College of Science

Summer campers blast off with interstellar research

sholla4 — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:04:30 +0000

Summer campers blast off with interstellar research sholla4 Wed, 09/16/2026 - 10:04

From constructing an artificial star to capturing a 25-year timelapse of a supernova, 91�� is pioneering space exploration, research, and collaboration. And our mission into the final frontier brings students along for the ride.

Whether a fourth-grader is getting their first taste of rocketry with bottle rockets or an intern is making cutting-edge discoveries in planetary atmospheres, George Mason summer programming offers a glimpse into the vast universe we call home as students and faculty make small steps towards one giant leap for humankind.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mason Space Exploration Center Summer Camp

Founded in 2023, the Mason Space Exploration Center (MSEC) is dedicated to providing immersive and educational space experiences for families and inspiring the next generation of space explorers. And one avenue for that is their award-winning MSEC Summer Camp.

With Base Camp for rising fourth- and fifth-graders and Advanced Camp for rising sixth- through ninth-graders, MSEC Summer Camp introduces a range of students to the exciting possibilities of astronomy. Students practice programming with Micro:bit, and learn the importance of asking questions, designing solutions, and working as a team, just like the professionals. They even launch their own rockets—bottle rockets, that is.

"We want students to see and experience the many different fields that work in the space sector," said S Falgiano, deputy observatory director in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. "By giving our campers experience with astronomy, engineering, coding, and other space-related fields, we hope to build their multidisciplinary interest in space exploration."

For these younger campers, MSEC Summer Camp is a chance to see that they can do science without needing to be professional scientists in a laboratory. "They can make observations, ask questions, test theories, and draw conclusions," said Falgiano. And that, at its core, is what science is all about.

Google Space Data Centers Summer Camp

For the 10th- through 12th-graders, the College of Engineering and Computing offers a chance to step into the future of technology. In partnership with Google, the Space Data Centers Summer Camp lets students explore how artificial intelligence (AI), energy systems, and data centers are evolving for space environments.

Throughout the week, campers walk through virtual reality re-creations of nuclear power plants, watch drone demonstrations, and tour data centers to learn key concepts of AI computing, electrical power systems, space environments, thermal management, and other aspects of operating computing infrastructure in space.

"The camp brings together space exploration, AI, energy, computing, and engineering while emphasizing interdisciplinary and industry collaboration," said Liling Huang, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Applying concepts to real-world solutions is a key part of the program. Students were challenged to envision and develop solutions for infrastructure that may be needed for the next generation of space exploration. Camp culminated with a poster presentation and expo where students met with industry experts to share their novel ideas. From this, two students were awarded Google-sponsored research scholarships and were invited to continue their research through Huang's year-long high school Research, Innovation, Spark, and Exploration (RISE) Scholars Program.

Beyond the camp, Google also sponsors the first teen-focused program in the history of the CIGRE Grid of the Future Symposium, organized by the College of Engineering and Computing and hosted by Dominion Energy. The inaugural 2026 Teen Program gives high school students an early opportunity to experience the professional power and energy community, present their research ideas, tour Dominion Energy’s System Operations Center, and connect with industry experts.

"We want students to leave camp willing to ask, 'why not?' and then use engineering and science to determine what it would take to make an ambitious idea possible," said Huang.

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

For those high schoolers and undergraduates hoping to spend their summers in the lab, the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) hosted by George Mason’s College of Science is a stellar choice.

"There's quite a bit of literature that hands-on research experiences support students' persistence/identity in STEM fields, and we like to think that ASSIP is one key program trying to bring these experiences to as many students as possible," said Amanda Still, director of undergraduate student research initiatives and internships. "The interns’ eager hands to pursue the 'I wonder if...’ ideas of faculty really help to promote new research directions and embody the word 'pioneering.’"

This year, 20 interns were assigned to research or support space-related projects across the College of Engineering and Computing and the College of Science.

In the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, for example, Associate Professor Edward Oughton oversaw 16 ASSIP students, some of whom worked on projects concerning space weather: a space weather risk assessment for Virginia, refining radar detection strategies for small space weather debris, and the economic impacts of losing GNAA/GPS, Navigation and Timing services due to space weather events.

"It's important to engage these students in space activities because we have so many challenges there to address," said Oughton, "from protecting terrestrial and space-critical infrastructure systems from space weather, to making sure we have the workforce to enable us to go back to the Moon, on to Mars, and then beyond."

"George Mason is a pioneering university in this area," said Art Poland, research faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Three ASSIP interns supported his research work on the solar atmosphere, measuring the velocity of gases in hot magnetic loops above the surface of the Sun. "It's an amazing steppingstone for students who want to go into space science or engineering."

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College of Engineering and Computing

College of Science

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Students

Smithsonian-Mason REU helps aspiring conservation scientists find their path

ckearney — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:19:59 +0000

Smithsonian-Mason REU helps aspiring conservation scientists find their path ckearney Tue, 09/08/2026 - 14:19

For Olivia “Liv” Laurie, one of the defining moments of her summer research experience came while holding a baby bird in her hands.

Laurie, a student at Mount Holyoke University, spent 10 weeks this summer working with American kestrels, North America’s smallest raptor, at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) in Front Royal, Virginia. She helped monitor cameras in nearly 70 nest boxes, band kestrel nestlings, and analyze GPS and camera data to better understand how the birds move across the landscape and what prey they bring back to their nests.

“The fieldwork was one of my favorite parts,” she said. “It’s an awe-inspiring experience to be able to hold this raptor that’s so important for our environment.”

Liv Laurie, a student at Mount Holyoke University, spent 10 weeks this summer working with American kestrels, North America’s smallest raptor, at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) in Front Royal, Virginia. Photo by Robert Barrett/SMSC

Laurie was one of just 10 undergraduates selected from nearly 800 applicants for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation. The students came from around the country to spend the summer immersed in field- and laboratory-based conservation research at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s 3,200-acre campus.

At SMSC, a partnership between 91�� and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute designed to educate the next generation of conservation leaders, students work alongside Smithsonian scientists and conservation practitioners while conducting hands-on research focused on endangered species and biodiversity. George Mason is one of the few universities to partner with the Smithsonian Institution in this way.

For the students, the experience offered something that cannot be easily replicated in a classroom: the chance to find out what doing conservation science actually looks—and feels—like. That was exactly the kind of experience Laurie was looking for. “One of my goals coming into this program was to explore research as a career and see if it was something I was interested in,” she said.

The REU gave her a much broader view of the possibilities. “There are tons of different fields in conservation that I didn’t even know existed before I came here,” she said.

For Laurie, that meant working with Smithsonian researcher Joe Kolowski on a project examining American kestrel movements and feeding behaviors. The findings can help scientists understand how kestrels are using the Virginia landscape—and ultimately provide information that can help protect them.

REU students Maria Cornejo and David Campos worked on reproductive technologies for threatened Przewalski's horses and whooping cranes. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Maria Cornejo, a junior from Penn State, came to the program already thinking about a career as a wildlife veterinarian. She was initially drawn in by the REU’s title, “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats,” and the prospect of working on such projects.

While working with Smithsonian scientist Budhan Pukazhenthi on reproductive technologies for threatened ungulate conservation, Cornejo had the opportunity to interact with the endangered Przewalski's horses. Seeing the Smithsonian’s veterinarians in action brought clarity to Cornejo’s career goals. “It helped me to see this is what I want to do,” she said.

The experience also helped David Campos of Dominican University hone in on possibilities for graduate studies as well as careers. “You get to experience so many different aspects of conservation, and you're exposed to a lot of different lab techniques, scientists, different career paths,” he said. “[The REU was] definitely a fundamental step in trying to figure out what kind of scientist you want to become.”

Campos, who spent his summer working on a cryo-preservation protocol for whooping crane sperm, also found some of the most valuable lessons came when the research didn’t go as expected, and he appreciated having a mentor there—Nucharin Songsasen, head of the Smithsonian’s Center for Species Survival—to guide him.

“There can be the real setbacks when doing research,” he said. “Being with a mentor that's very open to giving suggestions and guidance was essential. I'm really glad that I had that experience now instead of experiencing it by myself on a larger-scale research project.”

These are the kinds of experiences that Elizabeth Freeman, executive director of SMSC and an associate professor in George Mason's School of Integrative Studies, and Anneke DeLuycker, professor of conservation studies, hope the students will take away.

Biology major Valerie Hernandez of Evergreen State University spent the summer exploring nutritional forage quality and tradeoffs in bird-friendly haying. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

This summer was the first of three SMSC will offer with the NSF REU funding, Freeman said, and its organization was reflective of the experiences offered in the semester-away programs that SMSC offers twice a year. SMSC has hosted students from more than 70 universities and colleges at its semester-away programs

“We try to offer a range of project types—lab-based, field-based, some are even computer-based,” said Freeman, who also served as one of the mentors this summer, sharing her African rhino behavioral research with Henry Reinke of Williams College.

The diversity of subjects extended beyond birds and mammals and included reptiles as well as plants and trees.

The REU began in June with a “bootcamp” covering such topics as how to establish a research project, writing a resume, and best practices for conservation success to get the students up to speed quickly. Then, while the students conducted their research, one day a week was devoted to professional development. On those days, DeLuycker offered lessons on the business side of being a scientist—developing an abstract, creating a poster, and communicating research, all working toward the final presentations the students gave before an audience on their last day of the REU.

Those discussions were followed by an afternoon colloquium series where guest speakers from the Smithsonian and affiliated conservation groups came to talk about various case studies in conservation, emphasizing successes and future directions, as well as highlighting emerging or innovative solutions in conservation.

DeLuycker said she was extremely impressed by the quality of the students’ presentations and the REU cohort overall. “Their talks were polished, highly professional, and insightful,” she said. “This group really bonded. It was lovely to see them relying on each other for advice and sharing exciting, fun moments over meals.”

Environmental biology major Charlie Shivers of DePauw University spent the summer studying forests' long-term responses to climate change. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

One of the challenges, Freeman said, was whittling down the 800 quality applicants to 10 recipients. For the final stage of the process, they provided each mentor with 10 to 12 applicants to evaluate. When reviewing the applicants, Freeman said they prioritized candidates who expressed a desire to engage in scientific research, but had limited access to these types of experiences that an R1 research university like George Mason can provide.

George Mason alumnus and former Board of Visitors Rector Jimmy Hazel established a scholarship to encourage REU participants to continue their academic experience at SMSC. The James W. Hazel Scholarship will provide $10,000 to each REU participant who enrolls in one of the semester-away programs.

The NSF- REU program helps open doors for emerging scientists—creating opportunities for students to discover the challenges of conservation work and the impact they can have in protecting species and ecosystems around the world.

Explore the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

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Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)

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School of Integrative Studies

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

Summer Camps

Mason Game and Technology Academy

College of Science

Early Identification Program (EIP)

GCI-Education

Students

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George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia

ckearney — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:03:14 +0000

George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia ckearney Tue, 09/01/2026 - 18:03

91�� and Oxford-based frontier computing company TreQ announced a groundbreaking partnership this week to bring open-architecture quantum infrastructure to the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning with the first open-architecture quantum computing system in the state and National Capital Region.

“The opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia is significant. Experts project that quantum will create a multi-trillion-dollar economy within the decade, and the states that build workforce and infrastructure now will lead in the future,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “George Mason has spent nearly a decade boldly building the foundation for this moment. Bringing an open-architecture quantum computing system to our university and making it available to our students and faculty, our partners, the region, and state is the kind of collaborative innovation that will advance Virginia’s continued successes.”

Dean Cody Edwards, President Gregory Washington, TreQ CEO Mandy Birch, QSEC Director Patrick Vora, and George Mason Rector Sumeet Shrivastava. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Located on one of George Mason’s Northern Virginia campuses, the system will be the first U.S. deployment of a computing system based on TreQ’s proprietary Open Architecture Quantum (OAQ) framework. With strategic support from Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and TreQ, George Mason is investing in the new $7.7 million system planned for delivery and installation in early 2027, with commissioning expected by late summer 2027. The university commercialization and researcher recruitment grant from VIPC is helping to catalyze and attract strategic industry investment and additional philanthropy support for Virginia’s ecosystem.

“Open architecture widens the path for innovation, allowing for different quantum processors, software, networking, and other technologies as they mature, rather than a single integration approach,” said TreQ CEO and Founder Mandy Birch. “That gives established companies, startups, and researchers a place to build, test, and integrate, and move the field forward faster. This first deployment creates a foundation Virginia can keep building on, and we’re glad to be part of George Mason’s vision for what comes next.”

TreQ will design, deploy, and operate the new built-to-evolve quantum computing infrastructure at George Mason, collaborate on research and curriculum, and connect Virginia and the region with companies and innovators across the global quantum technology ecosystem.

Photo by Jackie Cross/TreQ

“VIPC’s mission is to grow Virginia’s innovation ecosystems through public–private partnership. This unique collaboration with George Mason, TreQ, and other partners will help attract industry investment, accelerate research commercialization, develop next-generation talent, and empower entrepreneurs and startups to advance cutting-edge quantum technology in the commonwealth,” said VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento. “VIPC is proud to provide catalytic funding to help unlock these exciting opportunities for Virginia’s future.”

Quantum computing is expected to reshape fields including public health and medicine, emergency response, logistics, national security, and infrastructure. Quantum computing is predicted to generate up to $2.7 trillion in economic value internationally by 2035, limited only by two barriers: a shortage of trained talent and the high cost of specialized infrastructure. Alongside ambitious research and interdisciplinary quantum curriculum, the investments at George Mason will help expand access and accelerate discovery, building toward a quantum-enabled future that overcomes both those obstacles.

“The open architecture system provides needed infrastructure to work across the full quantum stack, and fuels rapid innovation that no single organization could tackle alone, advancing the region as a magnet for the quantum supply chain,” said College of Science Dean Cody Edwards. “Open architecture isn’t about being vendor-neutral. It changes what’s possible by opening the system to more technologies and innovators. With the infrastructure and curriculum to train the workforce, George Mason can help drive the advanced computing economy forward.”

This partnership builds on George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC), where 24 faculty across seven departments and several colleges have developed the university’s foundation in quantum. QSEC also recently signed an MOU with two of Korea’s leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI), establishing an international relationship with a key U.S. ally in technology and workforce.

Quantum is a priority area within George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative — a university-wide effort to focus talent and resources on problems of regional and national consequence — and the university is backing it with a $2.4 million catalyst investment, six new postdoctoral positions, and three new faculty positions. The university also launched Virginia’s first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering. With 80-85% of George Mason graduates working in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the region, the university is creating a talent pipeline to meet the region’s workforce needs.

“George Mason engineering is advancing the frontiers of quantum computing through pioneering research, transformative student experiences, and strategic partnerships with innovators such as TreQ,” added College of Engineering and Computing Dean Ken Ball. “We are preparing the next generation of engineers to turn quantum breakthroughs into practical solutions that will shape the future of technology and society.”

As a top-ranked university, George Mason is already working with regional and industry partners across the state to formalize a broader quantum coalition that is shaping quantum research and workforce development. The new system will also serve as foundational infrastructure for international companies exploring expansion into Northern Virginia.

“Our partnership with TreQ gives QSEC faculty and students access to true quantum computing hardware for the first time,” said QSEC Director Patrick Vora. “We can now launch ambitious new research initiatives, build globally unique workforce training programs, and team with our industry colleagues to grow the Virginia quantum ecosystem. This will truly let Virginia take a quantum leap and drive the future.”

Learn more about George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

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Rare green heron at George Mason conference center highlights biodiversity along the Occoquan River

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:44:37 +0000

Rare green heron at George Mason conference center highlights biodiversity along the Occoquan River Katarina Benson Thu, 08/27/2026 - 16:44

A recent sighting of a pair of juvenile green herons at 91��'s Point of View retreat and conference center in Lorton, Virginia, has drawn attention to the diversity of avian life thriving along the Occoquan River shoreline.

Jessica Avila-Franco, event and operations manager at Point of View, documented the birds earlier this summer. After consulting with local Audubon experts, she learned the observation was the first recorded sighting of green herons nearby.

Green heron. Photo by Getty Images

“I personally have never seen a green heron at Point of View, much less anywhere else,” said Avila-Franco. “I keep an eye on our Audubon monthly reports as we have groups that come and do counts for Audubon, and they have never recorded one at Point of View.”

While green herons are not uncommon in Northern Virginia, spotting them can be a challenge.

"Green herons are much more secretive than the commonly observed great blue herons," said Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy and K-12 outreach director for the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC). "They tend to hang out along the edges of wetlands and remain hidden in dense vegetation."

Smith said the sighting is significant because it documents a species well suited to the wetlands that surround Belmont Bay, the Occoquan River, and Mason Neck.

The semi-sheltered shorelines, abundant food sources, and wooded areas around Point of View create an ideal habitat for the species. The sighting serves as a reminder of the ecological richness of the region.

"The heron’s presence suggests that at least some of Point of View's wetlands and shoreline habitat provide the food, water, shelter, and space that the species needs," Smith said.

The green herons are only the latest addition to a growing list of bird species observed at the property.

Avila-Franco previously documented bald eagles, and staff and visitors have reported sightings of osprey, hawks, hummingbirds, blue jays, cardinals, robins, and geese, among other species.

The nearby Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located across the river, has documented more than 200 bird species.

Point of View retreat and conference center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“One doesn’t necessarily think nature reserve when you think of Lorton, Virginia. But being on Belmont Bay next to Mason Neck, it offers us an incredible amount of biodiversity,” said Avila-Franco. “I feel it's our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and continue our conservation efforts. We open our doors several times a month to the Audubon Society, where volunteers conduct flora and fauna surveys regardless of the weather. These metrics have been invaluable because they provide a snapshot of what's happening in our area in terms of biodiversity.”

Faculty and staff at George Mason's Potomac Science Center, located nearby, observe many of the same species throughout the year. Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, gulls, purple martins, and barn swallows are regular visitors to the shoreline. Watching wildlife has become a favorite activity for student groups and community members visiting the center.

"Watching a bald eagle soar over the center is often mentioned as a highlight of their visit," Smith said.

For Smith, the observation is another reason to continue documenting the bird life that calls the Occoquan shoreline home. The green heron sighting highlights the value of community wildlife observations such as Avila-Franco's. Scientists increasingly rely on photographs and records submitted through apps such as eBird and iNaturalist to supplement formal surveys and better understand species distribution and population trends.

From bald eagles overhead to elusive green herons among the shoreline vegetation, Point of View, which is part of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, continues to offer a front-row seat to one of Northern Virginia's most vibrant natural ecosystems.

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College of Science

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Point of View

Faculty and Staff News

Zaakir Khan interned with Old Glory DC on their playoff run

sbrown79 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:56:01 +0000

Zaakir Khan interned with Old Glory DC on their playoff run sbrown79 Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:56

As a defenseman on 91��’s ice hockey team, rising senior Zaakir Khan knows a thing or two about team sports. But for a recent internship, he stepped off the ice—and out of his comfort zone.

“I've never watched rugby in my entire life, but I just went in determined to learn and figure it out,” said Khan, who spent the summer as an intern for Major League Rugby (MLR) team Old Glory DC, assisting the team as they made their way to the playoffs.

Khan, who is majoring in computational and data sciences in the College of Science, learned how a professional sports organization works, attending the team’s training camps and practices, observing and organizing drills, filming and cutting clips, and breaking down analytics.

Zaakir Khan (right) with an Old Glory Rugby colleague. Photo provided.

“They introduced me to the app, Huddle Sports Code, so I would film parts of the practice, cut clips, and then organize them for the players and coaches to see where they’re succeeding and what they could work on in the future,” Khan said.

The team practiced twice a day, often on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, and was split into two groups: the forwards and the backs.

“The coaches asked me to keep track of game scores and drop balls. I was also able to fly a drone, which was awesome and gave us a nice bird's eye view of the field,” said Khan. “It was a really cool progression from just observing to reporting the whole practice on my own.”

During actual games, there was a bit more pressure.

“I helped set up a computer for our medical tent to re-watch any concussions that potentially happened,” said Khan. “The cameras covered different angles so if any MLR players are injured with a concussion, for example, they go straight to the tent, and medical personnel look on the computer and review the hit to see how egregious it was.”

But Khan’s favorite spot, by far, was the coach’s box. "It was super unbelievable being in that environment and helping to live code the game.” Live coding, Khan explained, involved creating a real-time Excel sheet with all the relevant game statistics.

“Statistics tell a story and the coaches needed those stats—penalties, drops, turnovers—on the fly. With live coding, I was able to get that information to them as quickly as possible,” Khan said. “The sooner you can get this information, the better, but it also has to be accurate because those numbers turned into halftime stats and game reports."

Khan uses the app, Huddle Sports Code, for his internship with Old Glory Rugby. Photo provided.

He credits Craig Esherick, his SPMT 201 Introduction to Sports Management professor with helping him get the internship.

“Professor Esherick was kind enough to help me get my foot into the door,” said Khan, who is working on a minor in sports management. “I got a meeting with the head of the team’s sports analytics department who invited me on for the season.”

“I was very impressed with how quickly Zaakir learned about rugby and the league. It was a lot to learn in a short amount of time,” said Esherick, a professor and the chair of the Sport Management Program in George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development. “He developed great relationships with the players and the staff with Old Glory and became an important part of their team this season.”

Although Old Glory’s season ended at the playoffs, Khan didn’t let that stop his momentum. He is currently a data science intern at Peraton, a national security and technology company.

“I’m learning how data, data quality, and data hygiene work. I’m hoping to use this knowledge and transition it into sports analytics after I graduate. I’d say both internships as well as George Mason have really prepared me for that,” Khan said.

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College of Science

College of Education and Human Development

sports management

club sports

Students

Advance your career with an internship at George Mason

Elizabeth Foy is August Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:54:47 +0000

Elizabeth Foy is August Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Fri, 07/31/2026 - 16:54

Elizabeth Foy has been an anchor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at 91�� since 2014. As lab manager, she oversees the preparation and distribution of all chemistry materials required at both the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses. In recognition of her dedication and excellence while managing nearly 100 lab class sections per week, Foy has been named August Employee of the Month.

President Washington and Employee of the Month Elizabeth Foy. Photo by Adrianna Campos/Office of University Branding

“Ms. Foy is not only an effective manager but also an exceptional mentor and role model,” said Silvia M. Auffret Ayala, assistant lab manager. “Her work is foundational to the success of our teaching labs.”

Mikell Paige, professor and chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, emphasized how hard Foy works, saying “Ms. Foy is an effective leader and valuable member of our team. She helps plan for future needs as we propose new budgets, keeps up with instrument maintenance, and manages complex student employee schedules to keep the labs running on time.”

“Elizabeth does an outstanding job training and supporting her team members,” said Megan Erb, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “All George Mason students enrolled in chemistry lab courses benefit from her strong work ethic and dedication to her job.”

Kenneth W. Foreman, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said, “Ms. Foy is a fantastic colleague to work with. She is constantly looking to improve the lab experience for students, suggesting potential modifications to the labs to help them run more smoothly and safely.”

“Elizabeth demonstrates excellence through her attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work,” said Fabiola Suarez, fiscal technician in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

How did you come to Mason:

I joined 91�� over 12 years ago because I wanted to be part of an institution that makes a difference through education and research. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to grow professionally while serving the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. It has been a privilege to support our faculty, staff, and students by helping create a safe, organized, and successful laboratory environment where learning can thrive.

Best day on the job:

My best days are at the beginning of each semester when all the teaching laboratories are fully prepared, and students are excited to begin their experiments. Knowing that my team's hard work behind the scenes helps create a safe and successful learning experience for hundreds of students each semester gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy working with my colleagues to solve challenges and continuously improve our laboratory operations.

What do you like best about working at George Mason:

What I like best about working at George Mason is the people and the sense of community. I enjoy working with dedicated faculty, staff, and students who share a commitment to education and excellence. Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new, help others, and contribute to the success of our department. It is rewarding to know that my work supports student learning and helps prepare the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family, especially my three beautiful granddaughters, who are 1 month, 1 year, and 4 years old. Watching them grow, playing with them, reading stories, and celebrating life's little moments brings me so much happiness. They remind me every day of the importance of love, family, and creating lasting memories.

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George Mason hosts the 2026 Virginia Data Science Teacher Institute

Katarina Benson — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:57:45 +0000

George Mason hosts the 2026 Virginia Data Science Teacher Institute Katarina Benson Thu, 07/30/2026 - 16:57

In June, more than 225 educators, higher education partners, industry experts, and students gathered at 91��’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas for the fifth annual Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute. The 2026 theme, “Data Science, Computational Thinking, and Modeling in the Age of AI,” reflected growing demand for data literacy and analytical thinking across industries.

For George Mason, the event represents more than professional development. It highlights the university’s role as a statewide convener while advancing its Grand Challenge Initiative solution to support 21st-century education.

Teachers at the fifth annual Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

A central theme throughout the institute this year was that students need strong foundations in data and computational thinking to succeed, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every profession.

Dewayne McClary, Virginia deputy superintendent for innovation, student pathways, and opportunities, said students must understand the concepts behind emerging technologies. “They need data literacy. They need skepticism. They need discourse. They need to understand how a model works,” McClary said.

Since the Virginia Board of Education approved a high school data science course in 2022, data science courses have expanded to more than 130 Virginia schools and reached more than 4,000 students.

For conference co-chair Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, the George Mason professor of mathematical sciences who helped develop Virginia’s data science curriculum, the institute’s success reflects years of collaboration among educators, school divisions, state agencies, universities, and industry partners. “What started as a vision has become a thriving statewide movement.”

“The institute's rapid growth underscores Virginia's emergence as a national leader in preparing students to navigate a data-rich world,” said keynote speaker Kate Maxlow, senior advisor to the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The institute offered more than 40 sessions and 10 keynote speakers, as well as the opportunity to earn continuing education credits through George Mason.

Keynote speakers and featured leaders included Jenna Conway, Virginia superintendent of public instruction; Conrad Wolfram, co-founder of Wolfram Mathematica; Ben Galuzzo, executive director of COMAP; Eli Luberoff, founder and CEO of DESMOS; Ji Yun Son, co-founder of CourseKata; and Amarda Shehu, George Mason’s vice president and chief AI officer. Their expertise in mathematics education, computational thinking, curriculum innovation, and educational technology provided participants with direct access to leaders currently shaping how students learn and reason with data in an AI-driven world.

This year’s institute was cosponsored by the Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI (ATAA) program, co-led by Peng Warweg, research program director in George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing, and aligns with the mission of George Mason’s Data Science, Computing, and Applications Lab School partnership.

“Every teacher who leaves this institute takes new ideas, tools, and opportunities back to hundreds of students,” Seshaiyer said. “When educators, state leaders, higher education, and industry work together, we can build pathways that help every student see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and future leaders.”

Learn more about George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

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Making every drop count at the campus greenhouse

lclarkg — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:03:01 +0000

Making every drop count at the campus greenhouse lclarkg Wed, 07/29/2026 - 13:03

A new rainwater harvesting system is coming to 91��’s Presidents Park Greenhouse, thanks to a donation from the Society for a Secure and Sustainable Water Future, a nonprofit organization based in James City County, Virginia, and dedicated to advancing long-term water sustainability through practical solutions, sound policy, and public education.

The Presidents Park Greenhouse, located on the Fairfax Campus, is managed by University Sustainability's Greenhouse and Gardens program. Alexander Jarvis, a graduate student in George Mason’s MS in Environmental Science and Policy Program, founded the nonprofit and runs it with his parents, Leslie and Tyrone Jarvis.

The Jarvis family is installing the rainwater harvesting system themselves, in collaboration with Facilities and Campus Operations. Photo by Ariba “Zoa” Sharin/Facilities and Campus Operations

“The project is intended to help demonstrate practical sustainability implementation while contributing to broader conversations surrounding resilience, infrastructure demand, and future environmental planning,” said Jarvis.

The rainwater harvesting system will collect, store, and filter rooftop runoff through a solar-powered pumping system. The nonpotable water will be used to water the nonedible plants at the greenhouse and will be transported to other campus gardens during drought. The Jarvis family is completing the installation themselves in coordination with Facilities and Campus Operations staff.

The amount of rainwater recovered by the system will vary, depending on rainfall amounts, but George Mason students or staff could collect data on the system in the future.

In addition to the donation from Jarvis’s nonprofit, the project received approximately $2,000 from the Patriot Green Fund, an sustainability fund that George Mason’s Facilities and Campus Operations unit administers to support sustainable infrastructure improvements and student research projects on campus.

A solar array was installed at the Presidents Park Greenhouse last year. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Presidents Park Greenhouse, which uses hydroponics and aquaponics to grow produce, has other sustainable features. With support from student researchers and the Patriot Green Fund, a solar array was installed last year to offset the energy consumption for the equipment and temperature controls in the greenhouse.

The rainwater harvesting system further advances the greenhouse as a model for sustainable agriculture and infrastructure.

“This project brings together sustainability, education, and community partnership in a meaningful way,” said Christine Powell, project manager in Facilities and Campus Operations. “This installation will serve as a living demonstration of how rainwater can be captured, treated, and reused, providing educational value for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”

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This course turns climate science into real-world impact for Virginia communities

ckearney — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:32:10 +0000

This course turns climate science into real-world impact for Virginia communities ckearney Tue, 07/21/2026 - 16:32

What difference does a tree make? That’s what 91�� researcher Luis Ortiz wanted to find out—before it was planted. Cities increasingly experience extreme heat that poses danger to anyone outside. The urban environment, even on a very small scale, can either help alleviate the problem or make it vastly worse.

Professor Luis Ortiz with his Micrometeorological Modeling class. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“We teach students the fundamentals of how the broader weather interacts with very, very local aspects of the built environment,” said Ortiz, who teaches in George Mason’s J. Shukla Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences. “By very, very local, I mean, what happens if I put a certain tree in one location, or if I apply a coating to a building’s surface to reflect the sun.”

Ortiz’s course, CLIM 759 Micrometeorological Modeling for Local Climate Action, targets “hyperlocal” community needs. It’s a way of taking research out of the lab and into the real world where it can have immediate impact. Ortiz and other professors—in collaboration with George Mason’s Institute for a Sustainable Earth—piloted a model to create classes that work almost like nonprofit start-ups with municipalities and neighborhood groups as clients.

“We are meeting communities where they are and figuring out what their needs are related to weather hazards on heat, flooding, and air pollution. This is all based on the extensive community engagement that we've been doing with the Virginia Climate Center,” said Ortiz, who is the codirector of the VCC.

This is the second year that Ortiz is offering the graduate-level class, which is open to every major. The students work individually with community groups to study their needs and model the outcomes of various interventions. Last year, students worked with South Side ReLeaf in Richmond to model extreme heat zones around schools and shopping centers. This year, they ran individual projects with the cities of Fairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington, as well as Groundwork USA. These stakeholders were all invited to a day of final presentations at the end of the semester.

“The students are learning urban microclimate physics, as well as the software and models needed to understand them and answer real-world questions,” said Ortiz.

The course is truly interdisciplinary, attracting students majoring in fields from across the university, including GIS, civil engineering, mathematics, and fluid dynamics. They use social science methods to determine the communities’ needs.

Ivy Stempkovski, a climate dynamics PhD student who helped develop the course and is now taking it, created models to evaluate how public water features, such as splash parks, help kids cool down.

“My peers are thinking of things that never would have crossed my radar,” said Stempkovski. “That’s important because the whole goal is to make sure that we're maximizing impact for our community partner and the community themselves. If it weren't for the different perspectives, I think we could risk falling short. For instance, the engineers take a more practical perspective, and the GIS students know more about zoning laws.”

Gavin Middleton, a PhD student in earth and geoinformation sciences, took the course in its first year. His models revealed startling facts about how a lack of green spaces increased citizens’ susceptibility to heat stroke.

“The area I was looking at was an elementary school,” said Middleton. “This school was right next to a six-lane road that had no trees. We found that if kids were walking down that road in the middle of the summer heat, there was about a 5 percent chance that you got a heat stroke on any one kid.”

Other projects showed high risks of heat stroke and asthma attacks around unshaded shopping complexes with large parking lots, as well as bus stops where people would have to wait for long periods with no relief.

“I would say that it was a very important experience to actually get to know the people that my science affected,” said Middleton. “It's definitely not something you see at every university.”

Ortiz built the course as part of his work at the VCC and based it on the lean start-up model for businesses.

"Our students are both learning state-of-the-art modeling techniques and using them to answer important questions for stakeholders in the commonwealth and beyond,” he said. “With this model, students work on real-world problems, and our partners get access to science-backed data and insights to help them build stronger, more resilient communities.”

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

Discover more GCI climate research >>

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