Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Smithsonian connections helped shape this conservation scientist’s academic path

ckearney — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:05:51 +0000

Smithsonian connections helped shape this conservation scientist’s academic path ckearney Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:05

91�� graduate student Jose Meneses has always been fascinated by the natural world. Like many future scientists, he spent hours as a child watching nature documentaries.

“I grew up watching National Geographic and the Smithsonian Channel,” said the Falls Church, Virginia, native. “I’ve always been interested in nature, biology, ecology—anything related to wildlife.”

During the pandemic, Meneses transferred to George Mason from Radford University to be closer to home. That decision that would ultimately reshape his future.

One opportunity in particular at his new university caught Meneses’s attention: the Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) and its Smithsonian–Mason Semester, which allows students to spend a semester at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, conducting research alongside Smithsonian scientists.

“When I heard you could spend an entire semester there doing fieldwork and getting lab experience, I thought that was amazing,” he said.

Meneses enrolled and the experience confirmed that he had found his calling. “It was probably the best semester I’ve had in college.”

In 2023, Meneses graduated from George Mason with his bachelor’s degree in environmental science but stayed on for his graduate studies as part of George Mason’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. He will graduate with a master of science in environmental science and policy this May.

George Mason graduate student Jose Meneses doing field work in Florida. Photo provided

And he has continued his relationship with the Smithsonian Institution throughout his time at George Mason, working with different animals.

During his Smithsonian–Mason Semester, Meneses worked on a five-week research project studying salamander skin peptides—natural compounds produced by salamanders that help defend against deadly fungal infections—in the Smithsonian’s Center for Conservation Genomics.

After graduation, he took an internship in National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory at the National Zoo, where he helped analyze blood and trunk wash samples to detect the deadly virus affecting elephants. Later, he joined the zoo’s Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, assisting researchers studying new methods for preserving reproductive cells from endangered feline species.

These experiences gave Meneses exposure to a wide range of conservation research and strengthened his interest in the complex relationships between organisms. Eventually, that interest led him to zombie crabs.

Before beginning his master’s program, Meneses searched for a faculty advisor whose research matched his growing curiosity about ecological relationships. One scientist stood out to him— Amy Fowler, an associate professor who leads the Aquatic Ecology Lab at George Mason’s Potomac Science Center.

Fowler studies parasitic barnacles that infect the tiny mud crabs of the Chesapeake Bay, manipulating the animals’ biology and behavior, making them zombie crabs. Meneses soon joined Fowler’s lab as a graduate research assistant and began designing the research that would become his master’s thesis.

Meneses in the lab at Fort Pierce. Photo provided

This academic year Meneses was a Smithsonian Link Foundation Fellow and spent 12 weeks in Florida collecting mud crabs from traps he placed earlier in the summer and studying them at the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce. Meneses’s project looked at parasite local adaptation—how parasites are better at infecting local host populations than foreign host populations. Every two weeks, he drove hundreds of miles along Florida’s East and West coastlines, pulling the traps from marina docks and transporting their tiny occupants back to the lab for infection trials to measure susceptibility across different populations.

During his time at George Mason, Meneses also participated in three study-abroad trips that had a profound effect on his studies.

The first took him to Indonesia, where he studied marine mammal conservation and visited a dolphin sanctuary where he helped collect behavioral data on dolphins and other marine species. The program also included a journey up the Mahakam River in Borneo to search for the endangered Irrawaddy river dolphin. “We found a small group of them, which was really exciting,” Meneses recalls. “There aren’t many left in the wild.”

Another study-abroad course took him to Kenya, where George Mason students explored the country’s biodiversity, visiting the Maasai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. For his project there, Meneses studied a classic example of mutualism—the partnership between acacia trees and the ants that defend them from browsing animals like giraffes and elephants.

“The ants get food and housing from the plant. And in return, they protect the tree,” he said. “I think Kenya is my favorite of all the places that I've visited.”

Jose Meneses mentoring students in the Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

His third trip came when he enrolled in a SCUBA certification course at George Mason this spring. As part of the program, Meneses and other students traveled to Roatán, Honduras, where they completed their open-water certification while diving along coral reefs. The trip included multiple dives each day and a reef shark dive he won’t soon forget.

“It was incredible. We saw so much marine life,” he said. “I actually found a shark tooth. Apparently, that’s pretty rare.”

As for what’s next in his career, Meneses said he is still interested in disease ecology but would like to transition to studying bats. He is applying to technician and research assistant positions in bat disease and behavioral ecology with the aim of getting more experience before applying to PhD programs.

To students interested in pursuing research while at George Mason, Meneses advises them to go out and explore. “There are a lot of opportunities on campus, a lot of clubs, and a lot of cool people. It was through participating in programs and organizations that I really gained that new perspective on the environment and research and ecology.”

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Bringing up Baby Linh Mai: George Mason alum shares a behind-the-scenes peek at the National Zoo’s new addition

Katarina Benson — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:21:31 +0000

Bringing up Baby Linh Mai: George Mason alum shares a behind-the-scenes peek at the National Zoo’s new addition Katarina Benson Thu, 04/23/2026 - 11:21

There’s a lot to do when a newborn is on the way, from doctor appointments to nursery set-up and more. But when that baby is 308 pounds and 21 months in the making, preparations rise to a new level. Born in February, Linh Mai is the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s first Asian elephant calf in nearly 25 years, and George Mason alumna Ashley Fortner, BS Integrative Studies ’17, has been there every rambunctious step of the way.

An Elephant Trails keeper with the National Zoo since 2019, she’s formed close bonds with the herd of now seven elephants, but she’d never worked with a calf. “It still doesn’t feel real,” she said. “Linh Mai is perfect.”

Fortner has been an Elephant Trails keeper at the National Zoo since 2019. Photo by Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Like any newborn, Linh Mai requires around-the-clock care, including a bottle every two hours. Fortner and other keepers rotate through three 10-hour shifts each day. And every day is different. “She just learned how to trumpet,” Fortner said. “I think she surprised herself when she did it.”

The birth of a baby elephant is a notable event for more than just sheer cuteness. Fortner explained that most female elephants in the United States are past the age for bearing a calf. “They typically only have one [calf] at a time… so it's a very long involved process for hopefully one single payout for an entire species.”

Fortner and the rest of the team started preparing long in advance, but challenges along the way forced them to be nimble and adapt. When first-time mother Nhi Linh and grandmother Trong Nhi did not immediately accept Linh Mai, herd mate Swarna stepped in and formed a close bond with the baby. Fortner said neither situation was part of their playbook and keepers had to quickly switch gears.

“You write a whole plan and then the moment comes and everything goes differently,” Fortner said. “We were very adaptable because we had to work with where Nhi Linh’s willingness was and where she was in her pregnancy.”

Baby Linh Mai. Photo by Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Fortner’s journey to her current role shows her perseverance and an openness to curiosity. She arrived at George Mason in 2013 and immediately felt right at home.

“[George Mason has] so many little pockets of different things that you can investigate and find out where you fit, like specialized programs and all the learning communities. It just felt like a different college experience, and I really liked that.”

She also benefited from the specialized learning style she found within the School of Integrative Studies. “That classroom style of big discussions and papers worked really well for me.”

But the one-time journalism major was unsure about her future career path. A chance sighting of a flyer for the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) gave her the answer. “There's nothing like waking up in the middle of a conservation biology institute…. I got the opportunity to do practicum experiences where you get to work in the field with researchers to kind of get your feet wet and see what you like to do.”

SMSC made such an impact on Fortner that she ended up spending two semesters at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, home of the SMSC. “I didn’t know if I would go the keeper route or if I wanted to be a researcher,” she said. Through her practicums, she gained hands-on experience in both.

But she was hungry for more. “I was just looking to continue doing cool projects and get involved,” Fortner says.

Baby Linh Mai and Swarna. Photo by Smithsonian’s National Zoo

She connected with Associate Professor Elizabeth Freeman, PhD Environmental Science and Public Policy '05, now also SMSC’s interim executive director, and began helping on a project to monitor red panda behavior. “She’s been a really pivotal player in my career, has always been a big supporter,” Fortner said of Freeman.

As Fortner neared graduation, she took on internships working with rhinos in Florida, hoofstock in Texas, and then—fatefully—elephants in Dallas. When an opportunity came to work at the National Zoo, Fortner was ready. “I like to think that elephants chose me. Everything lined up so perfectly, and I can’t imagine working with anything else.”

Fortner has continued engaging with SMSC, mentoring students and working with them on research projects and data analysis that can directly influence elephant care. “There’s just endless questions and research that we could do to help better take care of the elephants every day. We can offer that [research] experience and it’s mutually beneficial…for students, but for us, too.”

SMSC agrees. In fall 2025, their faculty awarded Fortner their first-ever alumni PEACE (Passion, Engagement, and Achievement in Conservation and Ecology) prize. In their citation, faculty noted that “Fortner’s passion and energy and commitment to conservation have been consistent as long as she's been connected with our programs, and it's an inspiration to see her sharing those with the newer cohorts of students.”

"I recall many conversations with Ashley a decade ago about her interests in becoming an elephant keeper at the National Zoo,” said Freeman. “It’s fun seeing her capitalize upon her education to make her dream come true. We are fortunate to have her continued involvement with SMSC where she is creating similar opportunities for our current students." 

Linh Mai made her public debut on April 22. Like any proud family member, Fortner was excited for the moment and aware of the significance. “This might be the only way some people see elephants in their lifetime.”

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George Mason grad explores environmental management strategies

Katarina Benson — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:24:09 +0000

George Mason grad explores environmental management strategies Katarina Benson Fri, 06/13/2025 - 16:24

For Northern Virginia native Ryan McIntyre, the path to a master’s in environmental science and policy at 91�� began with something simple: a love for the outdoors and a family connection.

Ryan McIntyre. Photo by Office of University Branding

While attending Northern Virginia Community College, McIntyre was introduced to a job opportunity in the Meaningful Watershed Education Experience through family friend Cindy Smith, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy who runs George Mason’s program with Fairfax County Public Schools.

“I liked being outside, so I took the job,” McIntyre said. That decision would plant the seed for a future dedicated to conservation and environmental policy.

After completing his associate degree, McIntyre said George Mason felt like a natural next step. He enrolled in Mason’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program working on degrees in environmental science, a decision that would shape his academic and professional future.

“The accelerated master’s set me on a research path,” McIntyre said. “I don’t know where I would have ended up otherwise.”

McIntyre with blue crab. Photo provided

That research path led him to a recent fellowship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). His work focused on invasive aquatic plants, specifically Trapa bispinosa, a species of water chestnut known for its ability to rapidly spread across the surface of freshwater bodies.

“There’s a history of this genus in the U.S. going back to the 1940s,” McIntyre explained. “One species took over much of the Potomac River, and it took years to eradicate.”

Now, with a new species surfacing in Northern Virginia, the U.S. Army Corps brought McIntyre on board to study how local, state, and federal agencies are managing the threat. His master’s thesis centered on observing the management techniques of different organizations, including Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. “It became an observational study comparing their management techniques, how effective they are, and how they compare to each other,” he said.

This blend of environmental science and government is no coincidence. When McIntyre earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from George Mason, he did so with a minor in public policy. “It was clear to me that you can’t protect the environment without the law,” he said. “I can do all the science I want to, but unless there is legislation in place, I don’t think we’ll make a lot of progress.”

That philosophy inspired his leadership as president of the George Mason student organization Science Policy Network, which works to bridge the divide between policymakers and scientists. The group organizes social and professional events that bring together students from both fields.

One of the most defining moments of his time at George Mason was a semester at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC). “It reset the course of what I wanted to do and changed my perspective on nature and ecology,” he said.

For someone who grew up memorizing environmental trivia and enjoying time outdoors, McIntyre said it was the first time those passions were recognized as valuable academic assets. “There were a lot of skills I had that I’d never applied in an academic setting before,” McIntyre said. “That experience showed me how my knowledge and interests could contribute to a deeper understanding of ecology and biodiversity.”

That semester working alongside Smithsonian Institution scientists at SMSC in Front Royal, Virginia, led to two internships for McIntyre. One summer he spent hunting for Virginia orchids in Shenandoah and identifying plants that grow around them, “in an attempt to understand the factors that make these hyper-specialized blooms call particular areas home.”

The next summer he found himself aboard a boat in the Chesapeake Bay counting fish as part of an internship with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. There he served as an intern liaison between the Fisheries Conservation Lab and the center’s public-facing education department.

“My background as a science communicator got me a role turning the FishCon’s work into lesson plans for the public,” he wrote in an essay about his experience for a Smithsonian Magazine blog.

As he prepares for the next chapter, teaching as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College, McIntyre hopes to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders.

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George Mason scientists partner to create genetic markers for endangered species

Katarina Benson — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:37:16 +0000

George Mason scientists partner to create genetic markers for endangered species Katarina Benson Wed, 01/29/2025 - 10:37

Scientists have long recognized that both wild and captive populations of endangered species are at a high risk for loss of genetic diversity due to their rarity. With small or isolated populations, genetic diversity can be lost through stochastic or random genetic drift, or through breeding between close relatives. Therefore, proper management of captive populations is critical to ensure long-term sustainability.

Haw Chuan Lim. Photo provided

The struggle, however, is how to efficiently and economically collect and analyze high-resolution genetic data that can fill the knowledge information gaps in effective breeding practices.

Haw Chuan Lim, associate professor in 91��’s Department of Biology, saw an opportunity to combine the experience and knowledge of other experts in the field to develop a novel genomic tool to address this issue.

Lim’s proposal, “Development of a novel genotyping panel for powerful and cost-effective evaluations of population structure and kinship in the critically endangered mountain bongo,” was approved for funding by the 4-VA @ Mason Advisory Board.

Lim and his PhD student Karen Holm assembled their team — Aakrosh Ratan, assistant professor, University of Virginia; Klaus-Peter Koepfli, senior research scientist, Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation; and Budhan Pukazhenthi, research physiologist, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. 4VA funding was used to purchase the necessary supplies, reagents, and equipment, including DNA tests and probe sets.

The team reasoned that a study conducted on one animal could provide a platform for application to other endangered species. The Eastern mountain bongo, or antelope, a critically endangered native to Kenya, was chosen as a test species. Although fewer than 140 bongos remain in the wild, there are approximately 160 bongos in U.S. zoos and several hundred more on private ranches. As such, breeding and transfer strategies that increase genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding of captive animals are critical for the survival of the species.

Eastern mountain bongo. Photo courtesy of the Lim Lab

The researchers created and validated the application of a novel genetic probe-set that was used to generate data from different types of genetic markers, such as ease of genotyping, presence throughout the genome, and high information content.

Researchers collected four types of samples—whole blood, fecal swabs, tissues, and extracted DNA—from 39 North American conservation centers and zoos to begin the project. This resulted in a total of 207 samples from both current and historical ex situ populations (populations outside of the native ranges).

Lim and his team evaluated the effectiveness of the probe-set in generating high-quality genetic data from different sample types and for different genetic marker types. The data obtained are now being accessed for their ability to produce accurate information on animal kinship, genetic diversity, and population structure, which will ultimately be used to guide precise captive breeding programs.

Some preliminary data, as well as a chromosome-level genome assembly, have already been published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and online at DNA Zoo, a conservation consortium website.

A high-quality genome serves as an invaluable resource for species conservation because it can be used for many types of research such as those focused on detecting deleterious mutations. The results from this study will contribute to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for the species.

“The 4-VA@Mason funding got us started, and now we have obtained external funding to move the research even further,” said Lim.

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A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter

lclarkg — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:55:03 +0000

A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter lclarkg Wed, 11/06/2024 - 14:55

On a recent field trip to Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, undergraduate students from 91��’s Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation got to view secretive marsh birds up close, including Virginia and sora rail birds.

The Wildlife Ecology and Conservation students learned about a long-term bird banding and radio-tracking study on sora rails and other varieties of birds. Patuxent River Park is part of the Jug Bay Natural Area and Wetlands Sanctuary.

Student Noah Beck holds a sora rail bird, the type of bird tracked for the research study at Patuxent River Park. Photo by Lauren Hughes

The students learned about the annual migratory journey of these beautiful and elusive birds and the efforts to protect them. Soras live in marshes and wetlands throughout North America, and they migrate more than 500 miles to Central and South America for the winter.

Monitoring the movement of species, particularly during migrations, is an essential part of wildlife conservation. During a thorough demonstration from Greg Kearns, senior park naturalist at Patuxent River Park, the students had a chance to watch the important skill of bird banding up close.

Greg Kearns, senior park naturalist at Patuxent River Park, holds and examines a Virginia rail bird. Photo by Lauren Hughes

In bird banding, expert scientists humanely trap the birds, record information about their characteristics, and place a unique aluminum band on each bird’s leg before releasing it. If the birds are recaptured in the future, scientists can gather important information about their migratory habits and lifespan. The sora rails are tagged with a tiny radio transmitter, and their movements are recorded by the Motus wildlife tracking system, giving detailed insight into their long journey south.

Photo by Lauren Hughes

Students receive hands-on training in innovative technologies to monitor species and habitats in the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The institute recently set up a new bird banding station, giving students the opportunity to observe bird banding in action. The station is administered by scientists from the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center, part of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Learn more about bird banding from the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Student Elle Farina holds a Virginia rail. Photo by Lauren Hughes

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Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift

ckearney — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:05:24 +0000

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift ckearney Mon, 10/07/2024 - 11:05

James W. “Jimmy” Hazel, JD ’84, has led a life of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia—and to 91��. In July 2024, as his term on the university’s Board of Visitors concluded, Hazel added to his considerable legacy with a gift of $1 million for the Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).

James Hazel speaking at the university's 50th anniversary event. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The gift, reflecting Hazel’s wishes to advance the important work of the school, creates two funds. The first will provide support for graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at SMSC, and the second will support the operations of the school’s programs.

“This gift represents my personal passion for conservation and my hope is that it will allow George Mason to draw in a diverse group of new PhD students to the program,” Hazel said.

Hazel is a cochair on the Advisory Board for SMSC, a research and academic facility in Front Royal, Virginia, that operates under a partnership between the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and George Mason. The facility covers more than 3,000 acres of forest, grassland, and pasture, and houses a range of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians.

SMSC conducts research and offers proactive methodologies of conservation biology education and training, providing hands-on interdisciplinary programs to undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and high school students. It draws from the educational innovation of George Mason faculty and the established work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to create a transdisciplinary approach to conservation leadership that is research-based, forward-looking, and ethical.

Students conducting field work at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Cody Edwards, SMSC executive director and interim dean, College of Science, understands the immediate impact of Hazel’s generosity.

“With this gift, he opens doors for students passionate about conservation and sustainability,” Edwards said. “Jimmy’s continued support helps ensure SMSC can continue to bring together internationally renowned experts who can offer those students an educational experience that will enhance their futures and ultimately, help preserve the world’s biodiversity.”

SMSC’s graduate programs include practical training in the tools necessary to conduct and report research, and allow students to work directly with experts and practitioners from all over the world. Students become part of a community of conservation scientists and leaders, developing relationships with these mentors and with each other, forming networks to help them launch into a wide variety of careers.

“My family has, and will always have, deep ties to George Mason and the Fairfax Campus,” Hazel said, “but I think one of the best university programs sits in Front Royal at the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation. With the groundbreaking research being conducted at the facility, we have the potential to put this initiative on the map in a big way. I would like to think that this gift will help increase that momentum.”

“Jimmy’s impact on SMSC and its students goes well beyond this single thoughtful gift,” added Edwards. “His continued support has helped transform this program and placed it on a trajectory not envisioned when it was originally conceived.”

Hazel has been a dedicated, engaged member of the George Mason community. He served twice on the Board of Visitors: from 1994 to 2002, and his most recent appointment, from 2016 to 2024, included chairmanship of the Development Committee, a term as vice rector, and service as rector from 2020-22. He is a past president of the 91�� Alumni Association and the Law Alumni Association, and he served for 18 years on the 91�� Foundation Board of Trustees.

Hazel chaired George Mason’s successful Faster Farther Campaign, which closed at nearly $700 million—$200 million more than its original goal. He cochaired the presidential search committee that brought George Mason’s president Gregory Washington to campus in 2020. In recognition of his more than three decades of service to the university, Hazel was awarded the George Mason Medal in 2017.

Hazel, a lifelong outdoorsman who has served on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (chairing the agency for three years), and on the boards of the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia and George Mason’s Potomac Science Center, is determined to make a lasting difference through SMSC.

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Picture This: Salamander Safety 101

lclarkg — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:23:28 +0000

Picture This: Salamander Safety 101 lclarkg Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:23

Three in hats. Two in t-shirts, two in rain jackets. Two wearing glasses. But what's one thing that all of these 91�� students are wearing? Well-fitted, sterile, hypoallergenic, slightly moistened gloves.

Photo by Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Some creatures like salamanders absorb oxygen through their skin. Even small amounts of oils on our bare hands, as well as chemicals present in soaps, lotions, hand sanitizers, and first-aid supplies, can harm the delicate salamander.

Photo by Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

These students participated in the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation’s two-week course CONS 440/540 Field Skills in Ecology course in Front Royal, Virginia, where they practiced ecological research techniques like habitat evaluation, sampling, and identifying wildlife populations.

Photo by Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Another must-do for salamander safety: If you must pick one up, put it back exactly where you found it!

Photo by Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

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Around Mason: Summer Camps Takeover

sholla4 — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:43:20 +0000

Around Mason: Summer Camps Takeover sholla4 Wed, 08/09/2023 - 09:43

Summer goes by fast—whether you’re a kid, or a kid at heart. The K-12 students who attended camps and youth programs at Mason this year filled those fleeting summer days with memories. With many camp options—including music, arts, recreation, sports, science, and space, just to name a few—these kids got to experience life in the Mason Nation at an early age. And we couldn’t be happier to host them. Here are some snapshots from their summer to remember.

CONS 100: Introduction to Field Conservation, Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Photo by Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

The Introduction to Field Conservation Ecology program at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) offers high schoolers hands-on experience in research field methods, with an emphasis on developing observational skills. Participants also earn college credit.

Many decades ago, the land that now makes up the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute functioned as a U.S. Army remount—a space used to provide exercise to horses. Racetrack Hill now serves as the site for many SMSC field activities, as well as recreation. During the first night of the program, high school students got to take in fantastic views, knowing that they would be returning many times in the coming days for hands-on conservation activities. See more photos.

Interstellar Dreams Space Center, College of Science

Photo provided

At the Interstellar Dreams Space Center at Mason's Fairfax Campus, middle schoolers took on roles as "mission specialists" to plan a lunar space station. The mission specialists made their own websites, learned to program a micro-controller to control electronics hardware and blink morse code with a light, learned about space, physics, astronomy, and more.

Campers also checked out various telescopes at the Mason Observatory—including the second largest on-campus optical telescope on the East Coast. The week culminated with a "press conference" attended by VIPs and families, where campers presented their lunar space station design.

Conflict Resolution Youth Summit, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

The Conflict Resolution Youth Summit, hosted by the Carter School, explores some of today's toughest problems through the lens of peace and conflict resolution. Through simulations, workshops and facilitated discussions, high schoolers delved into important conflicts and practiced the processes of promoting peace. Participants came away with new knowledge about global conflicts, social justice, peacebuilding, and collaborative leadership.

Mason Summer Band Camp, Mason Community Arts Academy

Photo provided

This summer, Mason Community Arts Academy (MCAA) kicked off the first-ever Mason Summer Band Camp. More than 100 students participated in the program led by faculty from the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music and the Green Machine.

Gold Star Volleyball Camp

Photo provided

George Mason Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Megan Shifflett Bachmann and other Mason volleyball staff hosted Gold Star Volleyball Camp on the Fairfax Campus. The camp emphasized the development of players of all levels to become more skilled and competitive athletes.

WGMU Podcasting and Radio Camp, WGMU

Photo provided

WGMU’S Summer Podcast and Radio Camp provided campers with training in a professional radio environment. Students had a chance to produce podcasts and be deejays, playing music over the WGMU radio station. Campers also learned from broadcast professionals how to write, edit, and produce podcasts, live DJ shows, commercials, promos, and public service announcements.

Tony Skinn Basketball Camps

Photo provided

Mason Men’s Basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn hosted two weeks of basketball camps at the Fairfax Campus. Boys and girls ages 7–14 learned about the game from Skinn, who was a two-time all-conference guard with the Patriots from 2003-06 and competed in the Final Four with the Patriots in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program, College of Science

Photo by ASSIP Intern Team

The nationally known Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) provides transformative research opportunities for high school and undergraduate students. Selected participants work one-on-one with faculty researchers at 91�� and collaborating institutions using state-of-the-art technology across many disciplines. This summer’s ASSIP program welcomed a record 266 students, including 195 who participated in person. The program is open to high school students and Mason undergraduates.

Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Washington Journalism and Media Conference

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) is an interactive, youth leadership program hosted on Fairfax Campus that provides highly engaged, high-performing high school students with a unique experience exploring careers in the areas of journalism, media, and related fields. Students experience an integrated and forward-thinking approach to journalism and media while acquiring valuable “in-the-trenches” knowledge through hands-on learning with industry leaders, award-winning journalists, international media outlets, and Washington insiders.

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Around Mason: Favorite Photos of the Year

lclarkg — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:27:50 +0000

Around Mason: Favorite Photos of the Year lclarkg Thu, 07/27/2023 - 10:27

In This Story

Vicki Kirsch, PhD, MSW, MA

All year long, photographers in 91��’s Office of University Branding capture the moments that make Mason All Together Different. We asked our photographers to share their favorite photos from the 2022-23 school year.

As we prepare for a new academic year, let’s look back at these recent memories—skillfully frozen in time for the Mason vault.

Ron Aira, senior photographer, Creative Services

Weather can disrupt even the best laid plans. But according to Ron Aira, it can also create unexpected opportunities. In Aira’s favorite photos, forces of nature created powerful results. “Without the challenges of the wind and the rain, these shots would never have happened,” Aira said.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Gabriella Grabovska, a first-year student in the Schar School, came to Mason from war-torn Ukraine. Aira captured her portraits in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“It was very windy—her hair and the flag were flying all over the place,” Aira said. “I decided to go with the wind. I told her to face the wind, think about her country, and let the flag fly, thinking about what it represents to her.” Read more about Grabovska.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Mason Day is a day of celebration and fun, but Mason Day 2023 was also a day of torrential rain. Aira and his equipment were getting soaked. But he watched as Mason students still enjoyed the day, not letting the rain ruin their experience.

“In the downpour, I saw a moment of peace between this couple under the umbrella,” Aira said. “It was a beautiful moment of quiet serenity, in the middle of the concert and the rain coming in sideways.”

Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Creative Services

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Sometimes as a photographer, I get to witness students’ ‘aha’ moments, and it was amazing to see how social work students connected with each other and horses from Project Horse Empowerment Center,” Cantwell said.

Each semester, Associate Professor Vicki Kirsch brings students from her advanced Trauma and Recovery course to the center to learn about the emerging field of equine assisted psychotherapy. Read more about their experiences.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We were finishing up our lifestyle photo session with students and the Office of International Programs and Services, and this robot beeped by,” Cantwell said. “This photo is also a great representation of how students from so many different countries all went to classes at Mason’s Fairfax Campus.”

Pumpkinbot, part of the Starship Robot fleet, appears on campus around Halloween. Because he’s somewhat elusive, those who spot him consider themselves lucky. “I’ve heard that if you take a selfie with Pumpkinbot, all your dining wishes come true,” Cantwell said.

Cristian Torres, videographer, Strategic Communications

Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

In September 2022, students from the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation‘s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation program tagged monarch butterflies on their journey south to help researchers better understand their grand migration.

“This was a fun day,” Torres said. “We documented one of the different opportunities that students have in the field, capturing monarch butterflies to identify and tag them.” Watch the video.

Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Torres took photos at the Homecoming Tip Off Party in February 2023. “This was my first Homecoming at Mason,” Torres said. “I found the energy of the students celebrating together exciting. The event was full of happy faces, with everyone rooting for each other in the Lip Sync Battle.” See more photos from Homecoming events.

Topics

Around Mason (E-Files)

Faculty and Staff News

Campus News

Mason Day

Homecoming

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Starship Robots

Schar School

Social Work

College of Public Health

Around Mason: Bugs, insects, and invertebrates of the Mason Nation

lclarkg — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:12:41 +0000

Around Mason: Bugs, insects, and invertebrates of the Mason Nation lclarkg Thu, 07/13/2023 - 09:12

The Marvel universe isn't the only place where insects and other invertebrates have superpowers. Mason faculty, staff, and students are studying and explaining the many roles these creatures play on our planet, learning more about a bug's life—and the big world surrounding them—every step of the way. Here's a recap of some of those stories.

SMSC student Spencer Harman (left) holds a monarch butterfly for tagging with guidance from Professor Joshua Davis. Photo by Mariam Aburdeineh/Strategic Communications

Monarch butterflies teach us how to protect them through their grand migration

Many creatures migrate to warmer habitats for the winter, but no insect does so quite as uniquely and spectacularly as the monarch butterfly, an endangered species. Undergraduates from the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation‘s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation program tagged monarch butterflies on their journey south to help researchers better understand their grand migration. Read more.

Mason's honeybee apiary. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

Honeybees and their honey could help solve crimes

An unlikely collaboration between Mason’s Honey Bee Initiative and the new outdoor Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory could yield critical advances in forensic science. Read more.

The image on the left shows approximate human perception of flower color, and the image on the right depicts the bee-perceived color. Photo provided by Anna Siegle.

Bees can see ultraviolet (UV) colors, which are invisible to the human eye

When a bee sees a flower, it knows where to land thanks to its ability to see UV color patterns on the petals. A team at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation helps reveal what pollinators see, and why it matters for the future of conservation. Read more.

Ren Guerriero (left) and Mason student Matthew Perez study fruit flies in a neuroscience lab. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Fruit fly behavior may reveal the impact of genes and disease on sleep

Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Ren Guerriero's teaching lab in the College of Science is using fruit flies to learn about the impact of genes and disease on sleep. Undergraduate researchers are investigating novel sleep-related genes by manipulating them genetically to see how they affect sleep and activity behavior. Researchers are also increasing and decreasing sleep in Alzheimer's disease model flies to determine how this impacts their Alzheimer's symptoms.