internships

George Mason PhD student recognized for blockchain privacy research

Nathan Kahl — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:51:19 +0000

George Mason PhD student recognized for blockchain privacy research Nathan Kahl Tue, 06/02/2026 - 06:51

91�� computer science doctoral student Aayush Yadav co-authored a paper that received a Distinguished Paper Award from the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, one of the industry’s premier conferences in the security field. The conference typically accepts around 13 percent of submissions.

Aayush Yadav. Photo provided

The paper addresses a growing challenge in blockchain technology—how to protect sensitive transaction information before it becomes public, focusing on improving privacy protections within blockchain systems while maintaining the transparency and decentralized structure that define the technology.

His research grew out of an internship last summer with Category Labs, a company developing blockchain tools and infrastructure. The work addresses a vulnerability tied to how blockchain transactions are processed before they are officially added to the chain. Traditionally, blockchain transactions are publicly visible before they are finalized. That visibility allows entities responsible for processing transactions to potentially manipulate their order for financial gain.

“These entities can act maliciously in some way,” Yadav said. “Because this information is public, these actors know the direction of the order of the transactions before the rest of the public. And they can take advantage of that.” Consider that if an actor sees that someone is about to make a major purchase or sale, they can quickly place their own trade first, causing the market price to change. The original user then receives a worse price than expected, while the actor profits from the price movement, effectively creating a hidden cost for the user.

The team’s research focuses on encrypting transactions while they are waiting to be processed, helping prevent that kind of exploitation. The goal is to encrypt or hide transactions as they are sent, revealing them later.

The paper introduces new approaches to what researchers call “mempool privacy,” referring to the protection of transaction data before it becomes part of the public blockchain ledger. The work also explores “threshold encryption,” which requires multiple parties to work together to decrypt transaction data, helping eliminate single points of trust or failure.

Yadav, who is completing his PhD in computer science this year, said his interest in theoretical computer science and algorithms started early in his academic career. “I enjoyed the process of solving problems that were algorithmic in nature,” he said. “Thinking about these abstract things, but then also being able to solve them concretely using an algorithm, is very satisfying.”

He chose George Mason in part because of the university’s large computer science faculty and breadth of expertise. After arriving at George Mason in 2021, Yadav took his first cryptography course with Foteini Baldimtsi, an experience that shaped the direction of his research. “It had the right mix of theory and practice. The problems are very theoretical in some sense, and the way you solve them is theoretical, but at the same time they are grounded in real applications.”

“I am very proud of Aayush,” said Baldimtsi. “Throughout his PhD, he has worked on some of the most important challenges in modern cryptography, including signature protocols and privacy-preserving authentication for digital identities, while also focusing on post-quantum security. The award is a well-deserved recognition of his talent, dedication, and impact on the field.”

Later this year he will start a tenured-track faculty position at his alma mater, Rutgers University–Camden.

In This Story

Foteini Baldimtsi

More from the College of Engineering and Computing

Topics

College of Engineering and Computing

Students

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path

Katarina Benson — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:27:04 +0000

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path Katarina Benson Fri, 05/15/2026 - 13:27

Senior information technology major Crystal Forson likes to joke that her parents have been in school with her the whole time—"just without the studying.” Their support, she said, has been constant, from eighth grade when she joined the 91��’s Early Identification Program (EIP), all the way through graduation this May.

Forson and her family first learned about EIP when she was a student at Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia, and her mother’s excitement about the program was infectious. “What really pushed me to apply was knowing I wanted more for my future and for my family,” said Forson, who is a member of the Honors College. “I knew it was something worth giving my all.”

Forson completed an internship with CACI. Photo provided

EIP—which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027—supports first‑generation, college‑bound students beginning in middle school. Participants have access to academic enrichment, tutors, and mentors both in their home schools and on the George Mason campuses.

Through EIP’s STEM Fusion courses, Forson took a Python coding class that changed her trajectory. “After that class, I knew I wanted to do something related to Python,” she said. That early spark led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a concentration in web application development in George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing.

“Crystal is the kind of student who reminds us exactly why EIP exists,” said Alpachino Hogue, EIP's executive director. “She is bright, disciplined, and deeply committed to making the most of every opportunity. She has embraced EIP as both a community and a pathway to her goals.”

Family support is a cornerstone of EIP, and Forson’s parents—who immigrated from Ghana—fully embraced that role. They attended EIP’s Family Academy, ensured she had transportation to every program, and encouraged her at every step. “They were always willing to listen, always willing to show up,” Forson said. “They are one of my biggest driving forces.”

Hogue added, “Students do not sustain this kind of success without a strong foundation, and Crystal’s journey reflects that. Her family instilled in her the habits and values that matter most: perseverance, accountability, and a belief in oneself and the power of education.”

Forson’s dedication extended beyond EIP. She was selected for the inaugural cohort of CACI Scholars, a scholarship made possible by a 2023 gift from CACI International and awarded to 10 EIP alumni.

“By investing early, we’re not only developing skilled talent but shaping future leaders,” said Jeana Plews, vice president of CACI HR consulting solutions. “The program creates a strong, sustainable talent pipeline of motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and strong technical foundations.”

Forson first met the CACI team by chance while volunteering at a STEM event the company sponsored. “She stood out,” Plews said. “Not just for her initiative, but for the way she engaged with others.”

Forson credits EIP's Python course for helping her decide to pursue STEM. Photo provided

Her CACI summer internship, made possible through the scholarship, placed her on a team working to consolidate information across NASA’s many centers nationwide. The project blended her interest in technology with her passion for working with people. “I was exposed to technical solutions, including AI, while also working with the actual customer,” she said.

“Crystal’s academic background and major prepared her exceptionally well for our highly collaborative environment,” said Steve Brylski, CACI senior systems architect. “Her broad skill set aligned naturally with the way our teams work.”

The internship proved such a strong match that CACI offered Forson a full‑time business analyst position upon graduation. The job dovetails nicely with the master’s degree program she is already pursuing as a part of George Mason’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. She will earn a degree in management with a certificate in business analytics.

Forson also received the Paul and Gwen Patton Memorial Scholarship Endowment, awarded annually to an EIP alum attending George Mason. The scholarship, housed in University Life, honors Paul Patton’s eight years of service on the University Life Advisory Board and is supported in part by CACI, where he served as a senior vice president for more than two decades.

During her time at George Mason, Forson also served as a resident assistant for two years and was part of George Mason’s chapter of Every Nation Campus, a faith-based international organization. Forson’s Patriot experience, combining her loves of Python and people, her desire for more and better, and fueled by the benefits of EIP and CACI, have already rocketed her to great heights.

Learn more about the Early Identification Program

Topics

Graduation

accelerated bachelor's to master's

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:55:20 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:55

When Duong Thuy Nguyen first emailed her graduate teaching assistant (GTA) for IT104 Introduction to Computing, she wasn’t sure what to call him—GTA Reddy or Professor Reddy? She was, as she puts it, “that naive.” She had just returned to college after years away, caring for her family, working full time, while carrying the weight of a culture that had pointed her toward a different life entirely. She wasn’t sure she could do any of it.

Duong Thuy Nguyen represents the College of Engineering and Computing as a Peer Mentor during a 91�� Visit Day. Photo provided.

This May, she’s graduating from 91�� with a 4.0 GPA, an Academic Excellence Award from her department, a Capstone team leadership under her belt, and two published feature articles about her work—and in the fall, she’ll be back as a graduate student in George Mason’s accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program.

Nguyen immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 2015. College, especially after a long pause, wasn’t the expected path for her. But her family pushed her toward it. “You have so much potential… just try,” she recalled being told.

Nguyen came to George Mason as a contemporary student. An immigrant adult learner who also works, she navigates the tension between family responsibilities and schoolwork in every classroom, every late night studying after work, and she often wondered whether someone like her belonged in a place like this. “I can feel both the excitement of going back to college and the worry of what if I couldn’t do this,” she said.

The people who showed up

From left, Alayna M. Brooker, Duong Thuy Nguyen, and Mansi Puthenveettil serve as Peer Mentor panelists during a College of Engineering and Computing Spotlight Day event at Dewberry Hall. Photo provided.

She took an academic leave in the spring of 2023 after family duties became too overwhelming. When she returned, she felt the distance from her peers acutely—older, quieter, uncertain of her place. What pulled her forward was a support system at George Mason that refused to let her disappear.

Professor Irina Hashmi gave her credit for quiz answers lost to a frozen screen, taking her word for it when she didn’t have to. Professor Scott Lewis listened to her story in his office hours when exhaustion broke through, and gave her career advice instead of sending her away. Professor Gene Shuman stayed after every class to work through concepts she was still wrestling with. Professor Massimiliano Albanese chose her for a cybersecurity internship that eventually opened the door to her current position at the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

“The whole Mason Nation, like every single one that I work with or study with…they are so supportive,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen and Associate Dean Jill Nelson of the College of Engineering and Computing. Nguyen calls Nelson “the most supportive and amazing supervisor.” Photo provided.

That support gave her enough ground to start taking risks. As a Peer Mentor for the Office of Undergraduate Studies at the College of Engineering and Computing, she showed up to her first event expecting to greet prospective students at a table. Instead, she found herself on stage as a panelist, fielding interview questions alongside an associate dean, sweating through her nerves in front of a room full of people. She made it through. After that, she became one of the program’s recurring panelists—the woman who’d been too shy to speak up in class, now telling prospective students to join organizations early and reach out before they think they need to.

From the audience to the stage

The biggest test came in her capstone project, a two-semester sequence she entered convinced she wasn’t cut out to lead. Her accent, she assumed, meant people wouldn’t listen. It was easier, she had always believed, to do everything herself than to ask for help and risk depending on someone.

Capstone—and Professor Gail Therrien, who designed the program—changed that by making her team lead. She learned to divide responsibilities, to speak up, to give her teammates room to show their own strengths. When her team’s work began to accumulate across two semesters, she arrived at something she hadn’t expected: that she is, indeed, “good enough.”

Nguyen and her Capstone teammates following their presentation. Photo provided.

Beyond the classroom, she built a life on campus — joining Contemporary Student Services, Women in Cybersecurity, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in tech.

“I realized that the first person who needs to believe in me is me,” she said. “If I don’t trust myself, I can’t earn the trust of others, and I certainly can’t lead a team to success.”

Today, she works full-time and cares for her family. She still sleeps two or three hours during the hard weeks. Somewhere in between, she is running on coffee and the same determination that got her here in the first place. She is still, in many ways, doing everything at once.

“I never in a million years thought that I could get this far,” she said.

Note: This story was written by Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, and edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. It was originally published on 91��'s University Life website.

In This Story

Massimiliano Albanese

Explore the College of Engineering and Computing

2026 Spring Commencement Information

Topics

information technology

University Life

Contemporary Student Services

From Cambodia to Carter School: Avery Butler builds a future in peacebuilding at George Mason

sbrown79 — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:56:30 +0000

From Cambodia to Carter School: Avery Butler builds a future in peacebuilding at George Mason sbrown79 Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:56

When 91�� senior Avery Butler was 16 years old, his family traveled to Cambodia to visit the Killing Fields, the massacre sites associated with the country’s brutal Khmer Rouge era. The experience would change Butler’s perspective on life and inspire him to pursue a professional career in peacebuilding.

“I walked in and came face-to-face with a giant wall of human skulls,” said Butler, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution in May. “It was such a jarring moment, and I asked myself how human beings could do this to one another and how we could prevent something like this from happening again.”

At George Mason, Butler found a place where he could turn those questions into action and has taken advantage of experiential learning opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. 

Butler’s work at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution highlights George Mason’s emphasis on career-connected learning and real-world impact. Through hands-on learning, global experiences, and leadership opportunities, he has built an academic and professional path centered on dialogue, empathy, and impact. 

As part of the Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program, Butler plans to continue his education at George Mason this fall.

Avery Butler. Photo provided.

During his time at George Mason, Butler had an internship with the university’s Dialogue Across Differences initiative where he coordinated multiple workshops, including an all-women’s discussion and a session with international students. 

“It was a fantastic experience because by the time it was done, I really felt like I understood what it takes to be a facilitator for discussions on important life topics,” said Butler.

“I was able to strengthen the skills that are central to my work: listening across differences and creating space for multiple perspectives.”

Through a Peacebuilding Fellowship, Butler also works for the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation (MHCR), a nonprofit associated with the Carter School. After previously serving as a research and administrative officer, he now works as the center’s communications manager.

“The center does such amazing work supporting both peacebuilding and mental health,” said Butler. “We’re working with psychosocial support practitioners from all around the world and our main focus is East Africa right now.”

In that role, Butler has planned multiple events for Carter School’s Political Leadership Academy, including the inaugural Global Insider Reconciliation Summit held last year at George Mason’s Point of View Retreat Center in Lorton, Virginia.

Butler said working with Carter School PhD student and MHCR insider reconciler research lead Nick Sherwood was instrumental in helping him understand the role of insider reconciler. “I’ve learned from my time working with him  that an insider reconciler is someone who is connected to one or more stakeholders or groups of stakeholders in a conflict and is actively attempting to facilitate reconciliation processes within those communities.”

He described the concept this way: If a fight breaks out between two teams at a football game, a team captain who steps in to calm tensions and encourage resolution is doing more than stopping the conflict in the moment—they’re helping preserve relationships and rebuild trust.

“So long as you have a personal stake in one or more of the communities and understand them at an identity level, anyone can be an insider reconciler, from village elders to civil servants,” Butler said.

Butler’s commitment to cross-cultural understanding also led him abroad. Through the Global Education Office’s Global Gateway program, Butler studied in Madrid, Spain, for a semester.

He later served as a peer advisor for the program working with professor Leslie Durham, undergraduate academic advisor and program coordinator in the Carter School, to help other students navigate the experience.

“I have witnessed Avery jump in, lend a hand, and be a servant leader, not only as a peer advisor, but as a Carter School Ambassador,” said Durham, who had Butler as a teaching assistant in the Global Gateway Spain course. “Avery is empathetic, with a deep sense of cultural humility, and he has a great way of allowing people with varying perspectives have a voice.”

She added, “Avery is the kind of person who isn't afraid to reflect and do the hard work for personal and professional growth. His good nature and positive stance on life have and will serve him well.”

Butler said he enjoys reflecting on his time in the program so far and looks forward to finding out what more it has to offer.

“I have a lot of love for the Carter program,” Butler said. “It's rare to find such a program in any university where it's built upon values of mutual understanding and compassion, and I’m so proud of the important work that we will continue to do.”

In This Story

Leslie Durham

Learn more about Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Topics

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Graduation

Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s

study abroad

Global Gateway Program

internships

Students

The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity

Katarina Benson — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:30:08 +0000

The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity Katarina Benson Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:30

For Honors College student and University Scholar Monica Amaya, the journey to a degree isn’t just about the final walk across the stage—it’s about a promise she made to her family and herself years ago.

Monica Amaya is an Honors College student and a University Scholar.

Amaya first got involved with George Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) as an eighth-grader. When she graduated from Manassas Park High School in 2022, she knew she had the skills to succeed in college, and she credits EIP with giving her the support and the road map to get there.

"The program pushed me and motivated me so I could set an example for my younger siblings," she said in 2022. "We can do anything if we work hard."

When she arrived at George Mason, Amaya dove into the innovation and technology of the Northern Virginia and D.C. area. Immersed in an environment that aligned with her passion for data and national security, she pursued a BS in business with a concentration in management information systems.

She also took advantage of a wide range of other opportunities at George Mason. After attending an Honors College roundtable in 2024, she networked with leaders in her industry. That event was part of the Honors College Professional Development Fellows program, a series of workshops that help students in the program craft their resumes, build their LinkedIn profiles, practice interviewing, and otherwise prepare for internship and career opportunities.

“Showing up is only the first step,” Amaya said. “The most impactful step is really what you make out of the opportunity, who you get to meet, and making those connections.” 

As a recipient of scholarships from the Costello College of Business, she was able to meet and network with industry leaders at donor appreciation events. A data analytics internship at CACI International through the CACI Scholars Program in summer 2024 paved the way for the full-time role as a software developer she will begin after graduation in May.

In a full-circle moment, Amaya served as a peer mentor with EIP during her time at George Mason, becoming a guide for freshmen and sophomores, helping them navigate the same academic hurdles she had once faced.

Amaya speaking at the Board of Visitors meeting. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Truly, what I’m most proud of is what I’ve made out of my experiences," Amaya said.

Her leadership also led her to the podium as a student speaker for the EIP at the recent Board of Visitors meeting, where she shared her story of resilience with the next generation of dreamers.

“For me, EIP was not just a program, it was a foundation that made my journey to and through George Mason possible,” she said. “EIP is not just about access—it helps students build confidence and the mindset to succeed, not only in college but beyond.”

For Amaya, graduation isn't the end—it’s the ultimate proof that with the right support and a relentless work ethic, any dream is within reach.

2026 Spring Graduation Information

Learn about George Mason's Early Identification Program

Topics

Honors College

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Costello College of Business

Costello College of Business News

Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education

Katarina Benson — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:40:49 +0000

Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education Katarina Benson Fri, 05/01/2026 - 15:40

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at 91�� marked the 20th anniversary of the Mason LIFE Program on April 10. To celebrate, a luncheon was held at the Center for the Arts that brought together alumni, families, faculty, and community partners in a powerful show of community and commitment.

The program, Celebrating Mason LIFE’s 20th Anniversary and the Enduring Impact of Special Education: A Legacy of Learning and Community, raised more than $50,000 in support of Mason LIFE and special education scholarships. These funds will directly support students and strengthen programs that continue to expand access, opportunity, and innovation in inclusive education.

Guests included current and former Mason LIFE families, faculty members, alumni, and dedicated supporters who have helped shape the program over the past two decades. The gathering was both a celebration of progress and a shared commitment to the future. Personal stories shared by students and families underscored the program’s lasting impact on students’ academic and career outcomes as well as on their confidence, independence, and sense of community.

Mason LIFE student Amar Malik (right) and his father, George Mason Board of Trustees Member Boz Malik. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

For 20 years, Mason LIFE has served as a nationally recognized model for inclusive higher education, providing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience university life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers. The anniversary celebration also honored the broader impact of George Mason’s Special Education Programs and the Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, both of which have played a vital role in advancing research, practice, and advocacy in the field.

Stephanie Smith Lee, a former Mason LIFE parent and a nationally recognized leader in disability policy and advocacy, gave the keynote. With more than three decades of experience in advocacy, she spoke to the progress made in expanding access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities, while also challenging attendees to continue pushing for greater inclusion and opportunity.

From left, Stephanie Smith Lee, Michael M. Behrmann, and Dean Ingrid Guerra-López. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Together with Professor Emeritus Michael M. Behrmann, former Special Education Division Director, Lee was integral to the creation of the Mason LIFE pilot program. That pilot with two Mason PhD candidates and three students has now grown to 60 students and includes on-campus housing options and formal workforce development training.

The event was made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors whose support continues to sustain and grow the program. Together, these supporters are helping ensure that the next generation of Mason LIFE students and special education scholars have access to the resources, experiences, and opportunities that define the program.

As CEHD looks ahead, the 20th anniversary serves not only as a moment of reflection but as a call to continue building on this legacy and the university’s commitment to accessibility and creating pathways for many.

Power the Possible

Learn about Mason LIFE

Topics

Mason LIFE Program

Mason Now: Power the Possible

philanthropy

internships

College of Education and Human Development

Campus News

Students

George Mason secures grant to expand high school cybersecurity internships in Northern Virginia

sbrown79 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:57:14 +0000

George Mason secures grant to expand high school cybersecurity internships in Northern Virginia sbrown79 Thu, 04/09/2026 - 16:57

91��’s Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Northern Virginia (NoVa) Node recently received a $150,793 grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority for “CCI Scholars—High School Experiential Learning Program FY26,” a seven-week high school summer internship program for rising seniors and recent graduates of Northern Virginia public high schools.

The program provides hands-on experiential learning opportunities for high school students with local STEM and cybersecurity industry partners, addressing workforce gaps in the commonwealth.

“Given the gap between the number of cybersecurity-related job openings and the number of skilled graduates, creating opportunities for younger learners to spark that interest is critical,” said Liza Wilson Durant, director of the CCI Northern Virginia Node and associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement at George Mason.

CCI 2025 at CGI Bootcamp. Photo provided.

CCI is partnering with the Children’s Science Center Lab and STEM programs, operated by the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization delivers STEM education at its Fairfax-based museum facility and to schools and community venues across the region and will support program administration for the CCI Scholars program.

“We are proud to collaborate with 91�� in growing the next generation of cybersecurity talent through the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Internship Program,” said Nene Spivy, Chief Executive Officer at the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. “Together we provide students with practical workplace skills and direct exposure to industry and careers that are critical to our nation’s future.”

“The Children’s Science Center is exemplary and has been running high school internship programs for many years. The center understands the challenges younger learners face and provides support to help overcome obstacles,” Wilson Durant said.

The program also acts as a pathway opportunity for the students who get to meet George Mason faculty and learn about the different community engagement opportunities that the university presents.

Students are selected through a competitive process that includes written responses, recommendation letters, transcripts, and in-person interviews conducted by industry professionals and Children’s Science Center staff. Selected students are matched with host organizations such as CGI Federal, ManTech, Leidos, and Chainbridge Solutions.

CCI 2025 at CGI Bootcamp. Photo provided.

Before starting their internships, students complete a professional skills bootcamp covering workplace etiquette, time management, teamwork, communication, and public speaking.

Once students are placed, they engage in cybersecurity-focused projects, that include addressing emerging cyber threats related to AI agents and digital twins, investigating cybersecurity incidents in the context of satellites, and expanding the technical capabilities of a host company’s product.

“We don't get a lot of hands-on experience in high school cybersecurity classes, so the opportunity of experiencing a professional workplace environment really intrigued me,” said Sridevi Annamalai, a sophomore cybersecurity student.

For her internship, Annamalai was placed with CGI Federal, a global consulting company for technology and business.

“I was assigned to make a presentation on cybersecurity basics for their nonprofit partners as well as conduct tests for different cybersecurity products,” said Annamalai, who is from Prince William County.

“There was a new product on the market, which they were considering, so I was able to help them compare the products and decide which one the company would invest in,” she said.

Annamalai credits her experience with the CCI Program for helping to prepare her for the courses in George Mason’s cybersecurity program.

“I've grown a lot more confident in myself, and my presentation skills have really improved a lot because of this internship,” said Annamalai.

Experiences such Annamalai’s prepare students for future careers both through technical and professional skills-building, as well as exposing them to the breadth of career opportunities they may not have known existed, said Wilson Durant.

Since its launch in 2021, the program has served 175 students. CCI and the Children’s Science Center are now reconnecting with alumni to track career outcomes and gather feedback.

Learn about Cybersecurity at George Mason

In This Story

Liza Wilson Durant

Topics

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)

education-to-employment pathways

Community Engagement

experiential learning

internships

Students

Cybersecurity

A student-athlete’s marketing play draws fans to the stands

Katarina Benson — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:26:00 +0000

A student-athlete’s marketing play draws fans to the stands Katarina Benson Fri, 04/03/2026 - 11:26

For 91�� baseball player Evan Blanchard, success isn’t just measured in hits and RBIs. During his internship with Mason Athletics’ marketing department, the third baseman helped design a promotional campaign that brought hundreds of fans—and a surge in attendance—to a men’s basketball rivalry game.

Evan Blachard in his Patriots uniform. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics

As a senior majoring in sport management, Blanchard needed to complete an internship of at least 400 hours to meet his degree requirements. His interest in sports marketing began with Lily Plizga, associate director of fan engagement and brand strategy in George Mason Athletics. As a student-athlete, Blanchard saw Plizga working tirelessly during games and knew how strong the department was. After a discussion with Plizga, Blanchard decided to fulfill his internship requirement by working with George Mason Athletics’ marketing department.

“The biggest thing is how fast-paced sports environments are," said Blanchard of his internship experience. “You need to be able to handle multiple roles, communicate effectively, and stay organized.”

Some of his core responsibilities included devising marketing plans, which included creating promotional themes, brainstorming giveaway ideas, and emphasizing social media strategy while ensuring all the marketing materials resonated with the different stakeholders, including students, fans, alumni, sponsors, and donors.

On gamedays, Blanchard was responsible for gathering and distributing promotional items, along with running in-game collateral, such as sponsored student competitions and T-shirt tosses.

His internship also required that he manage a special project. Blanchard decided to do a promotion for the men’s basketball program, with the purpose of boosting attendance by 5% at the big in-state rivalry game between George Mason and James Madison University (JMU) scheduled to take place during Thanksgiving break.

The plans involved collaborating with George Mason baseball alumni Danny Hosley and South Trimble, who are currently Savannah Bananas players. The idea was to have Hosley and Trimble participate in a pre-game autograph session, halftime entertainment, and timeout competitions.

Blanchard at a George Mason men's basketball game. Photo by Art Pittman/George Mason Athletics

Aside from getting people to the game, the goal was to attract a new audience, especially baseball fans, while also cross-promoting men’s basketball and baseball. Since most George Mason students were home for the break, the target audience for this promotion also included kids and families in the area.

Blanchard began preparing at the start of the fall 2025 semester, with weekly goals to keep on track. This included reaching out to both Hosley and Trimble and coordinating with the Masonettes, marketing staff, and the department leadership. He also contacted various baseball and softball clubs to coordinate group sales and designed autograph cards for fans, along with additional promotional graphics for the event.

"As an intern, you have value, but you still have to prove yourself," he said. “Preparation was key, and I made sure everything was well planned and gathered feedback from everyone involved."

On the big day, both the marketing department and Blanchard were eager to see whether their planning was successful. The results speak for themselves:

61.1% attendance increase since the last time George Mason played a home game over the Thanksgiving recess
1,499 attendees above the 2023-24 yearly attendance average (39.8%)
19.7% attendance increase since last home game versus JMU

More than 400 fans came through the meet and greet line with trading cards, mini-bats, baseballs, jerseys, and banana hats, eager to meet Hosley and Trimble.

Plizga described Blanchard as one of the best interns she has ever had, with praise for his professionalism and reliability. Early on in his internship, Blanchard stepped in to help when George Mason Athletics decided to participate in Fairfax’s annual Fall Festival within the week of the event. There wasn’t a lot of turnaround time to get staff participation in the day-long event. Blanchard helped Plizga set up and then tear down at the festival. Then they headed back to the campus to work at a 6 p.m. soccer game.

Plizga also appreciated Blanchard’s positive attitude and demeanor. “Sometimes tensions can get high, but Evan’s positive attitude made the workplace a lot better. Everyone loved working with him, and he definitely boosted the mood throughout the day,” she said.

In addition to learning how to operate various technologies, such as the Daktronics videoboard used to promote events, Blanchard said understanding the importance of workplace culture, teamwork, and professionalism, and knowing how to effectively contribute to an organization were also important lessons.

His advice to students seeking internships is to develop good relationships with your professors and to always be on the lookout for opportunities they share.

To those wishing to pursue sport marketing, Blanchard said, “You have to be able to put yourself in uncomfortable situations that involve communicating with people, bringing up new ideas, and just trying out new things. You also have to be able to wear multiple hats at once, while ensuring that you stay organized by having a plan.

Learn more about Internships at George Mason

Explore the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management

Topics

Student Athlete

Mason Athletics

internships

College of Education and Human Development

sport management

Students

From Kyiv to Capitol Hill: Meet Graduating Schar School Senior Gabriella Grabovska

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:53:19 +0000

From Kyiv to Capitol Hill: Meet Graduating Schar School Senior Gabriella Grabovska Andrew J Schappert Wed, 04/01/2026 - 14:53

Gabriella Grabovska photographed in September 2022: ‘A lot of the people that I met, a lot of the opportunities that I got, and the communities that I became a part of were all a result of me deciding to get out of my comfort zone and go do things.’ Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Originally from Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv, Gabriella Grabovska moved to the United States in August 2022 to attend college, leaving her family and familiarity behind. Navigating a new country on her own, she quickly learned to balance academic rigor with the challenge of adapting to—and flourishing in—a new cultural and social environment.

Grabovska will graduate in May from 91�� with a degree in government and international politics. She also has a concentration in political behavior and identity politics and a double minor in political communication and forensic psychology.

When considering where to study, George Mason and the Schar School of Policy and Government stood out for their programs and opportunities that they offered as well as its proximity to Washington, D.C., she said.

“Looking back, I know that I wouldn’t have had all of my internships, I wouldn’t have met different politicians, members of the Cabinet, or people in my field, if I was in Connecticut or New Jersey,” she said.

The Schar School’s Undergraduate Learning Communities program played a key role in helping her get started professionally. Grabovska recalled an event hosted by the Jurisprudence Learning Community (now called the Pre-Law Learning Community) that helped her eventually secure her first internship with the Committee on House Administration, Democratic Staff. Since then, she has completed six internships, holding positions with organizations including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan nonprofit that collects data on political funding.

“The Schar School became my home in the U.S., especially Democracy Lab,” she said, referencing the immersive residential learning community. “I remembered how, in my freshman year, the Schar School and the Democracy Lab really made me feel welcomed and at home."

Grabovska's résumé is so long and varied because she took advantage of all the opportunities the university and its location offered. "I couldn’t say ‘no’ to anything. If there was an opportunity in front of me, I would take it.”

Gabriella Grabovska arrived in the United States in 2022 as Russia was invading Ukraine. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

A student in the Honors College, Grabovska is also an award-winning professional ballroom dancer, president of George Mason’s European Student Association, an occasional model for the Office of University Branding, and a resident assistant for the Office of Housing and Residence Life. She also served as a deputy field organizer for NextGen America, a nonprofit that encourages political activity among young citizens. She enjoys salsa dancing for fun.

But politics, which have shaped her life since her childhood, is where her ambitions lie.

“Politics directly affected my life since I can remember—I didn’t have privilege of not talking about it,” she said.

She recited a list of dramatic political events—the 2014 Kyiv Revolution, the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022—as key events that motivated her to pursue a degree and career in politics.

Grabovska credits faculty and staff—including Associate Professor Jennifer Victor, Assistant Professor Shea Holman, Robinson Professor Steven Pearlstein, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Ann M. Ludwick, and Communications Manager Buzz McClain—for their encouragement and support during her time at George Mason.

'Politics directly affected my life since I can remember—I didn’t have privilege of not talking about it.' Photo by Office of University Branding

One piece of advice that Grabovska would give to new or prospective students is to get out of their comfort zone and face their fears.

“A lot of the people that I met, a lot of the opportunities that I got, and the communities that I became a part of were all a result of me deciding to get out of my comfort zone and go do things,” she said.

She recalled an example where she met a future mentor during an internship at a law firm while waiting in the security line to enter the Capitol Hill Rayburn House Office Building in D.C. That brief introduction and its results reinforced for her the value of taking initiative.

Through her academic work, internships, and extensive involvement in campus life, Grabovska has turned her experiences into preparation for a career in politics and public service, grounded in the global perspective she brings from Ukraine and the community she found at the Schar School.

In This Story

Jennifer N. Victor

Shea M. Holman Kilian

Steven Pearlstein

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

Topics

Honors College

Class of 2026

Schar School Student Spotlight

Schar School Featured Stories

Schar School of Policy and Government

Government and International Politics

internships

Graduation

Students

Honors College student brews connections with tea talks

Paul Snodgrass — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:28:04 +0000

Honors College student brews connections with tea talks Paul Snodgrass Tue, 03/31/2026 - 18:28

When Jonathan Fang, an Honors College student and a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at 91��, began his internship at the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation (MHCR), he had no idea that he would be facilitating a multi-cultural student dialogue group.

Jonathan Fang. Photo provided

During his internship with MHCR, Fang and his supervisor, Rowda Olad, a mental health and psychosocial support expert and associate director of the MHCR, came upon the idea of developing a series of student-focused conversations on difficult, but relevant topics to students and inviting different cultural and ethnic student groups to participate.

Fang hoped that through these conversations students would learn to challenge their assumptions, appreciate different points of view, and respectfully agree to disagree on sensitive topics in an open and judgement-free space.

Discussion topics are pulled from complex real-life issues facing college students. Past topics have included mental health and well-being, race and ethnicity, political polarization, and interpersonal relationship reconciliation.

The idea for Tea Talk originated with the tradition of Somali tea gatherings called Casiriya, where the communities would gather resolve disputes, and is based on the work Olad performed in Eastern Africa.

Fang continues the Somali tradition by serving traditional Somali tea and sambusas, a pastry similar to a samosas, at every session.

According to Fang, the first Tea Talk mostly consisted of Carter School Ambassadors, but has since grown to include members of the Christian fellowship student group CRU, the African Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, the College Republicans at Mason, and several other organizations. Currently, the discussion series averages a dozen student attendees per event and is preparing for its fifth monthly session.

Fang is pleased with the success of the dialogue series and hopes it will continue to grow. “It’s great to see students willing to step out of their comfort zone, open up in honest conversation with care and understanding, and listen to different or conflicting perspectives," he said.

When asked about the long-term vision for Tea Talk, Fang replied, “We’re looking to deepen and expand its impact both on campus and globally. This includes strengthening university connections and building sustained engagement among students.”

Currently, Fang is participating in a study-abroad trip to the Philippines, where he hopes to explore how to build similar programs and to facilitate the exchange of peacebuilding practices in cross-cultural settings.