on algorithmic self-defense from a human-computer interaction perspective. The project will also support a youth summer institute for high school students helping young people to critically engage with AI personalized digital technologies that increasingly shape their everyday experiences.

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information sciences and technology

social media intervention

Teens

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George Mason researcher receives NSF CAREER award to study how autonomous systems communicate

Nathan Kahl — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:42:06 +0000

George Mason researcher receives NSF CAREER award to study how autonomous systems communicate Nathan Kahl Tue, 04/28/2026 - 08:42

For Daigo Shishika, robots are not just machines that move…they can also be experts at communication of various types. With a new CAREER award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), he is advancing a line of research that asks a deceptively simple question: what if robots could “talk” to each other—and to humans—without ever sending a signal?

Daigo Shishika. Photo provided

Shishika, an assistant professor in 91��'s Department of Mechanical Engineering, will lead a five-year, $549,000 award focused on how autonomous systems can signal intent through motion alone. The idea draws from everyday human experience, Shishika said, giving the example of how drivers read each other’s behavior on the road not just through turn signals, but also through speed, positioning, and subtle cues. Pedestrians do the same when navigating crowded sidewalks. The research aims to give robots that same intuitive layer of interaction.

“There's a lot of information that comes from pure observation of movement. So how can robots take that into account? If I move in this way, how would that be perceived?” he said. Citing the ubiquitous Starship food-delivery robots around campus, he added, “When you walk near one, you kind of have to guess what it's trying to do based on what you see it doing.”

The project builds on years of research at the intersection of robotics, control systems, and game theory. Shishika’s path to this point has been shaped by a longstanding fascination with motion. As an undergraduate at the University of Tokyo, he studied aerospace engineering, initially drawn to flight systems and small aerial vehicles. That interest led to research on bumblebee flight dynamics. Over time, his focus expanded from how individual systems move to how multiple systems interact. His graduate work at the University of Maryland involved drone swarms inspired by insect behavior.

As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, he worked on multi-agent systems in defense-related contexts, where coordination played a critical role. That experience laid the foundation for his current work, examining both cooperative and adversarial interactions among autonomous agents.

Professor Daigo Shishika working with students on blimps in the MARC aviary. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

A central concept in the project is what Shishika described as the spectrum between transparency and deception. In some cases, robots need to clearly signal their intent to build trust and operate safely alongside humans. In others, such as security or defense applications, limiting the information revealed through motion can be just as important.

“If a system moves in a certain way, it may unintentionally reveal what it’s trying to do,” he said. “So the question becomes, how much information are you giving away through your actions, and can you control that?”

The implications span a range of applications. Delivery robots, for example, could plan routes that make their destinations less predictable, improving security for sensitive shipments. In public spaces, robots that better communicate intent through motion could navigate more smoothly around people, reducing confusion and improving safety. On a larger scale, the work could inform how infrastructure and policies are designed.

The project will also integrate theoretical and experimental work through Shishika’s RoboGame Arena, a platform combining mathematical modeling with physical robot experiments. By testing how real systems behave and how humans interpret those behaviors, he aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

The NSF CAREER award is reserved for the nation’s most talented up-and-coming researchers. From the NSF website: “The Faculty Early Career Development Program offers NSF’s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.”

For Shishika, the award represents both recognition and opportunity. It is his first project developed as a full lab effort, bringing together students working across theory, machine learning, and hands-on robotics.

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George Mason Scholarship for Service students commit to America’s cyber defense

tdonnel — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:08:18 +0000

George Mason Scholarship for Service students commit to America’s cyber defense tdonnel Mon, 02/16/2026 - 11:08

With the support of the National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, 91��'s Department of Cyber Security Engineering (CYSE) and Department of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) are training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals committed to public service.

Funded by a $3.9 million grant, the SFS program provides students who commit to working in federal, state, or local government cybersecurity roles after graduation with two or three years of full tuition. The first cohort of five students is already demonstrating how financial support, professional development opportunities, and a shared service mission can accelerate careers in the public interest.

CyberCorps Defending America's Cyberspace Scholarship for Service logo

The students receive professional development support not only through exclusive networking events and job opportunities but also through funding for certifications, conferences, and workshops.

“That kind of professional support is a big deal,” said senior DJ Strigel. “It really helps you build credentials while you’re still a student.” Strigel, a CYSE Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) student concentrating in artificial intelligence, added that the scholarship made graduate study feasible.

Ailene (Diemmi) Dao, a CYSE BAM student specializing in digital forensics, said the scholarship allows her to focus fully on learning and skill development. “The [CYSE] program itself is really fun, including interesting, engaging, hands-on labs. This scholarship lets me concentrate on building the experience I’ll need to do this work well.”

For junior Shanti Nadimi, the program aligns with a strong sense of civic responsibility. “Without federal and Virginia state aid, I wouldn’t be able to go to college at all,” Nadimi said, “so I feel like I should give back. I want to contribute to our nation’s security.”

"I grew up liking the security and structure of government and the sense of service that comes with government work," added senior Tristan Boyd.

As the first cohort, these students are shaping the culture of the program. The group regularly shares job leads, internship advice, and guidance on navigating federal hiring and security clearance processes.

“We all send each other opportunities and teach each other about the process,” said Carlos Javier Navarro‑Montanez, a sophomore. “That camaraderie has been really important.”

Kun Sun

For George Mason, the SFS program is both a powerful student support mechanism and a mark of distinction. It reflects the university’s national leadership in cybersecurity education and its role as a trusted pipeline for public‑sector talent. Professor Kun Sun, principal investigator of the program, is excited by how well the first cohort started. “The students have already shown impressive technical skill, curiosity, and a real sense of purpose around public service and cybersecurity,” he said.

The cohort’s work is already paying off. One student has completed an internship with the Department of Homeland Security while two others will complete internships for the Department of Defense.

With strong faculty mentorship, federal investment, and students already entering public‑service cybersecurity roles, George Mason’s SFS program is helping safeguard the future by preparing those committed to serving it.

Learn more about George Mason's SFS program: https://sfs.cec.gmu.edu/prospective-students/

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Kun Sun

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College of Engineering and Computing Scholarships

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Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s

Printing play: A path forward for children with prosthetics

Nathan Kahl — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:32:50 +0000

Printing play: A path forward for children with prosthetics Nathan Kahl Thu, 01/15/2026 - 08:32

A child who uses a lower-limb prosthesis faces unique challenges when it comes to activities most children take for granted, such as running and being active. Without access to a prosthetic device designed to support these movements, children may miss out not only on the simple joys of play, but also on critical opportunities for physical development during key stages of growth.

Quentin Sanders. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

91�� researcher Quentin Sanders is part of a collaborative research team working to make high-performance prosthetic limbs more affordable, accessible, and better tailored to the needs of active children. Sanders, along with Jonathon Schofield, an associate professor at the University of California, Davis, and Garrett Melenka, an associate professor at York University, received a three-year, $500K grant from the National Science Foundation to support the project, which began in September 2025.

Most standard foot or leg prostheses are built for basic walking, not for the kind of active movement that helps children develop strength, balance, and coordination, the benefits that come from running and jumping with friends.

“This limitation can be especially challenging for children,” said Sanders, who has a joint appointment in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. “Kids want to run and play. When they can’t, they’re more likely to avoid physical activities, such as sports, or even stop using their prosthesis altogether.”

A 3D-printed running blade prototype, created using the technique Sanders and his colleagues are developing. Photo provided

Often seen in competitive events such as the Paralympic Games, running blades are curved, spring-like prosthetic feet made from carbon fiber that mimic the energy return of a biological foot. While these devices offer an alternative option to standard leg prostheses and can enable children to run, they are expensive and often inaccessible. A single running blade can cost several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars and is typically not covered by insurance because it is considered nonessential, rather than medically necessary.

Some charitable organizations help families access these devices, but demand far exceeds supply, and for growing children, one blade is rarely enough. “Kids grow quickly,” said Sanders. “As they get taller, they outgrow their prostheses, which means going through multiple blades over time.”

The research team has several goals, starting with identifying what children truly need from an activity-enabling prosthesis. The researchers are examining how motivation to be active, physical growth, and different types of movement influence prosthetic performance in everyday settings. “What do you use it for? What don’t you use it for? What do you wish you could do?” said Sanders.

The team is also analyzing how children move while using their current running blades, studying activities such as running, jumping, and changing direction to better understand the biomechanics and physical demands involved.

Finally, the team will take a close look at how today’s running blades perform under real-world demands. “We want to understand how stiff they are, how much load they can handle, and when they might fail,” said Sanders. “We can then combine that information with what kids tell us they want to do and use it to guide our 3D printing process—creating blades that are better suited for active play.”

Sanders and his collaborators are using an advanced additive manufacturing approach known as continuous-fiber 3D printing, in which carbon fibers are embedded within the printed plastic to reinforce the prosthetic structure. This method enables the creation of strong, lightweight devices that can be tailored to a child’s size, growth, and activity needs.

“By combining manufacturing, composite materials, prosthetics, design, and biomechanics, this project provides an innovative and holistic solution,” said Melenka.

The technique is already used to produce strong, lightweight components in the aerospace and automotive industries, but it has seen limited adoption in prosthetic design. This project represents one of the first efforts to apply it systematically to activity-enabling prostheses for children.

“What’s most exciting about this project is the collaboration across institutes, disciplines, and areas of expertise,” said Schofield. “We are bringing together researchers in movement mechanics, advanced materials manufacturing, and pediatric lower-limb prosthetic care. We are also incorporating the lived experience of children and families, along with clinicians who work with these patients every day.”

The work also has the potential for industry disruption, according to Sanders. “If we can show that a child’s physical measurements and movement needs can be translated into a digital model and then used to 3D print a customized prosthesis, existing prosthetic manufacturers would begin to integrate this approach into their production pipelines.”

For Sanders, the motivation goes beyond technical innovation. “I’ve always been interested in translating new technologies into real-world solutions,” he said. “Helping people with disabilities and impairments is why I got into this field in the first place.”

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George Mason team earns $2.1M to study seizure dynamics

tdonnel — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:06:52 +0000

George Mason team earns $2.1M to study seizure dynamics tdonnel Tue, 01/13/2026 - 10:06

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John Cressman

Parag Chitnis

Remi Veneziano

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a 91�� research team $2.1 million to create a system that could revolutionize the study of seizures.

The project combines the expertise of Parag Chitnis and Remi Veneziano (Department of Bioengineering), and Rob Cressman (Department of Physics and Astronomy) to develop an imaging and sensing system for identifying areas of the brain with potassium ion dysregulation.

“Potassium is one of those ions that actually inhibits activation of cells. If there's a dysfunction in those ions, you get runaway signaling. A seizure is an example of that,” said Cressman, who has studied epilepsy since his postdoctoral work. “We’re trying to develop tools that help us understand that better.”

From left, Parag Chitnis, Rob Cressman, and Remi Veneziano. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

When the biocompatible nanosensors, made of DNA and light-sensitive dye, encounter a local change in potassium concentration, they change their shape resulting in a change in their near-infrared fluorescence signal.

“We want to detect even very small changes in potassium,” said Veneziano, whose work involves synthesizing new nanomaterials from DNA particles, proteins, and lipids. “The system we’ve built is modular, versatile, and highly sensitive.”

These signals can be mapped in real-time using a near-infrared imaging device to understand dynamic changes in ion concentration.

One of the most promising applications is image-guided surgical intervention for epilepsy. By pinpointing seizure foci through potassium mapping, surgeons may be able to perform precise tissue ablation, removing only the affected areas.

“If you can identify the focus and remove that part of the tissue, you can sometimes stop the seizures,” said Cressman.

The four-year NIH-funded project, previously funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), builds on years of research supported by George Mason’s Center for MedTech Innovation.

“This grant allows us to translate our NSF-funded feasibility work into real-world applications,” said Chitnis, who studies brain-body interactions using light and ultrasound. “We’re not just studying disease—we’re building tools that could guide future interventions.”

The toolkit will be tested across multiple platforms—from cell cultures to brain slices to intact mammalian models—allowing researchers to study bioelectrical activity at various scales.

The team also sees potential for assessing functional recovery after traumatic brain injury. Scar tissue can disrupt potassium regulation, and the nanosensors may help identify regions at risk of developing seizure foci. As the research progresses, the team hopes to open new pathways for understanding and treating complex brain disorders.

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Research

College of Science

College of Engineering and Computing

National Science Foundation

National Institutes of Health

The MIX: Where George Mason students turn ideas into impact

ckearney — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:41:10 +0000

The MIX: Where George Mason students turn ideas into impact ckearney Mon, 01/05/2026 - 13:41

At 91��, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a culture. One of the campus spaces championing this culture is the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX), a hub where creativity and entrepreneurship intersect.

Computer science student Jagan Yekturi (left) took third place in the student track at the annual Accelerate Investor Conference. Photo provided

MIX programs, such as the MIX Incubator, the Student Innovators Launchpad, and featured programs working with drones, robotics, and other technologies, help George Mason students transform their bold ideas into real-world solutions with guidance from experienced mentors, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.

In November 2025, George Mason student innovators made waves at the annual Accelerate Investor Conference, a two-day event held at Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, which brought together investors, founders, and thought leaders. Among 50 start-ups and more than 20 student teams, four teams from the MIX Incubator and its Student Innovator Launchpad program—AccelP3 (bioinformatics and computational biology PhD students Morolake Okanlawon, Yingjie Zhang, and Hsuan Chih Kuo), Aniwear (mechanical engineering student Josh Peterson), Anvil Labs LLC. (electrical engineering students Justin Luckenbach and Chelsea Camacho-Zambrana), and EduVerse (computer science student Jagan Yekturi)—had the opportunity to pitch their ideas in the student track. These teams showcased cutting-edge solutions, from bioinformatics tools to heating and cooling wearable tech.

Yekturi’s EduVerse, earned third place and an $1,000 prize for its platform connecting students and recruiters. “The MIX Incubator strengthened my ability to define a clear Ideal Customer Profile and align my solution directly with customer pain points,” Yekturi said. “The feedback and support accelerated my learning far beyond what I expected.”

“The biggest benefit for us was getting a chance to network with people in our industry who could help us take our business to the next step,” said Luckenbach, co-founder of Anvil Labs LLC.

Doctoral student Morolake Okanlawon (with microphone) presents on behalf of the AccelP3 team at Accelerate Investors Conference. Photo provided

The MIX experience goes beyond competition. Through integration with the National Science Foundation I-Corps program, students gain exposure to lean start-up principles, customer discovery, and commercialization strategies—all essential for scaling a business.

Gisele Stolz, senior director of Entrepreneurship Programs and director and co-PI of George Mason’s I-Corps Program; Sampson Addo, program manager of the I-Corps Program; and Minjin Batzorig, the MIX’s program and operations coordinator, manage and provide support for these programs. Mentors like George Siragusa of the Virginia Small Business Development Centers, Adam Phillips of AthletesInnovate, and Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program mentors Elizabeth Pyle and William McPheat provided invaluable guidance throughout the journey.

The MIX Student Innovators Launchpad is designed to help junior and senior undergraduate, masters, and PhD students transform ideas rooted in tech and deep-science research into viable businesses. Participants learn about customer discovery, market evaluation, and commercialization strategies, emphasized through integration with the NSF I-Corps program. The program culminates in a showcase where students pitch to a panel of investors, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs, making the Accelerate Conference a natural extension of their entrepreneurial journey.

Doctoral student Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan took first place for breast cancer screening technology at the Pitch Enterpreneur competition in November. Photo provided

The MIX Launchpad concluded in November with a Pitch Entrepreneur Competition, where AeroHealth, led by civil and infrastructure engineering PhD candidate Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan, won first place for her innovative approach to breast cancer screening.

“The MIX Pitch Entrepreneur Competition showed me that success comes from stepping out of comfort, embracing challenge, and growing through failure,” Shan said.

Looking ahead, the MIX Student Innovators Launchpad is recruiting for its Spring 2026 cohort. Applications are open until mid-January, and accepted teams will kick off on February 6. This program prepares students for opportunities like Patriot Pitch and other funding opportunities. Interested? Apply here.

To learn more about entrepreneurship opportunities at George Mason, contact Batzorig at mbatzor@gmu.edu.

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The MIX

entrepreneurship

National Science Foundation

Mason Enterprise

New Smithsonian-Mason opportunity offers students a pathway to conservation science

ckearney — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:43:54 +0000

New Smithsonian-Mason opportunity offers students a pathway to conservation science ckearney Wed, 10/29/2025 - 14:43

From cloning endangered black-footed ferrets to using drone technology to track wildlife to caring for red pandas up close, researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are working at the forefront of conservation science. As a global leader in conservation research, the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC), which is a partnership between 91�� and the Smithsonian, offers hands-on experiences to undergraduate students that few other institutions can match.

Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Now, students across the country can apply to take part in this kind of hands-on opportunity thanks to a ten-week summer research experience at SMSC through the National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

The 2025 REU Saving Critically Endangered Species and Habitats: Next-Generation Education, Research, and Training for Conservation Biologists is only the second REU awarded to George Mason. The program is led by College of Science dean and principal investigator Cody W. Edwards, alongside biology professor and co-principal investigator David Luther.

At the Smithsonian’s Front Royal, Virginia, site, 10 participants will take part in field-based conservation projects. These students will work on developing strategies to preserve endangered species and acquire skills applicable to careers in conservation biology.

“One of the best things about George Mason is the wide range of backgrounds and experiences our students bring, along with the access we provide to top-tier research thanks to our location and partnerships with leading institutions like the Smithsonian,” said Edwards. “Hosting an REU allows us to expand that access nationwide, reaching students who are passionate about conservation and eager to make an impact, but who may not yet be aware of the opportunities available at George Mason.”

Edwards said the REU will act as an “amplifier,” offering a launchpad for students who have the passion and potential but lack exposure to advanced training in the field.

“This learning opportunity is incredibly difficult to replicate as you get both a world-class education, along with an expanded network of top industry professionals,” said Edwards. “Many students apply to work with Smithsonian scientists and researchers at George Mason, and now this REU provides a broader pathway to do that.”

Participants will engage with researchers and mentors like Edwards and Luther in a collaborative setting that blends fieldwork and lab-based research. Through these collaborations, students will deepen their research experience, gain critical career skills, grow professional networks, and generate findings with potential to impact conservation efforts globally.

“Everyone I’ve met got their start with the help of a good mentor,” said Luther. “People can do a lot of good work on their own, but having someone to guide you early on, someone who helps shape how you approach problems, work through challenges, and make sound decisions is invaluable. That’s why I think this grant and the research experience it offers undergraduates is so special.”

Students will focus their work in one of three core areas aligned with the school’s expertise: assessing and monitoring wild populations, studying ecological resilience in the face of environmental threats, or improving the care and management of species in human care.

The SMSC is distinguished by its rich history of renowned experts and visionary faculty dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. Over the years, the school has welcomed some of the most influential figures in environmental science. The late Jane Goodall, a global icon of wildlife conservation, visited the campus in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to share her insights and engage with students. George Mason’s Department of Environmental Science and Policy was also home to the legendary Thomas Lovejoy, often referred to as the “Godfather of Biodiversity,” who mentored some of SMSC’s current faculty.

“What excites me most about the REU is the opportunity it creates, not just for the individual students, but for the broader conservation community,” Edwards said. “Their work can spark new ideas and help drive forward conservation initiatives beyond their own project, and builds networks of individuals who can collaborate to drive big changes.”

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National Science Foundation

Students

College of Science

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Research

Arctic Resilience: NSF, 91��, and collaborators seek solutions for the future

Martha Bushong — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:07:26 +0000

Arctic Resilience: NSF, 91��, and collaborators seek solutions for the future Martha Bushong Wed, 10/08/2025 - 07:07

In 1967, Alaska adopted the slogan "North to the Future" for its centennial. Now, as researchers at 91�� collaborate on an National Science Foundation planning grant, they look north to Alaska and the future. The planning grant lays the groundwork for the development of an Alaska Innovation Incubator (AI²) for Resilient and Smart Infrastructure in Extreme and Changing Environments.

“The Arctic presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding strategic planning and robust infrastructure support," said Professor Elise Miller-Hooks, who is spearheading the team for George Mason. "With AI², we're not only responding to environmental changes; we're proactively shaping a resilient future for the region. We’re hoping to create forward-thinking solutions for maritime development, performance of civil infrastructure, climate hazards, and workforce development.”

Professors Elise Miller-Hooks and Celso Ferreira on the Alaska's North Slope. They will return later this year to meet with planning grant collaborators. Photo provided.

Though still in its early stages, the planning grant outlines five interrelated thrusts. These thrusts will develop smart sensing technologies for the changing Arctic environments; new technologies that lead to innovative, economical, and resilient infrastructure; adaptive and economical solutions and system-level decision-making tools for securing Arctic coasts; a prototype for an automated digital twin of community-scale coastal infrastructure and permafrost systems; and a pipeline for workforce development of future scientists, engineers, and skilled workers with expertise in U.S. Arctic environments.

The George Mason researchers are part of a larger effort to develop resilience solutions and technologies through close collaboration with Indigenous communities, industry partners, government agencies, and six academic institutions. The societal impacts of this initiative could be far-reaching, promising enhanced well-being and resilience for U.S. Arctic communities, increased economic competitiveness, improved national security, and greater public engagement with science and technology.

To achieve this, through AI², the team aims to deliver a suite of transformative solutions. One example is the development of Arctic coastal hazard early warning tools, designed to provide timely alerts to communities facing environmental threats. The project will also pioneer innovative foundation insulation technologies and thermosyphon systems, specifically tailored for permafrost regions, alongside economical pre-thawing techniques for construction in warmer permafrost areas.

The researchers hope to create adaptive solutions and system-level decision-making tools to ensure the security of Arctic coasts for the future. With the potential of new shipping lanes opening, Alaskans see opportunities for new ports, and the team will explore both the opportunities and challenges. A prototype for an automated digital twin of community-scale coastal infrastructure and permafrost systems will be developed, offering a cutting-edge approach to monitoring and managing the environments.

Finally, the initiative led by Penn State University, a long-time research partner, will focus on workforce development, nurturing future scientists, engineers, and skilled workers with expertise in the unique challenges of U.S. Arctic environments. “Through the envisioned AI², it will be possible to generate new insights into the interactions between the natural and the built environment—including regional weather dynamics, permafrost, and coast-land interfaces—and the built and sociocultural systems, laying the groundwork for effective solutions,” said Miller-Hooks.

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Helping older adults embrace AI and emerging technologies with a National Science Foundation grant

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:08:43 +0000

Helping older adults embrace AI and emerging technologies with a National Science Foundation grant Taylor Thomas Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:08

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into our lives, older adults are being left behind. Poor digital literacy is more than being unable to use social media. It increases the risk of poor health outcomes as it may exclude anyone, especially older adults, from finding and using information that sustains and promotes health. With a highly competitive grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), digital technologies researcher, Y. Alicia Hong, is helping older adults keep pace with evolving technology and setting them up for success in the future.

Y. Alicia Hong. Photo provided

“Our project equips older adults to adapt to emerging technologies, such as AI, and become more resilient in a rapidly changing digital landscape,” said Hong, professor in 91��’s Department of Health Administration and Policy.

From online banking to electronic health records like MyChart, people need to interact with digital technology on a daily basis. Hong’s project will incorporate youth, who are more adept with technology, to aid older adults’ skill-building. At senior centers, a youth and an older adult will walk through scenes where they may encounter AI technology. A web platform will guide them to collaboratively develop a digital life story with realistic scenarios with support from AI tools.

"The project seeks to strengthen AI literacy, social connectedness, and resilience among older adults while cultivating responsible AI awareness in youth," Hong said.

Hong will co-design the web-based platform that facilitates intergenerational engagement between youth and older adults in narrative-style storytelling to improve their understanding of digital technologies and AI. They will use multiple AI-based tools, including ChatGPT for script generation, Runway ML for image creation, Eleven Labs for audio, and Descript for editing.

Hong will work alongside the project’s PI, Dr. Yixuan (Janice) Zhang, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at College of William & Mary. Collaboration with a computer scientist will ensure refined evaluations of usability, accessibility, and participants’ ability to use the web-based platform independently, while also taking into consideration cultural sensitivity. Their interprofessional, intercollegiate partnership will optimize resource allocation and program performance.

“We aim to deliver a community-based model for AI literacy that helps older adults confidently and safely use AI, strengthens intergenerational bonds by positioning youth as tech partners, and gives community-based organizations a practical toolkit they can sustain after the grant,” said Zhang, co-PI with Hong. “The award converts a co-designed concept into a tested, transferable, and sustainable platform and program to enhance AI literacy among older adults.”

“The project will inform future programs aimed at underserved groups and foster more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful engagement with emerging technologies,” said Hong.

NSF grants are awarded to researchers whose projects have demonstrated the capacity for advancing research and education across science and engineering. The project entitled “Enhancing AI Literacy and Resilience through Intergenerational Digital Storytelling among Older Adults” is a three-year, $661,478 grant.

As a digital health behavioral interventionist, Hong studies the intersection of health services delivery and consumer informatics. Her work explores chronic care and self-care solutions through innovative digital technologies to improve patient-centered outcomes and enhance health care accessibility. Hong’s research focuses on implementation and dissemination science and leveraging digital technologies to enhance health services delivery.

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NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahn was inspired to apply for the funding in part by the fact that the new Innovation District, led jointly by 91��, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, co-locates the university with industry and government to create a dynamic collaboration model.

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

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

The program will welcome its first cohort in spring 2026.

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