Honors College

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges

Paul Snodgrass — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:37:17 +0000

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges Paul Snodgrass Mon, 06/01/2026 - 14:37

In May, Honors College student Avery Shippen graduated from 91�� with a two degrees: A BS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and a BA in Art and Visual Technology from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

To Shippen, the fusion of the two majors, graphic design and conflict resolution, was a natural pairing. “I think both fields work to connect communities. People see conflict resolution as a scientific process, but it’s deeply rooted in people,” she explained. “Graphic design creates a ‘language’ that anyone can understand, which can be effective in the peacebuilding process.”

While managing the workload of a two degrees is impressive, even more impressive is the number of awards and fellowships the University Scholar received during her time at George Mason, including a Peraton Scholarship in National Security, Carter School’s Oxford Scholarship, the Noah J. Seidenberg Award, and the Peacebuilding Fellowship.

Shippen said that these scholarships and fellowships provided a financial “safety net,” giving her the ability to gain valuable life experience, such as being the first Carter School student to attend the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference or to study-abroad in Bosnia and Croatia.

The awards also provided Shippen with the financial freedom to undertake several internships, which allowed her to explore the real-world applications of the skills she learned in both academic programs.

During her time at George Mason, Shippen held three internships. One was with the World Affairs Councils of America, where she was employed at a global education Intern and helped coordinate the logistics of an annual event that brings high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C., to learn about global engagement and public diplomacy. Shippen also interned with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency under the Department of War. “I saw each side of government and federal contracting,” she said. “Each had a very different approach to resolving conflict.”

“I sought out opportunities that aligned with my personal values,” Shippen said. “The awards put me in a position to give back and inform other students about the opportunities that exist at Mason.”

The desire to give back also drives her career goals. She said her interest in curriculum development stems in part, from the work she performed as part of the Peacebuilding Fellowship. After researching the Appalachian educational curriculum, Shippen wrote a proposal to the school district that recommended a systemic curriculum change that placed greater emphasis on practical and sustainable life skills and de-emphasized rote memorization.

Shippen’s experience in Bosnia and Croatia also contributed to her interest in educational systems development. While studying ethnic narratives in conflict, Shippen found that each of the three major ethnic groups had their own, independent school system and curriculum. Essentially, how and what students learned in any given subject, depended on the ethnic group to which they belonged.

“After speaking with students there, I realized that the conflict analysis skills I learned can be a valuable tool in engaging youth and educational systems,” she explained.

This fall, Shippen will be continuing her studies at Stanford University where she is entering a master's program in global and comparative education/international education policy analysis.

Carter School News

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges
June 1, 2026
The making of a Carter School conflict coach
May 29, 2026
What’s happening at the Center for Peacemaking Practice?
April 30, 2026
Meet the Two Carter Undergraduates Who Presented at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference
April 27, 2026
Honors College student brews connections with tea talks
March 31, 2026

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From George Mason to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path

sbrown79 — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:49:45 +0000

From George Mason to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path sbrown79 Fri, 05/29/2026 - 13:49

During her final semester at 91��, Sophia Colby put her environmental policy training into action.

Colby traveled to Capitol Hill as part of the Rachel Carson Council's National Environmental Advocacy Day, where she met with federal lawmakers to discuss climate legislation and community resilience. For Colby, BA Environmental and Sustainability Studies '26, the experience was a direct extension of the analytical and communication skills she developed at George Mason.

"When I first came to George Mason, I was interested in studying law, but I decided to concentrate specifically on environmental law and policy," Colby said. "My coursework helped me understand how policy decisions affect both ecosystems and communities, and that gave me the confidence to speak about real legislation with lawmakers."

Sophia Colby on Capitol Hill. Photo provided.

From case studies to Congress

Colby credits courses such as EVPP 361 Introduction to Environmental Policy, EVPP 362 Intermediate Environmental Policy, and EVPP 432 Energy Policy with preparing her to evaluate and discuss complex legislation. Through case-study assignments and applied policy analysis, she examined existing laws, identified gaps, and proposed solutions to environmental challenges.

"My professors showed us how to examine real legislation and policy initiatives related to climate change and other environmental topics," Colby said. "The case study format made me much more comfortable articulating what policy changes are needed and explaining both the human and environmental stakes involved."

On Capitol Hill, she discussed the Opportunities in Organic Act, the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, and concerns about the wood pellet industry with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).

"It was a great [opportunity] to discuss how issues like pesticides, wood pelletization, and deforestation impact human health as well as the environment," Colby said.

Building experience beyond the classroom

Colby's preparation also included hands-on research. During an internship with the U.S. Geological Survey, she analyzed species range shifts, conducted literature reviews, and navigated scientific databases to support climate research.

"At USGS, I learned how to conduct scientific research that can be used to inform the policy decisions that shape our responses to environmental change," she said.

The interdisciplinary structure of George Mason's Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, jointly offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Science, emphasizes cross-sector collaboration—an approach Colby said mirrors the real-world complexity of environmental work.

Colby also presented her research at the 2026 Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference, held in Chicago in April.

Sophia Colby with her mentor Younsung Kim. Photo provided.

Her faculty research mentor Younsung Kim, professor of environmental science and policy, talked about the skills Colby acquired during her time at George Mason. "[These skills] will help her become an environmental advocate who does not create conflicts, but instead brings peaceful and constructive resolutions to them," she said. "I believe she will be a strong force for environmental policy and sustainability, as well as a future leader in the field."

Colby, who was in the Honors College, said she found community during her time at George Mason through Alpha Kappa Chi, a fraternity focused on professional development and environmental stewardship, where she connected with peers committed to sustainability and advocacy.

Preparing for what's next

The Rachel Carson Council's Advocacy Day included policy briefings, advocacy workshops, and direct engagement with members of Congress. For Colby, the experience reinforced that the tools she developed at George Mason translate directly into public impact.

"Communication is a big part of advocacy and climate resilience," she said.

Colby hopes to pursue a career focused on how environmental policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities. "Getting involved in this kind of work is powerful and eye-opening," she said. "Knowing how environmental policy impacts communities really motivates people."

For Colby, meeting with lawmakers was more than a culminating moment of her senior year—it was a preview of how her George Mason education has prepared her to contribute to building a future in which communities are better prepared to face environmental change.

In This Story

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This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field

Katarina Benson — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:34 +0000

This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field Katarina Benson Fri, 05/29/2026 - 11:00

As a freshman, 91�� Honors College student Marley Oare chose the Global Affairs Program because she pictured herself working for the CIA or the United Nations.

That quickly changed when she took a natural science course in her first semester.

She recalls wondering how she could incorporate her new interest in the environment into her major. Fortunately, global affairs is an interdisciplinary major offering several concentrations. Oare chose to add the environment concentration to her degree program, which allows global affairs majors to take 12 credits in environmental science and/or policy classes or take a semester at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).

Oare recently achieved her personal best of 12 feet 6 inches. Photo by George Mason Athletics

“The biggest thing I learned from that class was how interdisciplinary environmental science is,” she said. “Learning how I can contribute to conservation was cool to me because we do need more than just scientists. That’s what I have really loved about the Global Affairs Program—it provided me so much flexibility that I was able to focus on what I enjoy while still working toward my degree.”

That flexibility also helped Oare as a student-athlete. During the past four years, Oare was a pole vaulter for George Mason’s indoor and outdoor women’s track and field teams. This past winter, she landed on the podium at the Atlantic 10 Indoor Track and Field Conference Championships, finishing third in the pole vault. It was the culmination of hard work for Oare, who didn’t begin pole vaulting until high school and walked on to the George Mason team.

Her freshman year in 2023, she cleared the bar at 10 feet, 6 inches. This past January, she set a personal best with a jump of 12 feet, 6 inches—a two-foot improvement over three years.

“Those kinds of margins are pretty remarkable,” George Mason track and field head coach Andrew Gerard said. “We knew that, if Oare performed at her capabilities, she'd be a very strong contender for a podium finish and that came to fruition.”

An Honors College student, Oare has balanced the heavy workload of classes, internships, and jobs, with practices, track meets, and the travel that comes with it. The hard work has come with recognition. This past spring, she was named a Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete for the third time. The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes student athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher with at least 38 credit hours.

“She’s always been good at planning her classes and her work ahead of time and charting out a plan to take high-level courses,” said Oare’s advisor Matthew West, an associate professor in the Global Affairs Program. “Her success in the classroom has made the work she’s done juggling her training and competitions as a student-athlete all the more impressive.”

Marley Oare. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Looking forward, Oare wants to work for an environmental nonprofit after graduate school. Her preferred field is marine biology, but she is also interested in wildlife conservation, grasslands, and forestry.

Her passion for nonprofits has been spurred by past internship experiences in both high school and college. She worked with the PATH Foundation, which provides grants and programs for organizations in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties.

Through the PATH Foundation, she was placed in an internship with Just Neighbors, a nonprofit that supports low-income immigrants in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties with free or reduced legal services. Oare said those relationships, along with learning in the Global Affairs Program about the importance of indigenous communities to environmental sustainability, have showed her how local progress can influence global issues.

She’s working her way toward that goal. After completing her bachelor’s degree in global affairs with a minor in Spanish in May, Oare is headed to the University of Rhode Island to work on a master of environmental science and management with a specialization in conservation biology. She will use her fifth year of NCAA eligibility to compete on the women’s track and field team at Rhode Island.

“I think community-driven solutions are the best way to solve community problems,” she said. “That’s why I really want to get into environmental nonprofit work. I think the smaller organizations, because they understand so well what the community needs, are the best way to solve those problems. Local representation is so important.”

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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.

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Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:36:42 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:36

When Simeon Omorodion crossed the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon this April for the first time, he wasn’t just completing a race. He was confirming something he’d been building toward for years—that running wasn’t a hobby or a side pursuit, but a core part of who he is.

At 91��, that identity never existed in isolation. An Honors College student and long-distance runner, Omorodion found the same logic threading through both pursuits: structure, persistence, and a tolerance for discomfort that eventually becomes growth.

Simeon Omorodion runs the 130th Boston Marathon. Photo provided.

This May, he earned his degree in information technology, specializing in cybersecurity with a minor in Japanese studies.

This pairing surprises people. But for Omorodion, it makes perfect sense. His interest in cybersecurity comes down to problem-solving under pressure—the same discipline that gets a runner through mile 20.

His passion for Japanese studies dates back to childhood, when anime introduced him to stories of perseverance and the impossible becoming possible. He joined the Japanese Student Association his freshman year and studied in Japan in the summer of 2024. “Why don’t I just learn this beautiful language?” he said, “this language that has allowed me to see visions of impossibles becoming possible.

Omorodion (right) with classmates at the conclusion of a Japanese language presentation during his summer 2024 study-abroad program in Japan. Photo provided.

The two halves of his life at George Mason reinforce each other in ways he didn’t anticipate. “It’s like a symbiotic relationship,” he said. “Without the athletics, it’s hard for me to engage within the academics. With the academics, it helps me to engage in athletics.”

Those connections extended beyond the classroom and the track. Through the Patriot Run Club and his role in Housing and Residence Life as a resident assistant, he found the sense of belonging that made everything else easier. “It made me feel connected,” he said, “connected to this environment, to the George Mason culture.”

Omorodion celebrates at the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon, medal in hand. Photo provided.

To students still on the fence about getting involved and pursing what they are passionate about, his advice is direct: do it, and don’t expect to regret it.

After graduation, Omorodion plans to continue merging the passions he discovered during his time at George Mason. He will work for the global sportswear company ASICS in Boston as a marketplace operations coordinator, a role that would keep him rooted in the running world while building a career.

He arrived at George Mason without a clear plan. Through running and his academics, Omorodion leaves with a deeper understanding of himself and what drives him—and a conviction that not having it figured out from the start was never the problem.

“You are going to transform a lot during college,” he said, “and that could be a very positive transformation.”

Note: This article 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.

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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

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A future doctor finds a wider path with public health

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:52:05 +0000

A future doctor finds a wider path with public health Mary Cunningham Mon, 05/11/2026 - 13:52

Emaan Emir, Bachelor of Science in Community Health graduate in May '26. Photo provided.

Emaan Amir started at George Mason on a straightforward trajectory toward medical school, studying forensic science. Within weeks, she knew she wanted to expand that path, turning to public health to better understand the forces that influence care.

“I realized early on that medicine extends far beyond the clinical setting,” she said. “So many structural factors affect health. I really appreciated how the College of Public Health helped me better understand how policy, access to care, and broader social factors shape health outcomes and patient experiences.”

Her early shift set the tone for her four years. An Honors College student, Amir majored in community health, pairing it with a clinical science concentration that keeps her on track for medical school while also honing experience in research and clinical settings.

She’s working toward a career that knits all these pieces together, in the clinic and beyond.

Public health, applied

One experience in particular was a turning point: her work with George Mason’s Learning Lab for Community Health through Mason and Partners Clinics' Empowered Communities.

The project began as a case challenge focused on chronic absenteeism in Virginia schools. Amir and her team were tasked with designing a solution with a hypothetical $1 million budget, presenting it to a panel of community leaders.

Their concept won.

“I think our team stood out because we approached the issue from a more holistic perspective,” Amir said. “We didn’t view physical health, mental health, and social support as separate issues.”

That project also led to an atypical opportunity for an undergraduate. Amir contacted her mentor in the case challenge, Lisa Gring-Pemble, associate professor in the Costello College of Business, about a graduate research assistant role connected to the Learning Lab, and Gring-Pemble welcomed Amir into the role.

Amir has worked on a case study examining Afghan refugees’ access to health care and services in Northern Virginia. The project identified gaps in insurance, housing, employment, and legal support, then translated that into a practical resource toolkit.

“One of the most meaningful aspects of the project was turning research into something practical and community-centered,” Emaan said. “We wanted the final product to be actionable and informed directly by the needs we identified through interviews with health providers and community organizations.”

Holistic prep for medical school

Alongside her pre-med requirements in biology and chemistry, Amir rounded out her public health education with classes that examine how social and historical forces shape medical care.

Outside the classroom, she’s gained hands-on experience through volunteering with pediatric patients and working as a medical assistant in urgent care settings.

The clinical work has affirmed what she sees in her research. “Seeing firsthand how financial and insurance limitations impact patients’ ability to access basic care has reinforced many of the inequities I studied in public health,” she said.

Looking ahead

This summer, Amir heads to the Mayo Clinic Summer Research Program, where she’ll study how voice-based artificial intelligence can be used to detect reflux disease.

Building on that line of interest, she next plans to complete the graduate certificate in AI and health care at George Mason while applying for medical schools.

The throughline is consistent: Amir is not choosing between public health and medicine, but blending the two.

“I hope to contribute not only through patient care, but also through research, policy, and innovation that improve health outcomes on a broader scale,” she said.

Learn more about the bachelor of science in community health.

Key Takeaways

• Graduating senior Emaan Amir combined a pre-med track with public health to better understand how policy, access, and social conditions impact patient care.

• Through George Mason’s Learning Lab for Community Health, Amir worked on projects involving chronic absenteeism in Virginia schools and barriers facing Afghan refugees.

• Amir will join the Mayo Clinic to study artificial intelligence tools for detecting disease before pursuing graduate training in AI and health care and applying to medical school.

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This neuroscience student found her calling and her community at George Mason

Katarina Benson — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:07:19 +0000

This neuroscience student found her calling and her community at George Mason Katarina Benson Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:07

When Saniya Darediya stepped onto 91��’s Fairfax Campus for Orientation four years ago, she was fresh off the plane from Gujarat, India, and had never been to the United States. She chose George Mason sight-unseen—and then carved out a place for herself.

“I did a ton of research on universities all over the world before I came here,” she said. “George Mason felt like a university that draws a lot of opportunity outside of class. They had a lot of research programs, and I really wanted that hands-on experience.”

Saniya Darediya is this year's student commencement speaker. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Now graduating with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, Darediya, who calls herself a “professional brain nerd,” is this year’s student commencement speaker. The aspiring neurosurgeon and Honors College student will address her fellow graduates and their family members at Spring Commencement in EagleBank Arena.

Darediya views neurosurgery as an extension of her creative passions, which include painting and dance. She credits her artistic pursuits as giving her the skills required to go far in medicine. When working as a medical assistant at a cosmetic and laser dermatology practice, for example, a doctor complimented her on her steady hands.

“I realized that is because when you’re painting, your hand has to be so steady. One wrong stroke of the brush and your painting is ruined. In surgery, one wrong cut of the knife can cost someone their life,” she said. “And with dance, I learned patience and that everything comes with practice. You can't expect to learn a new dance right away. It's the same with medicine.”

During her time at George Mason, Darediya participated in the Research and Interdisciplinary STEM Experiences (RISE) Scholars Program through the College of Science, which gave her an introduction to the research world. She is the recipient of the college’s Outstanding Neuroscience Senior Award (2025-26) and the inaugural Community Leadership Award, which recognizes her impact on the George Mason community and beyond.

Darediya is also a mentor with the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI), where she supports fellow George Mason students with autism in navigating the academic, social, and structural transitions of college life. She was honored as Student Mentor of the Year for the academic year 2024-25 for her dedication to supporting and guiding fellow students.

She also interned with the American Chemical Society.

Darediya has many ways of balancing the hard hours of study and work. She reads novels and paints to rest her brain, and dances to release stress. She also threw herself into George Mason’s social scene, joining the Lambda chapter of the Kappa Phi Gamma sorority.

“Some days, if my exams are over and I just want to have fun, I go out with my friends,” she said. “There is so much going on at Mason. We just look at Mason 360 and there’s a new event every day.”

She noted that, when she came to George Mason, there were nearly 400 student organizations—now there are 500. And she helped create one of them. As a first-year student, Darediya was looking for community support for those interested in neuroscience, and all the groups were focused on graduate students. So she created her own, along with two friends. “We wanted a community of people where we can just talk about our journey and our plans, or if we're tired, just come and vent.”

The Neuroscience Club now has 200 students and welcomes anyone curious about the field. They host gatherings that include intellectual seminars about the brain, learning about journals and research, and sometimes just game nights to blow off steam.

After graduation, Darediya plans to continue her journey in medicine, with a focus on integrating research, clinical care, and advocacy to improve patient outcomes and expand access to care.

2026 Spring Graduation Dates and Information

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Goldwater Scholar Sofie Strompf is finding art in science

sholla4 — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:29:15 +0000

Goldwater Scholar Sofie Strompf is finding art in science sholla4 Wed, 05/06/2026 - 10:29

Left brained vs right brained, analytical vs creative: Art and science are often placed on opposite ends of the spectrum, two disciplines at war with one another. But for Sofie Strompf, Honors College student, neuroscience major, and recipient of a prestigious 2026 Goldwater Scholarship, the divide between the two is more a matter of perspective.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Strompf was a member of the Mason Nation long before beginning her undergraduate career. As a regular student, and then assistant administrator, at Acting for Young People through Mason Community Arts Academy, she developed a deep passion for theatre.

Strompf entered George Mason ready to take the stage. Initially a technical theater major, she was inspired by a literature review project in HNRS 110 Principles of Research and Inquiry to consider a different path.

“Because of my experiences with my dynamic disability [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome], I was really interested in familial dysautonomia, a rare genetic condition that causes severe, degenerative dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, so I chose that as my topic,” she said. “I had never had a chance to research like this before. My literature review was way over the top for anything I needed to write, because I was so interested in the topic.”

Strompf reached out to Ali Andalibi, previous senior associate dean for research for the College of Science, for mentorship as she explored the possibilities in more research-focused pathways. During her second year at Mason, she completed research with Andalibi with the support of an Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) grant from George Mason’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) and interned at the Medical University of South Carolina. These experiences affirmed her love of science and research, and she transitioned to the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience.

“Research is just identifying a problem and coming up with a way to look at that problem from a bunch of different angles to understand it better and thinking outside the box to solve it. That in itself is a creative process,” she said. “So I think that having this background in creative arts and humanities has actually made me a better researcher from the start.”

With her love of research, Strompf’s academic career has developed as much in the lab as in the classroom. Under the guidance of Professor Lance Liotta and Postdoctoral Research Fellow Marissa Howard, she’s been supporting and developing research projects in the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) for the past four years. Last year, her work in the lab was supported by an National Institutes of Health Diversity Supplemental research grant. This grant bolstered her experiences in the lab, leading her to develop her own hypothesis regarding secretory mitophagy (a new process of cellular mitochondrial recycling discovered by CAPMM researchers) as it relates to neurodegenerative disease. She hopes to continue research related to this hypothesis as a PhD student after graduating in 2027.

Strompf delivering a presentation. Photo provided.

There’s another angle to Strompf’s work as well: advocacy and policy. “I’m trying to be part of this movement of young, early career scientists and researchers who really want to share all these cool new discoveries with the public and the world,” she said.

For her, that includes outreach work as part of the Nexus234 Innovation District, teaching local elementary, middle, and high school students about cells during Nanotechnology Day and other community events; serving as a mentor for the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP); and mentoring other undergraduate students as an OSCAR Peer Leader.

She also actively advocates through her positions on the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia’s (SCHEV) Disabilities Access to Higher Education Advisory Committee, Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR), and the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP).

“I’ve worked closely with a lot of SCHEV staff to talk about disability policy and draft policy recommendations, as well as lobbying and meeting state representatives to share why inclusion and accessibility matter,” she said.

Receiving a Goldwater Scholarship, which recognizes students with the potential to be the next generation of research leaders, is a true testament to her dedication and perseverance.

Megan Bruening, director of the Office of Fellowship, said, “it has been our pleasure to work with Sofie and watch her grow over the course of her undergraduate career at Mason. Her intellectual curiosity, impressive work ethic, and determination to serve others makes her stand out as a promising STEM researcher.”

“Often, there is hardly any representation in science for students with disabilities, and it can be hard not to feel alone or unwelcome,” Strompf said. “Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is especially meaningful in this context, as I feel like it validates both my place in science and that of other students with disabilities. Despite the challenges I have faced, a team of accomplished, established scientists believes in me and my potential to contribute meaningfully to my field.”

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Meet the Two Carter Undergraduates Who Presented at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference

Paul Snodgrass — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:20:50 +0000

Meet the Two Carter Undergraduates Who Presented at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference Paul Snodgrass Mon, 04/27/2026 - 11:20

Two undergraduate Carter School students, Lisa Misaki Gray, a fourth-year student with minors in criminology and Russian language, and Christina Gizzi, a third-year Honors College student with a minor in global affairs, presented their research at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference.

Lisa Misaki Gray, Karina Korostelina, and Christina Gizzi. Photo provided.

The conference was held March 23-29 at Oxford University, UK, and was organized by the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights (OCHR). They attended the event with Carter School professor Karina Korostelina, who was also a presenter at the consortium. The trip was funded through the generous support of Carter School donors.

“This is exactly the kind of life-changing experience we want our students to have,” said Carter School Dean Alpaslan Özerdem. “Opportunities like this expand their horizons, build confidence, and connect them to global conversations in ways that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. I am deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity makes these transformative experiences possible.”

Christina Gizzi at the Bodleian Library's Radcliffe Camera building. Photo provided.

Gray and Gizzi found the invitation to apply through the Carter School newsletter. They both applied to attend the conference, were interviewed by professors, and were selected to attend. Gray, who knows one of the students who made the trip last year, was very interested in attending. Gizzi, who had applied last year, was encouraged to reapply after taking a class with the professor who previously interviewed her.

When asked why they were so interested in the consortium and Oxford in particular, Gray commented “Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. How could I not want to go!? The Secret History by Donna Tartt is also one of my favorite books, and in this book, there's also a prestigious university with secret libraries and secret organizations similar to Oxford, which made me even more excited to attend.”

Gizzi echoed Gray's sentiment, “I was excited for the opportunity to learn from the scholars at the historical university, and shortly after arriving, I learned Oxford claims to be the oldest university. I also love architecture, and the opportunity to see Harry Potter-esque architecture was very appealing.”

Gray and Gizzi presenting their work. Photo provided.

At the consortium, the pair presented their research, "Silence Breakers in Our Local Communities: Advocacy and Local Peacebuilding." Because peacebuilding has historically been dominated by international organizations and aimed at appeasing international stakeholders, they chose instead to focus on the impact of empowering local peacebuilding efforts.

"Although communities have been given more agency, it is not enough. Using two case studies, we illustrated that even before community, successful local peacebuilding comes from the individual. You cannot expect others to change their actions or change the world; change must start within yourself," they noted.

Their presentation was well received, receiving numerous compliments and opening the door for future conversations. "Students and faculty approached us later in the day and told us stories about their similar experiences and challenges," they said.

Karina Korostelina, Christina Gizzi, and Lisa Misaki Gray. Photo provided.

Korostelina, their faculty liaison and mentor, who also presented at the consortium with colleague Hugo Slim on the topic of civilian devastation and human rights during the war, was proud of the work her students had done.

"It was a thoughtful and compelling presentation. Their work stood out not only for its clarity, but for its grounded, practical vision. Their core message: 'Peace starts with you,' was both powerful and actionable. They moved beyond slogans to outline a systemic approach to peacebuilding, operating at multiple levels: the individual (values, responsibility, everyday choices), the organizational (initiatives, partnerships, advocacy), and the social movement level (collective action, public engagement, narrative change)."

Korostelina also added that equally impressive was the duo's emphasis on collaboration. Gray and Gizzi highlighted the Carter School’s partnership with Rotary International, demonstrating how cross-sector engagement can translate ideas into concrete initiatives—from dialogue and community projects to broader peacebuilding efforts.

"Their presentation had a great balance of critical reflection and constructive pathways forward," Korostelina said. "It is a strong reminder that the next generation of peacebuilders is not only deeply informed, but also ready to act—with intention, creativity, and a commitment to impact."

Korostelina was also greatly impressed by the knowledge demonstrated by Gray and Gizzi. She proudly shared that, on one of the last days of the consortium, a guest speaker was discussing peacebuilding and asked the attendees to define peacebuilding and the differences between terms like mediation and negotiation. Gray's response prompted the speaker to ask, "Did you, by chance, work for the UN?"

When asked about presentations that stood out to them, Gizzi recalled a presentation that discussed the conflicting interests of human and environmental rights. During the presentation, the host related a story about Chilean fishermen who were shooting sea lions. However, the fishermen were not killing the sea mammals for their skins, but because the animals were preying upon the fishermen's catches before they could be pulled in, raising difficult questions about how to balance the fishermen's livelihood against conservation interests. Gray agreed and recalled a presentation by a researcher who worked with Indigenous communities in Malaysia and the visible impact of declining populations of native species. "It really stuck with me," she said. "I discovered a new interest in tracking environmental change and species loss."

Lisa Misaki Gray. Photo provided.

Now, a month later, Gray looks back on the academic and personal impact of the experience. “I am so grateful to have had the chance to attend such a prestigious university for a week and learn from their guest speakers, students, and faculty. Everyone there had so much experience, knowledge and insight, and I felt like a sponge absorbing all this information and processing it. I loved meeting everyone there and learning about their lives and experiences. It truly opened my eyes to how bright the world can be despite the struggles we face.”

Gizzi also described the consortium as a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. “[The consortium] was full of new knowledge, friends, and networks, opening a wider range of opportunities to come. The sightseeing, lectures, company, and snacks—including tea time—made it a life-changing and unforgettable experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and would recommend it to everyone!”