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Nexus234 Innovation District debuts in Manassas and George Mason is in the heart of it

ckearney — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:16 +0000

Nexus234 Innovation District debuts in Manassas and George Mason is in the heart of it ckearney Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:05

Today during a naming event in Manassas, Virginia, 91��, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas officially unveiled Nexus234 Innovation District, marking a milestone that has been decades in the making.

The nearly 6,000-acre destination, named for the Route 234 corridor that runs through its heart, is Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District and positions the region as a national destination for research-driven industry. Centered around Innovation Park alongside George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, Nexus234 connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology companies ranging from startups to global firms across sectors including life sciences, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, data centers, and AI infrastructure.

Designed to accelerate the path from discovery to deployment, Nexus234 provides an environment where research, workforce training, and industry collaboration intersect to support economic growth and commercialization.

From left, Sumeet Shrivastava, vice rector of the George Mason Board of Visitors; Amy Adams, executive director of the SciTech Innovation District, and George Mason President Gregory Washington at the launch of Nexus234 Innovation District on Friday, April 24. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

"None of this happened all of a sudden. It was years in the making,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. "You have the right community, you have the right components, you have the right leadership. You mix all that together and throw in Virginia’s largest R1 institution. You want an education system that produces a pipeline of high paying jobs, that partners with the business community and provides accountability to the public. That’s what we’ve been putting in place at George Mason."

The naming event coincided with the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) conference, bringing visitors from across the country to tour Nexus234 and engage with researchers, students, and anchor companies including Micron, General Dynamics’ Progeny Systems, and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Attendees got a firsthand look at workforce training programs, an international soft-landing initiative, the NOVA LIVE dynamic campus, and the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Leaders emphasized Nexus234’s competitive advantage for development that includes tech-flex industrial space, incubator and accelerator programs, and sites for commercial and mixed-use expansion.

“Prince William County is building a destination for discovery,” said Chair-at-Large Deshundra Jefferson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “Nexus234 reflects our long-term strategy to attract high-value industries, support groundbreaking research, and ensure companies have the space, talent, and infrastructure they need to grow.”

Nexus234 builds on 30 years of public–private collaboration, formalized through a $2.6M GO Virginia grant to create Northern Virginia’s first innovation district in June 2025 and matched by $1.3M in local investments from founding partners: ATCC, Didlake, ECU Communications, Dominion Energy, Employment Enterprises Inc., I-66 Express Mobility Partners, Garcia Family Foundation, Micron Technology Inc., Northern Virginia Community College, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC).

“Nexus234 serves as a front door for companies like ours,” said CEO Ross Dunlap, Ceres Nanosciences. "As the first Endeavor incubator graduate, we have continued to grow within the innovation district and now operate more than 12,000 square feet of wet‑lab and manufacturing space, supporting the global distribution of our products. We’ve benefited from collaboration with local scientists, access to shared university facilities and equipment, hiring local talent, and regular opportunities to engage.”

Nexus234 includes approximately 330 acres available for laboratory, R&D, manufacturing, and office development, with a portion of land publicly controlled to support coordinated public-private growth.

President Gregory Washington (third from left) at Nexus234 Innovation District naming event. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Beyond economic metrics, Nexus234 represents a community investment—creating high-quality jobs, generating a new tax base, and reinforcing Manassas as a place where historic charm and forward-looking innovation come together,” said Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, City of Manassas. “As new companies are generated, and local and existing firms expand, the district is poised to become a nationally recognized destination for research and advanced industry.”

Conveniently located with access to Interstate 66, major rail corridors, and Manassas Regional Airport, and proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport, Nexus234 offers the connectivity to support both business growth and regional accessibility. With its proximity to federal agencies and one of the nation's largest data center ecosystems, Nexus234 positions the region to attract and support companies operating at the forefront of technology and applied research.

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College of Education and Human Development launches initiative to strengthen Virginia’s educator workforce

Katarina Benson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:04:24 +0000

College of Education and Human Development launches initiative to strengthen Virginia’s educator workforce Katarina Benson Mon, 02/23/2026 - 11:04

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at 91�� is kicking off Future Ready Teachers, a new initiative designed to strengthen Virginia’s educator workforce by removing financial barriers, innovating and elevating teacher preparation, and supporting teachers from entry through their early years in the classroom.

Future Ready Teachers responds to a growing challenge in Virginia and across the nation: Too many aspiring educators step away from the profession—or leave it early—due to cost, limited early-career support, and salaries that often do not align with the cost of living. The result is a teacher shortage that disproportionately affects high-poverty, rural, and high-need schools, limiting PK–12 students’ access to stable, high-quality learning environments. With deep regional partnerships and a strong track record of preparing effective educators, George Mason is positioned to deliver a scalable, high-impact solution.

Future Ready Teachers supports future educators. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“At 91��, we believe every aspiring educator deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial barriers or the realities of sustaining a career in teaching today,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of CEHD. “Future Ready Teachers reflects our responsibility to address the nation’s teacher shortage by investing not only in access, but in forward-looking innovative preparation, sustained support, and long-term success in the profession.”

The urgency is clear. Eighty-six percent of U.S. public schools report hiring challenges due to a lack of qualified applicants, with Virginia reporting more than 3,600 teacher vacancies in 2024-25. Each Future Ready Teachers scholar represents a stable classroom and hundreds of students reached over a career, strengthening schools and communities across the commonwealth.

“Teacher preparation is the cornerstone of educational excellence,” said Audra Parker, director of CEHD’s Office of Teacher Preparation. “When we invest in teachers and teacher preparation, we’re investing in the lives of students who will shape tomorrow’s future.”

The initiative focuses on three priorities: removing financial barriers, advancing teacher preparation for evolving classrooms demands, and supporting educators beyond graduation. Funds raised will provide full-ride and cost-of-living scholarships and sustain a rigorous model that integrates structured mentorship, a three-year induction program, and preparation for technology-enabled, data-rich learning environments, positioning teaching as a rigorous, future-ready profession designed to attract and retain top talent.

This comprehensive approach positions Future Ready Teachers as more than a scholarship effort; It is a workforce strategy designed to increase teacher retention, reduce preventable turnover, and strengthen long-term classroom stability.

“Future Ready Teachers represents a bold commitment to every child, every classroom, and every future,” said Guerra-López. “It is an investment in people and in the long-term strength and stability of our education system.”

This initiative supports the Advancing 21st-Century Education for All solution of George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

Future Ready Teachers is part of the Mason Now campaign.

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91�� will build an accounting and financial management academy for the U.S. Navy

Katarina Benson — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:37:19 +0000

91�� will build an accounting and financial management academy for the U.S. Navy Katarina Benson Fri, 02/20/2026 - 15:37

91��’s Learning Initiatives Network (LINK), through the Office of Continuing and Professional Education, will lead the creation and delivery of a new financial management academy for the U.S. Navy, drawing on expertise from the Costello College of Business.

The academy will deliver targeted, tailored training to strengthen financial management capabilities across the service and support the Navy’s goal of full audit readiness by 2028, a strategic priority of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

As one of the few universities in the country with a federal accounting focus and located in the National Capital Region, George Mason is uniquely positioned for this work. Through a five-year $48.7-million ceiling IDIQ contract ($53.5 million with options), the academy will equip 10,000 Navy financial management personnel worldwide with the skills needed to manage budgets, support audit requirements, and operate effectively within the Navy’s financial enterprise. The training will emphasize workforce readiness, helping professionals apply financial concepts within the Navy’s real systems, processes, and mission needs.

The effort also creates a pathway to degree completion for undergraduate and graduate programs at George Mason. In addition to workforce training, Navy students will be able to pursue degrees such as a BS in Business with an accounting concentration, an MS in Accounting, or a Master of Business Administration, and even earn a Graduate Certificate in Government Accounting as they progress through their graduate studies—helping fulfill an Office of Management and Budget requirement that financial management personnel complete 24 credit hours of accounting coursework.

“Our support of this effort is another example of how Costello is working to expand academic programs and lifelong learning opportunities for members of our military through workforce development programs and innovative collaborations with the U.S. Navy and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education,” said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business.

Brett Josephson, associate provost of learning initiatives and associate professor. Photo provided

“It is an opportunity for us to come in and really help the Navy fulfill a major workforce training need,” said project lead Brett Josephson, associate provost of learning initiatives for the university and associate professor of marketing in the Costello College of Business. “They identified a gap that needs to be filled to meet the department’s strategic priorities, and we are well-qualified to help them meet that need.”

At its core, the academy delivers customized instruction that aligns with the actual processes, challenges, and software used by the Navy, ensuring that learning is directly relevant and immediately applicable. Much of the instruction is delivered virtually, allowing personnel stationed internationally, from ship deployments to shore commands, to participate without interrupting their operational duties.

George Mason is also partnering with leading firms in the government accounting space, including Deloitte and Kearney & Company, to strengthen course design, instructional delivery, and applied learning components of the program.

The Navy’s selection of George Mason reflects the university’s established reputation for translating academic rigor into mission-focused training and for collaborating closely with federal partners to develop solutions that matter. The Navy had a need for a partner who could meet stringent technical requirements while bringing insight into adult learning and workforce development, strengths that the university has demonstrated across both public and private sectors.

“What they need isn’t just information. It is structured, applicable training that can be integrated with what their teams are already doing every day,” Josephson explained. “We are ready to meet them there and help build something impactful.”

Financial transparency and accountability are at the heart of institutional credibility, especially for an organization as large as the Navy. As financial systems grow in complexity, the ability to analyze, report, and defend fiscal decisions becomes more critical. The training delivered by George Mason aims to make those capabilities standard across the Navy workforce.

Participants in the program will leave with a deeper understanding of financial reporting standards, budgeting procedures, audit frameworks, and data interpretation techniques, all grounded in real scenarios reflective of Navy operations. This approach enhances individual competence and strengthens collective readiness, enabling the Navy to achieve its audit goals while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The partnership between George Mason and the Navy serves as a compelling example of how universities can support government missions beyond traditional research contracts. By focusing on customized education that yields practical benefits, the university is expanding the role of academic institutions as strategic partners, shaping skilled workforces capable of navigating 21st-century challenges.

This initiative highlights a broader trend in George Mason’s engagement with government and industry, leveraging university expertise to solve complex operational problems, particularly where knowledge gaps intersect with national priorities. In doing so, George Mason continues to embody its mission of advancing solutions for a changing world, aligning academic resources with the urgent needs of communities, organizations, and government partners.

“We have a long history of partnering with the Navy to support their workforce needs, including a custom internship program we launched in 2022 that brought cohorts of Costello students onto real Navy projects,” Josephson said. “We built that program as a service to the nation and to our students, and we’ve been honored to see this partnership deepen as we work together to support national security and help the Navy become more effective and efficient.”

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George Mason researcher leads $1 million NOAA project to improve seasonal forecasts of extreme weather

Katarina Benson — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:34:49 +0000

George Mason researcher leads $1 million NOAA project to improve seasonal forecasts of extreme weather Katarina Benson Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:34

When it comes to predicting extreme weather events, most people think of short-term forecasts such as flash floods or sudden storms. For farmers, water managers, and policymakers, however, the greater challenge often lies in anticipating seasonal extremes, including prolonged droughts or flooding. These events can have devastating economic and environmental impacts, particularly in states like Virginia, where drought ranks as the second costliest natural disaster after tropical cyclones.

Benjamin Cash, research professor in 91��’s Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences, is leading a $1 million project funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve seasonal precipitation forecasts in Virginia.

Cash is working extreme weather predictions. Photo by Laura Powers/College of Science

“We are trying to improve predictions of extremes and precipitation on the time scale of the season; something water managers need to know,” Cash said.

Historically, NOAA has employed specialized forecasting models tailored to different hazards and time scales. While this approach enabled advances in some areas, it also limited the ability to efficiently share improvements across forecasting models.

Cash’s research seeks to advance this framework through the Unified Forecast System (UFS), a single, open-source code base accessible to the research community. By consolidating modeling efforts, UFS streamlines maintenance and allows scientific innovations to benefit forecasts across short-range, medium-range, and seasonal scales.

This shift also reflects NOAA’s move toward a community-driven model, inviting researchers nationwide to use and improve the system. “More eyes on the model are more opportunities to improve it,” Cash said.

“Unlike exploratory modeling, this project takes a hypothesis-driven approach, asking targeted questions about how misrepresentations of key climate features, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, affects seasonal predictions,” Cash explained.

Through a series of controlled experiments, including long-term baseline runs and progressively constrained simulations, the team aims to isolate sources of error and identify ways to improve accuracy.

George Mason will also play a key role in the UFS project by expanding education and training opportunities for future climate scientists. The grant includes a hands-on component designed to teach students how to use NOAA’s forecasting models. Faculty members will develop tutorials and conduct practical sessions; refining materials as challenges arise, such as adapting models to different computing environments.

“We want students to be able to use it as a research tool in their classwork or as part of a thesis,” Cash said. “One element of the proposal is hands-on training for students in the climate dynamics program.”

Beyond George Mason, these resources will be shared with other institutions, enabling students nationwide to engage with advanced climate modeling and contribute to improvements in seasonal forecasting. Broadening access and participation to strengthen the next generation of researchers and accelerate innovation in climate prediction supports George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative and the goal of building a climate-resilient society.

The work will unfold in phases through 2028, beginning with long-term model simulations, followed by experiments that progressively constrain the model to observed conditions. Success will include not only answering key scientific questions but also uncovering unexpected issues, such as bugs in model code, that lead to broader improvements.

“My hope is that at the end of this project we will have made measurable, tangible contributions toward improving seasonal forecasts for the United States, particularly precipitation extremes,” Cash said.

This research supports the Grand Challenge Initiative's goal of building a more climate-resilient society.

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Innovation District hosts industry-informed life science skills course to support Virginia’s growing workforce needs

Katarina Benson — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:08:46 +0000

Innovation District hosts industry-informed life science skills course to support Virginia’s growing workforce needs Katarina Benson Tue, 02/10/2026 - 11:08

Throughout Virginia, the life sciences sector is gaining momentum as major pharmaceutical companies invest billions in new facilities and operations. As a result, employers need to find people who can step into laboratory and manufacturing roles right away.

Businesses have been consistent in what they are looking for. Educational training is important, but on-the-job experience is harder to find. That gap inspired the week-long Life Science Skill Development Course held in January on 91��’s Science and Technology Campus.

Hosted by the Innovation District, the session was led by Virginia Espina, a research professor in George Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, and Kimberly Clem, a high containment suite lab manager for George Mason’s Biomedical Research Laboratory, whose combined industry and academic backgrounds span GLP/GMP-certified and CAP/CLIA-accredited lab settings.

Students gain skills in the Biomedical Research Lab. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We built the curriculum around the common pain points we see most often in entry-level professionals, especially when it comes to hands-on competencies, lab math, and data recording,” said Espina.

Conversations with life science companies and workforce partners helped shape a program focused on bench-based learning rather than traditional classroom instruction.

“Employers across the life sciences consistently look for early‑career professionals with a solid foundation in practical lab skills, good documentation habits, and an understanding of quality expectations,” said Heather Branscome, a senior scientist at American Type Culture Collection. “Equally important are transferable qualities such as attention to detail, problem‑solving, and the ability to work effectively in a team.”

Attendees arrived with different backgrounds and goals. Some were early in their careers, others were transitioning to new ones, and many were looking for firsthand exposure to feel more comfortable in technical roles. They also had the opportunity to earn a digital skills badge tied to performance and meeting course requirements.

Northern Virginia Community College student Berkay Erdogan works with one of the microscopes. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We weren’t just following steps. We had to understand why each one mattered,” said course participant Berkay Erdogan, a student in the biotechnology program at Northern Virginia Community College. “Troubleshooting through challenges made it seem a lot more realistic."

The Innovation District is led jointly by George Mason, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by George Mason’s SciTech Campus. The district and its workforce training programs are supported through funding from GO Virginia, a statewide initiative focused on growing Virginia’s economy by aligning talent development with the needs of industry. Grounded in employer input and professional standards, the Innovation District’s offerings help equip people with the capabilities companies value as the life sciences sector continues to scale in the commonwealth.

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Project PATRIOTS helps fund a pathway to special education teacher licensure for community college transfers

sholla4 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:57:58 +0000

Project PATRIOTS helps fund a pathway to special education teacher licensure for community college transfers sholla4 Mon, 02/09/2026 - 10:57

Education advocates and experts have worked for decades to increase the number of special education teachers. Over the past 10 years, the workforce shortage has reached critical status, leading the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs to increase funding for special education teacher training.

Margaret Weiss. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

One such program is the College of Education and Human Development’s newly funded Project PATRIOTS: Pathways to Accessible Teacher prepaRation with InnOvations for Transfer Students. Led by Associate Professor Margaret Weiss with support from Assistant Professor Alexandra Raines, Associate Professor Kristen O'Brien, and Professor Kelley Regan, Project PATRIOTS will fund two cohorts of seven students each, transferring to George Mason from a community college, whether through the ADVANCE Program or otherwise. Funding covers tuition, housing, transportation stipends, book stipends, licensure testing stipends, and more.

The cost of a degree compared to median salaries for special education teachers makes it difficult for some students to pursue the field. By removing financial barriers, Project PATRIOTS will increase access for potential teachers and improve their likelihood of staying in the field.

“The grant is intended to provide the support necessary for nontraditional students to get that special education teacher licensure and to increase access to this career pathway,” explained Weiss. “It provides our George Mason special education program with an opportunity to graduate a greater number of highly qualified, well-trained special educators who will remain in the field."

Another key to retention is preparedness. Through CEHD and the Department of Special Education’s strong connections to local networks of support, the incoming cohorts of PATRIOTS students will have the opportunity to work with and learn from experts. The faculty of George Mason’s highly ranked special education program will provide the coursework and Weiss plans to integrate the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Parent Resource Center, so students can hear the parent perspective on special education and learn how to best support students and their families. The cohorts will also attend the VDOE/Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)'s Content Teaching Academies over the summer, learning alongside practicing teachers.

“These connections will really provide a unique opportunity for these students,” Weiss said.

Students in George Mason’s special education teacher licensure programs may also have the opportunity to work directly with participants in the four-year Mason LIFE program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to go to college and earn a certificate of completion. Working for Mason LIFE provides direct access to hands-on learning experiences right on campus.

Currently, the grant provides funding for two cohorts of students. Weiss hopes that the partnerships formed between community college divisions, VDOE, TTAC, and George Mason will persist post-funding as an important pathway for prospective special education teachers.

“Every day, all of us in special education come to work because we want to put great teachers out there,” she said, “and we hope that our students will become leaders in this space because of their knowledge and preparation in high-quality instruction. We’re all excited to see where this program will lead.”

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Student consulting group brings expertise to business development in Fairfax City

sholla4 — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:46:41 +0000

Student consulting group brings expertise to business development in Fairfax City sholla4 Fri, 02/06/2026 - 15:46

Experiential learning is one of the ways George Mason prepares its students for life beyond the classroom. It’s a core part of our mission. For Costello College of Business sophomore and Honors College student Iman Chaudhry, it’s also an inspiration that helped shape Mason Consulting Group’s (MCG) new venture: pro bono consulting support for local small businesses in Fairfax City.

Mason Consulting Group presents their recommendations to Make My Day CPA. Photo provided.

MCG began as a means to educate the George Mason community about consulting as a career path. When Chaudhry, the current president of MCG, began an internship with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), she came with a vision for the group to expand their impact and reach through free consulting services for local businesses in Fairfax City.

“It was mutually beneficial: we help strengthen our local community and support small businesses, as well as providing experiential learning opportunities aligned with Costello’s strategic priorities,” she said. “We still want to educate the community about business consulting, while providing real, tangible, experiential learning opportunities to students where they’re working with a real-life client.”

As an intern, Chaudhry served as a bridge between FCED and Costello: “A person on the inside,” she said, who helped make the initiative successful.

With support and guidance from FCED and Costello College of Business, Chaudhry and the group developed the program structure, reviewed applications, selected the inaugural clients, and negotiated a contract with FCED for funding.

MCG completed their first round of consulting in Fall 2025, serving two Fairfax City clients: BE2 Pilates and Make My Day CPA. Throughout the semester, the team held regular meetings with clients to provide updates and pitch ideas; at the end, they presented their final recommendations and deliverables to both businesses and FCED.

“Knowing how to market my business has been my Achilles’ heel,” said Julia Hughes, founder and owner of BE2 Pilates. “I thought I’d toss my hat into the ring when I saw the call for applications for the program.”

The team provided Hughes with a comprehensive social media marketing plan and a range of business development recommendations, such as adding QR codes to business cards and developing a pricing structure for students.

Mason Consulting Group visits BE2 Pilates with founder and owner Julia Hughes (third from left) and MCG prsident Iman Chaudhry (fourth from left). Photo provided.

“Everything they gave me in terms of deliverables are things that could be started on the small scale and grown over time,” Hughes said. “And their recommendations helped me think outside of the box for business development, thinking more broadly about with whom I can partner, with whom I can connect.”

MCG’s services are free to those businesses that are accepted through the FCED program. Hughes noted that the quality of the business consulting provided was above and beyond her expectations.

“The level of professionalism, the product presented, and the deliverables MCG provided were all of a caliber that far surpassed their years of experience,” said Hughes. “I was quite impressed by them at every step of the way.”

“The Mason Consulting Group has done an outstanding job diving deep into the consulting world. The students are getting hands-on experience with real clients to understand the dynamics of consulting and the complexities of the business world,” said MCG’s faculty advisor Katherine Rosenbusch, associate professor of management in Costello.

After the success of this first cohort, FCED has agreed to extend funding for another semester. MCG is selecting their next round of clients for the Spring 2026 semester.

“We’re a young club, but I think Costello and George Mason’s vision of high access and high outcomes makes us stand out,” Chaudhry said. “I want to help put George Mason on the map as a hub for high-caliber student talent delivering real-world impact."

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George Mason partners with the Fairfax County Health Department to support employees in earning public health certificates and degrees

sbrown79 — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:34:51 +0000

George Mason partners with the Fairfax County Health Department to support employees in earning public health certificates and degrees  sbrown79 Fri, 01/16/2026 - 10:34

In This Story

Marybeth Mitcham, PhD, MPH

Sarah Liu, MPH

91�� has partnered with the Fairfax County Health Department to provide current FCHD employees with the opportunity to complete public health certificates. Some employees are going a step further and earning their master’s degrees in public health fields.

Photo by Getty Images.

“This partnership between George Mason’s College of Public Health and the Fairfax County Health Department reflects a shared commitment to supporting the people who protect and promote our community’s health," said Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health. "By investing in public health professionals with strong local roots and proven training, we are strengthening the workforce that serves Northern Virginia every day and building a healthier future for all who live here.”

This partnership with FCHD is another example of George Mason’s commitment to improving health and well-being, not just for community members, but for the workers who serve the community.

Since the partnership began in 2019, 46 students have enrolled to earn their certificates. Of the cohorts that have completed the certificate, 57% have gone on to earn their MPH from George Mason.

Sarah Liu. Photo provided.

Sarah Liu, BS Community Health ‘17, is the Department of Global and Community Health MPH program coordinator as well as the program coordinator for the FCHD partnership.

Liu describes the partnership as an outgrowth of FCHD’s commitment to the continuing education of its medical professionals. The students’ tuition is covered by the county.

“We help the certificate students register for classes, and they're immersed with other students. A lot of our students are working professionals, so we offer classes that can more easily fit into their schedule,” said Liu.   

It was Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health for Fairfax County who reached out to Robert M. Weiler, senior associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Public Health, about the partnership. Weiler was chair of the Department of Global and Community Health at the time. 

“The certificate requires students to complete 18 core credits or six classes. They’re taking most of the same courses as the students in the classes in the Department of Global and Community Health master’s programs, so they have opportunities to get to know all the students,” Liu said.  

Salisa Sathityudhakarn works for FCHD as a school health aide assigned to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)  and has worked in the healthcare industry for 11 years. 

“I provide basic healthcare for sick and injured students includes emergency care, administering daily medication, or when necessary, giving EpiPen for allergic reactions and albuterol for asthma attacks,” said Sathityudhakarn, who started with the program in fall of 2024. “I also conduct vision and hearing screenings for the students as well as handle the admin responsibilities.” 

Salisa Sathityudhakarn. Photo provided.

Sathityudhakarn, who previously earned degrees in communication and mental health counseling, said her favorite course was GCH 609 Community Assessment and Partnerships with Marybeth Mitcham. “She created a very supportive learning environment. I see her as a role model and her lessons just made me want to learn more,” Sathityudhakarn said.   

“Through this certificate program, I have learned different aspects of public health. I’m looking forward to applying the knowledge I have learned to my current role as a school health aide and to better serve FCHD, my school, my students and their families, as well as new endeavors in public health,” said Sathityudhakarn. 

Employees who have worked in the health department for at least one year are eligible to participate in the program. 

Liu and Addo-Ayensu are currently working together to expand the partnership and allow more FCHD workers to take advantage of educational opportunities such as this. 

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George Mason secures $1.5M to launch cutting-edge AI data center research lab

Martha Bushong — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:02:47 +0000

George Mason secures $1.5M to launch cutting-edge AI data center research lab Martha Bushong Thu, 01/15/2026 - 07:02

91�� is taking a major step toward advancing clean energy and digital infrastructure innovation with the launch of the Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab at Mason Square in Arlington. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank and Virginia Energy. The $1.5 million grant establishes a first-of-its-kind research and workforce development initiative and positions the commonwealth as the national leader in grid-interactive, AI-driven digital infrastructure.

Liling Huang, lab director (center) cuts ribbon of the Virginia AI Data Center research lab. Other guests (from left) Micah Till, Andre Marshall, Dean Ken Ball, Glenn Davis, and Jennifer Andos. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Why Virginia

Virginia sits at the center of the world’s digital infrastructure, hosting the largest concentration of data centers globally and supporting mission-critical cloud, AI, and national security operations. The rapid emergence of AI-driven workloads has dramatically increased power demand, grid complexity, and the need for a highly skilled workforce.

As AI workloads surge, Virginia utilities face unprecedented interconnection requests and a shortage of engineers and technicians skilled in AI computation, power systems, cooling, and clean energy integration.

“We are on the frontlines to see how data centers, and in particular AI use, are changing the power grid and the information available to those who rely on it—both as the owners of underlying infrastructure and end users ourselves,” said Micah Till, manager, electric transmission system protection engineering, Dominion Energy Virginia. “George Mason is an important partner for us in that. The work here will allow stakeholders across our nation to proactively and collaboratively work toward the smooth adoption and integration of clean energy and AI data center technologies.”

Workforce Development and Research Goals

The Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab will provide hands-on training for George Mason students, K–12 and community college programs, industry-led workforce development and certification, and internship and apprenticeship pipelines. It will promote joint research and development projects with utilities, data centers, and leading institutions. It will enable real-world experimentation on critical infrastructure challenges, including grid-responsive AI workload management, power quality and harmonics optimization, thermal-electrical interactions, small modular reactor and renewable energy integration, and data center resilience and energy efficiency.

The facility will generate Virginia's first publicly available open-source dataset capturing real data center electrical and thermal telemetry—data that is not commercially available—enabling statewide research and innovation that will benefit universities, utilities, and industry partners.

George Mason professor Liling Huang speaks with Glenn Davis, director of the Virginina Department of Energy (right) and Andre Marshall, George Mason's vice president for research, innovation, and economic development. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Voices from Partners and Leadership

“Virginia Energy’s investment in George Mason’s Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab underscores our commitment to pairing world-class digital infrastructure with smart, sustainable energy systems,” said Glenn Davis, the director of the Virginia Department of Energy. “By combining AI, advanced data center technology, and grid-interactive research in an open, university-based platform, this project helps ensure that Virginia continues to advance our clean energy and workforce goals. Virginia didn’t become the data center capital of the world by accident. We earned it. And labs like this one are how we keep earning it.”

“We are honored to receive this support from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank and Virginia Energy to launch the Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab,” said Ken Ball, dean of George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing. “This lab will give our students, faculty, and partners access to state-of-the-art AI and data center infrastructure, enabling cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and open-source data resources that will help secure George Mason’s and Virginia’s positions as global leaders in digital infrastructure and energy innovation.”

Learn more about George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

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From Navy technician to Micron Technology: How Nano Boot Camp helped one veteran launch a semiconductor career

ckearney — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:29:37 +0000

From Navy technician to Micron Technology: How Nano Boot Camp helped one veteran launch a semiconductor career ckearney Wed, 01/07/2026 - 15:29

For seven years, Charles Stewart’s world revolved around highly technical Navy systems, such as combat systems, anti-ship missile defense operations, radar-jamming technology, and electronic intelligence. In civilian life, he needed to find out how his skills could carry over.

Charles Stewart at Micron Technology. Photo provided

“I’d always been a technician,” said Stewart. “But I didn’t fully understand semiconductor technology. I knew I wanted something different, but I wasn’t sure which way to go.”

After leaving the Navy in 2013, Stewart moved into information technology and infrastructure roles. His days were spent making sure key systems didn’t go offline. The experience taught him how to read a problem quickly and respond with the kind of calm focus the job required. Along the way, he earned an associate’s degree in information systems technology from Northern Virginia Community College before completing his bachelor of applied science degree at 91�� in 2023, where his concentration focused on cloud computing.

It was that blend of precision and technical experience that made Stewart a strong fit for Nano Boot Camp, George Mason’s free week-long training program that introduces veterans, career changers, and emerging talent to the fundamentals of semiconductor manufacturing.

“The Navy is all about maintaining equipment that can’t fail,” said Stewart. “Everything comes down to attention to detail. Nano Boot Camp brought all of that together, from the science and the process to the hands-on work.”

Charles Stewart (center, blue suit) on a tour of Micron Technology in Manassas with his Nano Boot Camp cohort. Photo provided

The program is taught in George Mason’s Nanofabrication Facility (NFF) on the Science and Technology Campus, which anchors the Innovation District created in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas. Both Nano Boot Camp and the Innovation District are supported through GO Virginia funding, which helps expand workforce training initiatives that meet industry needs and create opportunities that help attract and retain top talent in the region. Nano Boot Camp is one example of that investment in action.

Time in the NFF gave Stewart a better sense of the field. It helped him notice which roles matched his strengths.

“Once I got into the lab and started doing the work myself, it kind of shifted,” said Stewart. “I didn’t feel like a student at that point. I felt like someone who could do the job.”

On the final day of Nano Boot Camp, participants visited Micron Technology. The company is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, creating more than 1,200 jobs in the City of Manassas. This visit was transformative for Stewart.

“You get to see the robots, the equipment, the scale,” said Stewart. “It’s a very cool place to be.”

During the tour, he spoke with managers, engineers, and workforce development staff. He walked away with contacts and, soon after, an interview.

“I’ve always been good at fixing things,” said Stewart. “My resume showed reliability, readiness, and technical consistency across every environment I’ve stepped into.”

Micron agreed. The job offers him a foothold in a field he once knew little about.

“We see real value in training pathways that immerse people in the actual work they’ll be doing from day one,” said Michael Guttman, a strategic program manager at Micron. “What makes Nano Boot Camp stand out is its hands-on approach. Participants don’t just learn concepts; they practice real-world tasks and experience the expectations long before they apply.”

Micron’s experience reflects the kind of positive attention George Mason’s program is receiving, including from Virginia leadership.

“Advanced manufacturing is accelerating statewide, and that brings both potential and urgency,” said Megan Healy, senior vice president of talent and workforce strategy at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “George Mason’s commitment to developing targeted, industry-aligned training shows how education and economic development can work hand-in-hand to prepare Virginians for the jobs waiting for them.”

For Stewart, Nano Boot Camp was more than an educational experience. His story shows why efforts that connect universities with industry partners matter, and he hopes to see more of them introduced.

“Programs like Nano Boot Camp build real connections with employers,” said Stewart. “They attract veterans, career changers, and people from the trades who perform well under pressure and are looking for new opportunities.”

He urges anyone interested in the camp to come ready to learn. Pieces of that training continue to follow him into each new step of his career.

“It gave me a sense of purpose,” said Stewart. “Now I know where I’m supposed to be.”

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Alumni

Science and Technology Campus

Nanofabrication Facility

workforce

Military

Innovation District

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