Summer Camps

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

College of Science

Advancing 21st-century education through models, math, and mentorship

sholla4 — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:17:35 +0000

Advancing 21st-century education through models, math, and mentorship sholla4 Wed, 09/02/2026 - 13:17

Education is at the core of everything we do here at 91��. And we believe that while talent is equally distributed among people, opportunities are not. As Virginia's largest and most diverse university, it's our duty to advance 21st-century education for all: whether through hands-on experiential learning with the technology of tomorrow, teaching complex topics through novel techniques, or breaking down barriers to give everyone the knowledge needed to succeed.

These summer programs showcase how George Mason is opening doors for all students to explore, learn, and grow in their passions and skills to prepare for whatever their future holds.

MGTA Prep Program students learning game design, Python, and animation in the Art and Design building on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mason Game and Technology Academy

Founded in 2013, Mason Game and Technology Academy (MGTA) offers a variety of game design and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classes throughout the year for ages 11-18. Students can learn character modeling and animation, Python programming, Unreal Engine 3D design, 2D digital art, and more. Some courses, like Python programming, offer both introductory and intermediate levels.

"Our goal is to get students to embrace these critical STEM skills early and reward their curiosity," said Joshua Emswiller, operations manager for MGTA. Critically, the curriculum focuses less on how to "use" the software, and more on developing long-lasting skill sets that will help students adapt to rapidly changing technological advancements.

Courses are taught by faculty, alumni, and student interns in computer science and computer game design—many of whom have start-up companies with the Virginia Serious Games Institute, of which MGTA is a part. For the George Mason students, this is an opportunity to teach the skills they've learned in classes and mentor academy students.

"MGTA hopes to continue to be a great opportunity for students in the community as well as giving George Mason students a chance to use their knowledge to benefit others,” Emswiller said

Mason Math Odyssey

No need to sail to Greece for this Odyssey: Mason Math Odyssey (MMO), in its fourth year, brings rising 6th- through 9th-graders on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time as they learn about the greatest mathematical discoveries over millennia.

"We see many students who struggle with undergraduate math courses and lack preparation and motivation to succeed," said Maria Emelianenko, professor of mathematics. "MMO is aimed at raising mathematical awareness, fostering critical thinking skills early on, and broadening Mason's outreach efforts in the community."

Each day explores different areas of mathematics. Friendly competitions bring students together to build problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Major math concepts are practically applied to real-world situations, like exploring advanced concepts of non-Euclidean geometries through measuring “city-block” distances—measuring distance in horizontal and vertical direction, not on the diagonal—using a map of Washington, D.C., and comparing those distances on a sphere. All the lessons culminate on the final day, where the campers must apply their knowledge to navigate a series of puzzles in order to unlock their medal.

Varied learning modes, hands-on activities, and mentorship from George Mason students all come together to help campers build a passion for mathematics that will follow them on their journeys through school and their future careers.

"With math being the foundation of many careers, bringing the excitement back into math classrooms is the spark that is needed to fuel students’ curiosity and ensure their future success," said Emelianenko.

Early Identification Program

For the past 40 years, the Early Identification Program (EIP) has brought students to campus over the summer for educational opportunities and a chance to experience life as a college student. Between its Summer Academy and its Institute for Excellence (IFE), EIP welcomed approximately 1,000 students to the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses this summer.

Both programs help prepare students for the coming school year. Summer Academy assigns students to academic courses aligned with the curriculum in their county school districts to give them a head start on the subjects with valuable insights and support from licensed teachers and experienced mentors. IFE offers 5-week college courses so students can earn college credits.

"Our work is centered around making college accessible for first-generation students,” said Gabriella Rodriguez, assistant director of pre-college initiatives and IFE manager.

EIP also offers college and career readiness opportunities to support students in preparing for higher education. Special events throughout the summer—Career Day, Major Fair Day, Professional Shadowing Day—all center on exposing students to new career paths and programs of study.

"Our summer programs have evolved a lot over the years, but the student experience is still at the heart of it," said Rodriguez. That heart shows through the number of EIP alumni who return to support summer programming. Rodriguez herself is an alum of the program.

"I fondly remember my mentors and teachers in Summer Academy and the way everyone came together to give us a memorable experience," she said. "I wish the same for our students now."

Topics

Mason Game and Technology Academy

College of Science

Early Identification Program (EIP)

GCI-Education

Learn more about George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

Bold Solutions for a Changing World

Future inventors and innovators get hands-on with George Mason's summer programs

sholla4 — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:16:02 +0000

Future inventors and innovators get hands-on with George Mason's summer programs sholla4 Fri, 08/21/2026 - 10:16

As new technologies reshape our lives and culture, 91�� aims to be an ambassador of thoughtful collaboration between human and machine. The Grand Challenge Initiative solution of "driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure" calls on faculty, researchers, and students to consider technology holistically and in context to help shape a digital future that is as ethical as it is advanced.

This year, both new and established summer camps across George Mason's Virginia campuses let high school students and undergraduates get hands-on experience with emerging technologies while demonstrating the importance of responsible use, paving the path for the next generation of innovators and inventors.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

MIX Maker Academy

On the Fairfax Campus, the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) is a central hub for innovation, exploration, and creativity at George Mason, hosting a makerspace, media lab, and entrepreneurship incubator. From developing bio-inspired blimps to helping students jumpstart their start-ups, the MIX is a campus leader of responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure.

This year, the MIX launched its inaugural summer camp program, introducing high school students to interdisciplinary innovation and principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) by building an integrated design project from the ground up.

During the two-week program, campers learn about the professional tools and technologies used in engineering, design, robotics, and digital media production, such as 3D printing, sewing and embroidery, woodshop, laser cutting, and studio lighting and camera work. By the end of the program, students have multiple small fabrication projects, integrated design projects, and a multimedia blog portfolio demonstrating their work and the skills developed during camp.

"We guide and encourage students to envision project ideas that would have a positive impact on the world, benefiting people, communities, and our environment," said Max B. Kazemzadeh, MIX makerspace and events manager.

MARC Robotics Academy

Another new opportunity for students this summer came from the College of Engineering and Computing's Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC) Robotics Academy: an ongoing internship program for high school and undergraduates to work alongside George Mason's robotics faculty and graduate students.

"The program is designed to give students firsthand experience with the research process while building technical and professional skills," said Jesse Kirkpatrick, associate research professor and codirector of MARC. "They get hands-on experience in technologies that are shaping the future."

Academy interns support cutting-edge research through hardware platform development, data collection and analysis, testing and coding machine learning, and more. This summer, for example, students who worked with Missy Cummings, professor and codirector of MARC, and Kirkpatrick built a data set to investigate how well large language models can search, retrieve, and identify relevant information within large collections of Freedom of Information Act documents. A team with Cameron Nowzari, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, helped research the design, development, and deployment of robot swarms.

"By developing both technical expertise and an appreciation for responsible innovation, the academy helps prepare future leaders who can contribute to secure, trustworthy, and sustainable technological solutions," said Kirkpatrick.

ACCESS Academy AI summer camp

At Mason Square, the second annual ACCESS Academy AI summer camp also prepared students for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Beginner session campers learned to program micro:bit robots to follow a track through Microsoft MakeCode. Advanced sessions campers spent their week learning Python programming and building functional code to make XRP robots autonomously traverse a maze. As these high school students develop machine-learning skills, faculty, staff, and George Mason students lead conversations about AI's real-world applications and regulations.

“We hope that the participants of our camp see the connection between the concepts of coding and the practical implementation of physical AI in real-time applications," said Roberto Pamas, ACCESS Academy director.

ACCESS Academy's AI summer camp exposes students to problem-based learning through real-world challenges as students develop skills in tech tools that boost their creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. The camp also gives students a taste of what the College of Education and Human Development's (CEHD) ACCESS Academy—a no-cost alternative educational pathway that expands access to information technology education and skills for any rising 9th-12th grade student in the Commonwealth of Virginia—has to offer.

"ACCESS AI summer camp is demonstrating firsthand how new technologies and learning are shaping education and the world around us," said Christy Hudson of CEHD's Office of Strategic Enrollment. "We are helping shape the digital future."

Bold Solutions for a Changing World

In This Story

Jesse Kirkpatrick

Missy Cummings

Cameron Nowzari

Topics

GCI-Digital

Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center

The MIX

College of Education and Human Development

ACCESS Academy

High school students build AI solutions at College of Public Health summer camp

Heather Carroll — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:34:46 +0000

High school students build AI solutions at College of Public Health summer camp Heather Carroll Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:34

Key Takeaways

Through the AI in Health Camp, the College of Public Health helped high school students develop a practical understanding of artificial intelligence and how it can be used responsibly to improve health and health care.
Through hands-on projects, students created their own AI agents and applied what they learned to real-world challenges ranging from healthy sleep habits to athlete recovery and braces care.
The camp gave students confidence using emerging technology while introducing them to career opportunities at the intersection of health, technology, and public service.

Through hands-on projects and mentorship from experts, high school students learned how to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, create an AI agent, and explore how AI is used to improve health care.

Students attending the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

At 91��'s College of Public Health, 30 juniors and seniors spent a week doing what few adults have done: building their own AI agent. While many high schools restrict the use of AI, the AI in Health Summer Camp—hosted by the Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics—showed students how AI can be used responsibly to solve real-world problems and improve lives.

By the end of the week, students could explain how AI works, build and customize their own AI agents in Microsoft Copilot, identify health care applications of AI, and better understand careers at the intersection of technology and public health. Students reported learning about the growing role of AI in health care, the complexity of hospital systems, the importance of responsible AI design, and how to apply AI skills to healthcare and future career opportunities.

"We're not allowed to use AI in school. I haven't learned anything [about AI] in school, which is why I'm here," said a participant.

Abdul Hafeez, Assistant Professor in Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics, works with students at the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

For many students, the camp challenged their assumptions about AI.

“I learned a lot about how AI is used in health care. One of my favorite parts was programming AI agents and seeing how they could be used to solve specific healthcare problems. The camp was engaging, informative, and a great learning opportunity,” said a participant in the post-camp survey.

Others left with greater confidence in their ability to use emerging technology.

"Before, I thought AI would be complicated, but it's really simple to figure out," said a participant.

Working in teams of two, students created customized AI agents designed to address specific health-related needs. Their projects ranged from tools that encourage healthy sleep habits among students to AI assistants that support athlete nutrition and injury recovery, as well as chatbots that answer questions about braces and agents that help users learn essential cooking skills.

“Learning about chatbots and AI through the AI in Health Summer Camp was a rewarding experience and something I will carry with me as I continue exploring my interests. I am grateful to the professors and teaching assistants who made the camp such a meaningful learning experience,” said a participant in the post-camp survey.

Student learning about a chatbot during the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

In addition to working with the college's faculty, students learned directly from health care professionals who shared perspectives on AI, technology, and the changing health workforce. Guest speakers included Jim Borda, public health informatics and IT manager at the Fairfax County Health Department; Jessica Rocca Czelusniak, associate vice president of applications and CNIO at VHC Health; and College of Public Health alums Kate Rzucidlo, Claire Leonard, and Iqra Chaudhry.

For the College of Public Health, the camp represents an investment in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of health care. For students, it offered something just as valuable: the knowledge and confidence to begin imagining their place in that future.

Topics

Artificial Intelligence

Health Informatics

College of Public Health

From bioengineering to big bands, George Mason camps focus on well-being

sholla4 — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:12:05 +0000

From bioengineering to big bands, George Mason camps focus on well-being sholla4 Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:12

Year-round, 91��'s colleges, centers, and labs are taking a people-first integrated approach to human health and well-being that advances science, develops talent, and strengthens communities. That includes the summer, when labs and studios open their doors for the community to learn how innovations in art and science can make our world a healthier place.

From bioengineering to big bands, these summer programs are teaching all ages that George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative solution of "improving human health, well-being, and preparedness" is about more than numbers in a medical chart.

BioE Buzz summer campers learn about bioengineering by testing exoskeletons and biomechanics while interacting with George Mason faculty and students .Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

BioE Buzz

In its third year, BioE Buzz introduces high school students to the greater field of bioengineering and groundbreaking research at George Mason. Rising juniors and seniors get hands-on experience with bioengineering technologies like 3D printing and ultrasound, learn about nanofabrication and tissue engineering, meet faculty and researchers from the Department of Bioengineering, and compete as a team for a one-week internship in one of George Mason's research labs.

"We love when campers connect with one another over a shared passion for solving problems in biology and medicine," said Khadija Zaidi-Rashid, assistant professor in the College of Engineering and Computing and codirector of BioE Buzz camp.

This year's 24 campers designed cardiac stents, extracted collagen and created polymers from animal tissues, and controlled a hand prothesis with bio signals. They also got a taste of college life: eating in dining halls, touring facilities, and learning team-building at The Edge on the Science and Technology Campus. Current George Mason undergraduates and graduate students serve as coordinators, counselors, and teachers for the camp as well, so campers can see a full picture of what's possible at George Mason.

"Whether our campers select a path in health policy, medical sciences, academic research, or entrepreneurship, they are all united in their passion for making a true impact on humanity," said Zaidi-Rashid.

AI in Health

A new camp for 2026, the AI in Health Camp introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to how artificial intelligence is used in health care and public health and how it can be designed and evaluated responsibly.

"The camp is designed to prepare the next generation to use AI responsibly to improve patient safety, expand access to reliable health information, and make the information more accessible and understandable through inclusive design," said Maria Uriyo, an associate professor in the College of Public Health. "By reaching high school students early, the camp helps them explore emerging careers at the intersection of AI, health care, and public health while contributing to a more inclusive future health workforce."

Over the course of one week, students build foundational skills in AI literacy, practicing user-centered and inclusive design and safe and responsible AI use through daily AI Maker Labs. Graduate students in the Department of Health Administration, Policy and Informatics coach campers through designing and building community health chatbots. On the last day of camp, students present their work at a student showcase.

"We want students to understand that AI can be a powerful tool for health, but it always needs human judgment, safety checks, and inclusive design to provide meaningful and responsible benefits," said Uriyo.

George Mason Jazz Camp

Human health and well-being is more than a matter of science. "Jazz music is said to 'wash away the dust of life,' improve our mental agility, and help us discover our true selves," said John Kocur, an associate professor of jazz studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

George Mason Jazz Camp has existed in various forms since 2005, with its current form in its fifth year. This year, 87 students attended to learn music theory, practice improvisation, work with master musicians, and perform. Each day ends with a concert by a professional musician. The goal: developing the creative capacity of each musician and immersing them in the culture so they can experience the benefits of jazz throughout their lives.

"We hope each student remembers what it feels like to express yourself through your instrument spontaneously while jamming along with others," said Kocur.

And at George Mason Jazz Camp, these experiences are open to all. This year's cohort included 12 adult students, demonstrating how finding wellness through music can be done at any age.

"This music has served vital roles of survival for over a century, and it still has many lessons to teach us about cooperation, personal expression, and peace," said Kocur. "Whether you are an experienced improviser or just getting started, the expert faculty will help you realize your potential and grow into the musician you want to become."

Roxy Coss, the Artist-in-Residence for the 2026 George Mason Jazz Camp with faculty on the Center for the Arts stage, Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

See how George Mason is improving human health, well-being, and preparedness

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Public Health

George Mason Jazz Camp

Bioengineering

GCI-Health

Celebrating a Decade of Impact at the 10th Conflict Resolution Youth Summit

Paul Snodgrass — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 20:50:22 +0000

Celebrating a Decade of Impact at the 10th Conflict Resolution Youth Summit Paul Snodgrass Fri, 07/17/2026 - 16:50

On June 21st, the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at 91�� hosted a record 63 high school students from around the country for the annual Conflict Resolution Youth Summit (CRYS). This year, students attended CRYS from as far away as New York, San Francisco, and Amman, Jordan.

The program, now in its 10th year, introduces high school students to the field of conflict resolution and associated professional opportunities while teaching foundational skills, such as facilitation, active listening, and negotiation, which are rarely part of the high school curriculum. The students participated in introductory team building activities, fundamental skill building seminars, a movie screening and debrief, and a full-day trip to nearby Washington, D.C.

Additionally, attendees were able to choose from a variety of faculty-led workshop offerings, including nonviolent activism, understanding globalization, and the importance of storytelling in a divided world to further tailor their experience to their interests.

Carter School student Emory Lombino, a member of the CRYS program staff, found the mix of workshops to be engaging and informative, and appreciated the students’ enthusiasm to jump in and answer questions. “I really believe the sessions focused on teaching skills that were useful and engaging for the students, particularly the workshops on Youth Action and Nonviolent Resistance and ‘What Happens There Matters Here,’” Lombino said.

At the conclusion of the four-day summit, students presented a synthesis project to their families during the closing ceremony, identifying a conflict in their school community. Their work drew on their new conflict analysis skills to identify underlying causes and to suggest possible interventions to real conflicts they have experienced in school. Topics presented on ranged from a lack of school spirit and inclusion, to the pressure of standardized testing culture.

Christina Gizzi, a Carter school undergraduate student who participated for the first time this year as program staff was grateful to have met so many wonderful students and was impressed with how caring, thoughtful, and smart the students in her group were. “My favorite moment was after the museum visits, when we were all sitting together at dinner,” she recalled. “The students adopted a wholeheartedness I never expected and were brave and comfortable just being themselves. They were passionate in their work on the synthesis projects and worked hard to create and present actionable solutions for their communities. I’m so happy to have been a part of the summit!”

Their innovative solutions inspired and impressed many in the audience. Kristen Fegan, program director for CRYS, was particularly interested in the interventions for declining school spirit and student engagement. “[The students] decided to create a competition for attending school events, which felt like standard stuff—but then they suggested using a dynamic, algorithm-based system to assign point values to each school event based on its past popularity, gamifying participation and giving the student body a new reason to check-in each day for changing ranks and point values.”

Fegan added, “The way they see their problems and the possible solution is totally different than how we think about it, and their perspective is critical for creating peace in a changing world.”

The summit left a lasting impression on all participants, who walked away with new skills and experiences. Kira, a 12th-grade student from Amman, Jordan, commented, “The summit was engaging and genuinely enjoyable, and everyone was super welcoming. [The program] also gave me a lot to think about when it comes to college and what I want to study. I left the summit with a few new ideas and a better sense of what I might want to go into."

The 11th summer of CRYS is tentatively planned for June 2027.

More Carter School News

Rare green heron at George Mason conference center highlights biodiversity along the Occoquan River
August 27, 2026
Carter School marks first year leading UN academic network on peace and justice
August 11, 2026
Building Peace
August 6, 2026
Carter School alumna finds harmony between music and mediation
August 4, 2026
Celebrating a Decade of Impact at the 10th Conflict Resolution Youth Summit
July 17, 2026

Topics

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Carter School News

Carter School Undergraduate Program

Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Expanded BioE Buzz summer camp brings high schoolers to life sciences

Jennifer Pocock — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:56:23 +0000

Expanded BioE Buzz summer camp brings high schoolers to life sciences Jennifer Pocock Tue, 10/21/2025 - 13:56

New offerings and a healthy dose of competition left campers happily humming along.

BioE Buzz students work on a polymer testing challenge at the 2025 summer camp. Photo provided.

When the 2024 BioE Buzz camp was declared a success, the 91�� organizers used the momentum to level up in 2025. Its inaugural year boasted one week of experiments, tours, lectures, and activities for 16 high school juniors and seniors.

This past summer, however, introduced a new element that lit the fire for bioengineering-curious kids: competition. Expanded to two one-week sessions for 32 students, the camp’s codirectors Khadija Zaidi-Rashid and Liszt Yeltsin Madruga randomly assigned them into teams.

“We would do lab tours, meet faculty experts, and have seminars in the mornings,” said Zaidi-Rashid, an assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering in the College of Engineering and Computing. “After lunch, we would separate them into their groups, where they would develop a certain skill and work on a team challenge.”

One day, the kids used 3D printing to model a bone that couldn’t break. The next, they mixed polymers to see which could suspend a steel ball. Another day saw them swabbing campus benches, rocks, and trashcans to find out which would result in the petri dish with the richest bacteria culture.

“They were very creative in working with our parameters,” said Yeltsin Madruga, a research assistant professor in bioengineering. “We told them they could not swab anything biological, like humans. They pushed this by swabbing a bench they saw animals climbing on, or the bottom of a person’s shoe.”

All of the projects were tested live on the final day of camp in front of the campers and parents, where the winners were announced. The prize? A one-week internship in the students’ department of choice.

According to Zaidi-Rashid, both the competition and the prize were huge hits with campers. “At the beginning of the week, we took them to the EDGE ropes course to encourage team development. They were immediately psyched about the competition, asking if they could get points for finishing the course,” she said.

The camp’s hands-on aspect was also motivating. One camper returned for a second year at the urging of his parents. “At first, he wasn’t excited," said Yeltsin Madruga. “He was afraid it would be a repeat from last year. At the end, he came up and told me, ‘I thought it would be an adult’s idea of educational…like lectures.’ He was happy to be wrong!”

And the fact that the reward could help them in their careers and get aspiring bioengineers to take a deeper look at George Mason was a win for campers and the college alike. “Many of the campers arrived on the first day wearing college t-shirts and sweatshirts—and none of them were from Mason,” said Zaidi-Rashid. “On the last day, they were all wearing Mason apparel, and lots of them were interested in our programs because they saw what we could actually offer.”

The most rewarding, however, was helping the kids build community. “On the first day, the students were very quiet. By the end of the camp, they were all very friendly and chatty,” she said. “In high school, it’s hard to know who has your same future aspirations, so it was nice to see them find their people.”

Topics

GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

K-12 Partnerships

Bioengineering

Mason Korea students create camp that brings together students from seven nations

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:32:01 +0000

Mason Korea students create camp that brings together students from seven nations Katarina Benson Wed, 10/15/2025 - 17:32

Eleven Mason Korea students stepped into a mentorship role this summer at the 2025 Incheon–ASEAN Global Youth Camp. Serving as more than mentors, the students became cultural bridges in a historic international initiative described by organizers as a “first step” toward lasting educational cooperation.

The camp was organized by the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) education offices and was led by Mason Korea professor Hyunyoung Cho and the student team.  

Mason Korea student mentors at the camp's closing ceremony. Photo provided

The camp brought together high school students from seven ASEAN nations and seven Incheon high schools for five days of collaborative problem-solving centered on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Instead of simply visiting landmarks, participants worked in small international teams to learn about specific goals, researched their impact on their home countries, and presented creative, practical solutions.

Supporting them at every stage were the Mason Korea student mentors: Yibin Cho, Kippeum Joy Choi, Jungbin Eom, Jisu Kim, Minsoo Kim, Hyeyeon Kweon, Chaeyoung Moon, Jessmine Huynh Nguyen, Jinuk Seo, Hojae Song, and Jinhyeop Pyo.

The success of the camp lay in its balance of structured learning and student-led collaboration. The Mason Korea mentors guided discussions, facilitated group work, and ensured that every participant was heard. They also prepared key materials in advance, including a bilingual workbook that helped bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. The result was a space where students could genuinely learn from one another, rather than simply observe.

Moon also documented the camp in photos and video, and later contributed to producing a film that captured both the learning and the friendships formed during the week.

Officials from both Korea and ASEAN praised the George Mason mentors for their adaptability and empathy. Organizers also noted that the mentors created an environment where every participant felt heard and respected, a factor they said made the camp truly meaningful.

“This is not just about cultural awareness,” Cho said. “It is about giving young people the confidence and skills to engage with the world, and our Mason Korea students helped make that happen.”

Learn more about Mason Korea

Topics

Mason Korea

AI plus mathematical modeling equals a new tool for teaching

sholla4 — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:36:49 +0000

AI plus mathematical modeling equals a new tool for teaching sholla4 Tue, 09/23/2025 - 12:36

“Where am I going to use that?” is, according to Jennifer Suh, a common complaint in math classrooms. The real-world applications of algebra, geometry, and probability are often lost in the shuffle of textbook questions and equations. But this professor of mathematics leadership education is hoping to change the narrative.

Ziyu Yao, PI, assistant professor in the Computer Science Department in the College of Engineering and Computing; Suh, co-PI, professor of mathematics specialist leadership in the College of Education and Human Development; and collaborative site-PI Janice Zhang of William and Mary received a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Research on Innovative Technologies for Enhanced Learning (RITEL) program to develop MathVC: a virtual classroom where middle school students can work through mathematical modeling problems with AI-powered chatbot students. A preliminary version of this project was sponsored by Microsoft’s Accelerating Foundation Models award, also led by Yao.

“We're trying to build these 21st-century skills in collaborative problem-solving while preparing students to solve global challenges, all while making math modeling a more inclusive practice,” said Suh.

Mathematical modeling creates a mathematical representation of a real-world scenario to help teach students math concepts in context. These can be small scale scenarios—calculate costs for a party—or global challenges—supplying clean water to a city after a major flooding event.

A demo of MathVC with Yao communicating with the virtual students. Photo provided.

These types of math problems combine computational skills and soft skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication: identifying the problem, defining the variables, analyzing solutions, iterating on the model, and reporting findings.

“These are problems with real-world applications,” explained Suh. “It helps students understand the value.”

While mathematical modeling is an incredibly effective tool for math education, it comes with its own set of challenges. “Schools vary greatly in their access to classroom resources, teacher resources, education research...and as a result not all students are given the opportunity to engage with this type of learning,” Suh said. “And on an individual level, some students find the communication aspect of this more challenging than others.”

MathVC is one way to bridge those gaps of accessibility.

Within the virtual classroom, the human student can collaborate with generative AI students to work through these mathematical models.

“We see the benefits for multilingual students, as well as for students who want to develop their communication skills for math reasoning and justification through math talk,” said Suh. And for teachers, MathVC allows students to ask questions and be prompted through the problem without their intervention: a benefit for teachers with large classroom sizes who are otherwise unable to monitor every group.

Once the program is deployed, access will be as simple as logging into a website. “Our system is developed using state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs). The cost of these tools is reducing, the programming required is reducing, so it’s an incredibly practical solution,” said Yao.

From the student perspective, MathVC’s success is dependent on how accurate the generative AI student voices are. Part of the grant supports the development of Math EdVentures Camp, a week-long program for students to build their skills in mathematical modeling, as well as an opportunity for Suh and Yao to collect valuable data on student problem-solving and communication techniques.

“AI safety is paramount,” explained Yao. “Authentic simulation prevents the students from losing the social skills of communicating with real-life peers, as well as makes the human-AI interaction more engaging.”

Students in Math EdVentures Camp explore how many water drops could fit on a coin. Photo provided.

This past summer, students in the Math EdVentures Camp explored STEM problems both large and small—from bridge engineering to calculating the number of water drops that could fit on a coin—in three-person teams with guest professors Theresa Wills and Andy Gilbert. Teachers provided feedback as they worked through the modeling problems. On the last day, Yao led the students through a demonstration of the MathVC and asked for their feedback.

All of this is helping mold the generative AI.

“We found that students don’t want to be told the answer,” said Yao. “They prefer the interactive learning, where they get thought-provoking questions that help them find the solution.”

Math EdVentures Camp leadership. Photo provided.

“Watching our fantastic team of Math EdVentures instructors and George Mason student researchers work with the middle schoolers was also a rich source of data to improve how the AI will support student problem-solving and critical thinking,” said Suh.

Yao and Suh discovered some surprises, too.

“They were actually really interested in how we developed the program,” said Yao. “Students were asking me what classes they needed to take in high school or college in order to develop a platform like this themselves. And we had good discussions about keeping a critical mind while using AI.”

MathVC represents one way that George Mason researchers are leveraging transdisciplinary collaboration to advance 21st education for all, a part of the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative. And there’s another goal as well—changing the narrative of math education.

“When we talk to middle schoolers, a lot of them have math phobia. But these more collaborative learning models get them excited and interested,” Suh said. “We want all kids to see that they are math people.”

Topics

Research

College of Education and Human Development

Artificial Intelligence

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Ziyu Yao

Mason Korea hosts Young Innovators Summer Camp for local youth

ckearney — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:00:54 +0000

Mason Korea hosts Young Innovators Summer Camp for local youth ckearney Tue, 09/02/2025 - 13:00

Eighty elementary, middle, and high school students from Incheon, South Korea, spent four days exploring the technologies shaping the future at Mason Korea’s 2025 Young Innovators Summer Camp. Held on the Songdo campus from August 18–21, the program is part of Incheon’s Youth Talent Development initiative.

Young Innovators Summer Camp at Mason Korea. Photo provided

Each day began with “AI, Robotics, and Me,” a lecture by Eunmee Lee, Mason Korea’s associate professor of English for academic purposes, who introduced students to the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics while encouraging conversations about their ethical use. The program also featured a computer game design workshop led by James Broderick, assistant professor of computer game design, giving students a chance to develop and test their own game ideas.

“We designed this camp to give students space to explore, play, and discover new ideas,” said Lee, who led the program. “Our goal was to make learning dynamic and creative, something that sparks curiosity.”

Students also built and flew drones, conducted some climate experiments, and explored computer coding. They also took a campus tour led by Mason Korea student ambassadors and visited the National Gwacheon Science Museum.

Organized under Mason Cares, Mason Korea's social impact project, and supported by the Incheon Institute for Talent and Lifelong Education and Incheon Global Campus, the camp brought together Mason Korea faculty, student mentors, experts, and volunteers to support and empower local youth.

“The camp provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the digital and AI skills of Incheon’s youth while advancing George Mason’s mission of building a more just, free and prosperous world," said Campus Dean Joshua Park.

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