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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.

Gabriella Grabovska photographed in 2025. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Grabovska will graduate in May from the Schar School of Policy and Government at 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 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.

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The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason

Katarina Benson — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:30:56 +0000

The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason Katarina Benson Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:30

Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of 91�� lacrosse twins Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as the Fredericksburg, Virginia, natives and Honors College students compete in their final season together and prepare to separate again, they reflect on their time in the Mason Nation.

Regan has been a goalkeeper for the Patriots women’s lacrosse team for the past three years after transferring from Saint Joseph’s after her freshman season. She’s started every game this season and has recorded 96 saves. Kaitlyn has played all four years at George Mason and is currently second on the team in goals scored with 26. Both of them have created a positive impact on the team, which isn’t surprising considering the number of athletes in their family.

Regan and Kaitlyn Bestick. Photo by Mason Athletics

Sports and lacrosse have played an integral role in the lives of the Bestick twins. The product of two collegiate athletes—their mom was an All-American lacrosse player at James Madison, and their dad played baseball at William & Mary—they said televised sports were a big part of their household growing up.

Because we’re a sports family, we just watch a lot of games,” said Kaitlyn. “Our roommates will tell you the same thing: We always have some form of sports on.”

From childhood, their parents instilled a sense of competitiveness among the siblings, and they said they will always be grateful for that. “Our parents really prioritized us not only competing at the highest level but also getting the best education possible. And they instilled in us that work ethic to be able to succeed both academically and athletically,” said Regan.

The close bond between the sisters helps them give each other constructive feedback that translates into better performances. “Being in opposite positions really helps. When we're training in the off season, it helps to have someone who can shoot on me and tell me what I'm doing wrong, or what I'm giving up, and vice versa," said Regan. “It really helps to have that second pair of eyes. Inherently, I feel like we make each other better every day."

Despite spending their first years apart, they still collided on the field during that first season. On March 11, 2023, Regan made her debut for Saint Joseph's, against her twin sister, who was starting for George Mason. Regan recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as it was the first time she competed against her sister. However, when Regan came on, she knew that she had to focus on giving her best performance and ensuring the victory. The Hawks came away with the win, and Regan contributed to the clean sheet.

The sisters grew up playing together. Photo by Mason Athletics

Kaitlyn played a key role in bringing Regan to Mason. Kara, the head coach for the women’s lacrosse team, saw the sisters play at the club level in high school and was impressed by their skills and tenacity.

"I was definitely a big part of (Regan’s) recruiting process coming to Mason,” said Kaitlyn. “We wanted her from day one. And (Coach) Mupo was adamant about getting an inside scoop about her process, because she's a very talented player.”

“I knew that Kara was an amazing coach,” said Regan. “(George) Mason was in my top two schools my first time around recruiting as a high schooler. I knew that it was a place that I really liked and really enjoyed the coaching style and coaching aspects that Kara brings to the table.”

Regan also liked the idea of being closer to home. “I really enjoyed the fact that my parents got to come to every one of Kaitlyn's games,” she said, noting that they couldn’t always make it to Philadelphia for hers.

Regan brought valuable experience to George Mason. “Her being here just makes us so much better on all facets,” said Kaitlyn. “Not only does she lock down her cage on the field, but she's also a great role model for our underclassmen. She's added so much value to our team.”

Aside from being among the top scorers, Kaitlyn also has additional leadership responsibilities as she is the president of the Student Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC) and serves as the voice for student-athletes.

Both sisters also have set out clear career paths. Regan has known since high school that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, she is already a certified veterinary assistant. After graduation, she’ll begin her four-year journey in veterinary school.

Kaitlyn, who completed her bachelor’s in government and international politics last year, is currently working on her master's in political science through the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Masters (BAM) Program at George Mason. She will be attending law school in the fall.

Kaitlyn was introduced to law at a young age by her dad, who is a police officer for Fairfax County. “I came into Mason knowing I wanted to be an attorney. But personally, I want to do more civil or government work,” said Kaitlyn. "I'm also interested in sports law. I don't really want to be in a courtroom too much, but rather more behind the scenes."

She interned last summer with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and worked with their procurement division.

Both are really excited about their graduate studies. "This will be the first time we're only students—not student-athletes, so I don't know how we're going to handle just having schoolwork to do and no practice or anything taking up half our day," said Kaitlyn.

This also means that the sisters will once again be away from each other, but they have already prepared for this situation.

"We talk way too much, so obviously there will be a lot of FaceTime calls and texts," said Kaitlyn.

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This student is tasting start-up success with a meal delivery service for seniors

sholla4 — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:33:08 +0000

This student is tasting start-up success with a meal delivery service for seniors sholla4 Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:33

Starting a business is a delicate task. Even if you get the measurements just right, without a dash of innovation, a sprinkle of luck, and a heaping spoonful of courage, it’s likely to go straight from the oven to the bin.

Zachary Suh prepares food in the College of Public Health's Nutrition Kitchen. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Zachary Suh, however, is mastering the recipe.

Suh, a marketing major in the Costello College of Business, member of the Honors College, and a University Scholar at 91��, founded HomePlate, formerly Elderly Eats, in his sophomore year. It’s a meal service for seniors that provides medically thoughtful and culturally relevant meals made fresh and delivered right to their doorstep.

The idea first took root during COVID-19 lockdowns, when Suh’s grandmother moved in with the family as her Alzheimer’s reached late-stage. “My mom, who is a George Mason professor, became her full-time caregiver,” he said. "Caregiving takes a huge physical and emotional toll. I wanted to help her in any way I could.”

Leaning into his love for cooking, Suh took over making all the meals for his family: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He discovered that his grandmother was most interested in Korean food. “Even with her cognitive decline, you could tell she enjoyed those meals much more,” he said.

This discovery led him to another: a major gap in senior food delivery. “At one point, we looked into meal service for seniors, but we couldn’t find anything that did culturally relevant meals,” he said.

Suh is familiar with start-ups: his older brother, Jeremy Suh, founded an AI company while in college. “He’s a big inspiration for me, very much my mentor,” Suh said. “We talked about this idea for a food delivery service, about how I could bring this onto a larger scale.”

And from those conversations, Suh was encouraged to apply for the 2024 Patriot Pitch competition, hosted by Costello College of Business. HomePlate won first place in the General Entrepreneurship Track and was selected as a Mason’s Choice Award Prize winner, earning Suh $7,000 to start turning his idea into reality.

“From the very outset, what impressed me most about Zach was his unwavering commitment to helping caregivers and seniors by providing them with nutritious, culturally relevant meals that could be consumed at home,” said Jerry Pierce, MBA ’92, a retired KPMG partner and professor of accounting at Costello. “His passion for helping others is always on full display and was a big reason the audience selected him for the Mason’s Choice Award.”

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Previously, HomePlate provided meal plans with an in-house demonstration of meal prep. Now, they’re transitioning to a fresh meal delivery service. Suh works with a registered dietician to craft meals that meet the variety of dietary and health needs of senior populations, such as diabetic restrictions, sodium control, low cholesterol, and general wellness. During the pilot program in March, HomePlate focused on Korean meals with hopes to expand to other cuisines in late 2026.

For Suh, now a junior at George Mason, this shift lets him get back to doing what he loves: cooking. He is making all the meals from scratch in partnership with Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington. “You’ll see me at every stage,” he said. “In the grocery store, in the kitchen, delivering the meals, and then taking the trash out after.”

Being both a student and a business owner is certainly a balancing act. Suh said that it wouldn't be possible without the phenomenal support from George Mason. Costello’s Office of Career Services and Jeremy Plotnick, director of minor programs for Costello, have been key supporters. Plotnick mentored Suh and helped him register his work on the business as an internship, allowing him to prepare for the relaunch while earning academic credit toward his degree. Working in the MIX incubator connected him to student and alumni entrepreneurs. Professors have offered advice. Even while studying abroad at Mason Korea, he was able to network and pitch his business through the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as attend a one-week accelerator program in Australia.

“I don’t think you get this level of care and mentorship at other universities,” Suh said. “Being a George Mason student gives you access to this unparalleled network of professionals who have so much knowledge."

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Introducing a New Minor in Lobbying and Advocacy—and Meet the Student Who Helped Create It

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:23:33 +0000

Introducing a New Minor in Lobbying and Advocacy—and Meet the Student Who Helped Create It Andrew J Schappert Thu, 03/12/2026 - 13:23

A new Schar School of Policy and Government undergraduate minor debuts in fall 2026: Lobbying and Advocacy is an interdisciplinary minor that develops students' understanding of policy institutions and industries, and how to influence both as a professional advocate.

Zayd Hamid: ‘It came down to building the program I wish I had access to as an undergraduate.’ Photo provided

The program, one of only two in the country and the only one in the Washington, D.C., region, will offer opportunities for experiential learning, including field projects, internships at key Washington, D.C., firms, and the 91��’s annual grassroots advocacy trip Mason Lobbies to the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, Virginia.

The course was codeveloped by Schar School Term Professor David K. Rehr, professor of public policy and director of the Center for Business Civic Engagement, and Zayd Hamid, a master of public policy student (with an emphasis in education policy), over a multiyear process.

Rehr, a former longtime advocate for major nonprofit organizations including the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Federation of Independent Businesses, is happy to share the inspiration for the course with Hamid, who had the idea as an undergraduate in the Schar School’s public administration program.

“He drafted the outline of the minor and I adjusted it to maximize value for students from various George Mason departments whose students could benefit,” he said. Students in degree programs including business, communication, conflict analysis and resolution, environmental and sustainability studies, economics, and other fields would find lobbying skills useful.

“Given our location near Washington, D.C., the minor will be taught by a stable of top academics and practitioners, and graduates will be prepared to advocate effectively for meaningful and efficient change, even if they do not become full-time lobbyists themselves,” he said.

“The government,” Rehr added, “is increasingly becoming more involved in the activities of businesses, nonprofits, and other industries and professionals who understand the advocacy process who can provide innovative solutions will be increasingly valuable to their employers.”

David K. Rehr: ‘Given our location near Washington, D.C., the minor will be taught by a stable of top academics and practitioners, and graduates will be prepared to advocate effectively for meaningful and efficient change …’

For Hamid, the minor is personal. As the Honors College student's graduation approached in spring 2024, the proudly first-generation college student began thinking less about what he had accomplished as a student and more about what he would leave behind.

His college accomplishments were substantial, among them, discovering advocacy through Mason Lobbies, serving as a panelist for a congressional staff briefing on financial aid, and being named the inaugural National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics Student Advocate of the Year, an award he dedicated to Rehr.

“The nexus between all those pivotal moments in my undergraduate years was taking Dr. Rehr’s GOVT 318 Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process class,” Hamid said. “I am a direct product of the wisdom and industry insights he shared with me and of the mentorship and support he’s given me over the years…. His class and Mason Lobbies shaped the trajectory of my undergraduate experience, cultivating my interest in policy into a passion for education advocacy.”

As he considered what he could leave as a legacy, the answer became clear: “It came down to building the program I wish I had access to as an undergraduate,” he said.

Hamid, who is a graduate professional assistant with George Mason’s University Life, is cochair of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Student Advisory Committee, the commonwealth’s coordinating agency for higher education. That latter role, alongside his previous experience as the student representative on the education integrity advisory Mason Core Committee, accustomed him to academic program policies at a state and institutional level. This positioned him to support his and Rehr's proposal through George Mason's internal processes, culminating in a final vote by the Undergraduate Council in December, clearing the way for inclusion in the catalog in fall 2026

The proposal’s review was expedited and streamlined amid political shifts in Washington, which, to Hamid’s mind, created opportunities for employment for graduates.

“Federal furloughs and a changing Washington, D.C, policy landscape have resulted in more students exploring careers outside of—but adjacent to—Congress and the White House,” he said. “So, this minor also helps the Schar School meet the moment and respond to a shifting job market.”

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Honors College student leads with purpose, passion, and a global vision

Katarina Benson — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:04:36 +0000

Honors College student leads with purpose, passion, and a global vision Katarina Benson Wed, 02/25/2026 - 15:04

Honors College student Marisa Parikh embodies the drive, curiosity, and global mindset that define 91�� students. She serves as president of Be the Change, a student-led organization dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on campus. Under her leadership, the group focuses on raising awareness and inspiring action around the goals that most directly affect George Mason students.

On March 2, Parikh and Be the Change will take part in in a virtual panel “Embrace Healing and Reconciliation in Countries That Suffer from Broken Systems.” Open to students and the public, this student-led conversation explores how restorative justice can help repair harm, rebuild trust, and transform systems affected by deep structural inequities. It also serves as a prelude to the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution’s spring Peace Week.

Marisa Parikh is president of Be the Change. Photo provided

Parikh arrived at George Mason already ahead of the curve, having earned her associate’s degree at the Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, Virginia, while still in high school. Today, she is pursuing a major in public administration at the Schar School of Government and Policy, paired with a minor in conflict resolution and analysis from the Carter School.

Her commitment to meaningful impact took root during an internship with George Mason professor Solon Simmons at the Carter School’s Narrative Transformation Lab. There, she contributed to Little Minds, Strong Values (LMSV), a Rotary International-supported initiative in Sri Lanka that uses music and dance to teach children values like kindness, honesty, and respect. Parikh conducted ripple mapping research to help measure the project’s reach and influence—an experience she describes as transformative.

“Working on Little Minds, Strong Values helped me find my niche,” she said. “The South Asian community is my community and contributing to a project that uplifts children in that region was incredibly fulfilling. My coursework and the LMSV project together were a pivotal moment for me.”

“Marisa was a core member of our lab team, anchoring a ripple effects mapping evaluation in Sri Lanka, a key research site in our Rotary partnership, and representing the Carter School in a national student dialogue on civic engagement at the University of Delaware,” said Simmons.
“She made a substantive contribution to the school in more than one area and was a delight to work with.”   

After her internship, Parikh’s sense of purpose continued to grow. She became involved with Ashiyanaa, a nonprofit supporting South Asian women and children affected by gender-based and domestic violence. Her work with Ashiyanaa led her to join the Collective Organizations of South Asia (COSA), a George Mason student group dedicated to unity and cultural celebration. Through these connections, she helped facilitate a workshop on interpersonal relationship violence within the South Asian community—an effort that blended advocacy, education, and cultural understanding.

Parikh’s love for her heritage also shines through in her creative life. As a member of the COSA dance team, she performs styles from across South Asia and helps shape the team’s digital presence as co–social media coordinator. Though she enjoys the full range of regional dance traditions, Gujarati Garba, a dance form from Gujarat, India, holds a special place in her heart. “It’s where my family is from. I grew up doing it,” she said.

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Collaboration with Children’s National Hospital aims to reduce child mortality rates caused by Sickle Cell kidney failure

Katarina Benson — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:12:42 +0000

Collaboration with Children’s National Hospital aims to reduce child mortality rates caused by Sickle Cell kidney failure  Katarina Benson Tue, 01/20/2026 - 17:12

Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, experience terrible bouts of pain when the blood cells contort into a sickle shape and block small blood vessels, hindering oxygen delivery to critical organs. Whenever these bouts occur in the kidneys, the filtration system of the kidneys can be irreversibly damaged. Kidney failure is associated with a 30% death rate in SCD patients. 

In partnership with Children’s National Hospital, scientists at 91�� have discovered a new way to detect early signs of kidney damage in childhood patients with SCD. A recently awarded two-year $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Health Research Board will support a team led by George Mason systems biologist and research fellow Marissa Howard; Children’s National Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program Director Andrew Campbell, MD; and urinary biomarker expert Oliver John Semmes, of Old Dominion University.

Marissa Howard with collaborator Andrew Campbell, MD, at Children's National Hospital. Photo provided

The multi-institutional trial leverages unique proteomic expertise blended within the Children’s National SCD Program’s ongoing clinical study of the progress of SCD within pediatric patients over time and will transform kidney disease detection in these SCD patients.

According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, SCD is a global health problem that affects an estimated 100,000 people in the United States, with about 2,000 babies annually being diagnosed with the disease at birth. With each SCD crisis, kidney damage accumulates, increasing the risk of total kidney failure mortality for SCD patients. Early detection of kidney damage, especially in childhood, allows for rapid treatment and prevention of long-term kidney damage-related effects.

“Our team will analyze the actual damaged mitochondria, the power houses of the cell, that are crippled by lack of oxygen that occurs during each sickle-cell crisis,” said Howard, who first reported this pathway and methodology to rescue mitochondrially damaged cells in her prior National Institutes of Health-supported and published research.  

“We measure these damaged mitochondria shed by the kidney in a few milliliters of urine so we can develop an early warning system for the onset of kidney damage,” said Howard, an expert in isolation of extracellular vesicles (EVs), small packages of cellular information shed into the urine, and the methods required to complete this analysis. “Our partners at Children’s National are known for identifying innovative approaches to treat SCD. This exciting collaboration is collectively motivated by our ultimate goal of reducing the high mortality rate caused by Sickle Cell kidney failure in children affected by this disease.”   

 Children’s National Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program, among the largest in the country, follows more than 1,500 patients from birth through age 21 and is one of the few centers offering gene therapy treatments for SCD. The program has amassed a large base of patient samples, some of which will be analyzed in this project.  

Campbell, a physician-scientist caring for SCD patients at Children’s National, will oversee the recruitment, consenting, and collection of biological samples throughout the study's duration, as well as coordinate the delivery of these samples to George Mason’s CAP/CLIA certified laboratory facilities for analysis. 

While current screening methods rely on established urine tests for albumin, this groundbreaking research will use advanced proteomic analysis to detect kidney injury at its earliest stages—before conventional tests show abnormalities.

“We've watched as silent kidney damage progresses year after year, often going undetected until significant harm has occurred,” said Campbell. “By identifying kidney disease earlier, we can intervene sooner with more effective disease-modifying therapies and curative treatments, potentially preventing or slowing progression to kidney failure.”

According to Campbell, this grant is more than funding—it's a commitment to SCD patients and their families, a collaboration to build the next generation of diagnostics, which can fundamentally change how to manage SCD and protect the health of children and young adults living with this debilitating disease.

“This partnership leverages our collective strengths to address a compelling global challenge that might have a multitude of applications,” shared Lance Liotta, MD, codirector of George Mason’s Center for Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM), who will certify that all work performed is under CAP/CLIA compliance for the data to be presented to the FDA for future clinical application.  

George Mason is highly regarded for offering real world, hands-on learning experiences for its science students, and this medical research project is no exception. As part of George Mason’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, Honors College student Naureen Zahra, who had interned the previous summer at the National Institutes of Health on a project focused on curing SCD with bone marrow transplants, performed portions of this experimental study over the summer.  

 Naureen Zahra interned at the National Institutes of Health. Photo provided

“One of my educational goals was to become an expert in performing key molecular biology techniques such as western blots to analyze the presence of proteins like PINK1, which plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial health,” said Zahra, a neuroscience major. The team worked to isolate EVs from Children’s National patient urine samples and analyze protein data. “Working with these scientists on actual patient samples connected me to real-world outcomes, expanding my sense of empathy for what these children are going through.” 

In addition to its potential to improve the lives of those affected by SCD, this research effort may also have even wider impact.   

“These findings could also serve as a new marker for mitochondrial damage for a variety of diseases including Parkinson’s, heart disease, and diabetic kidney disease,” said Howard. “In addition, urinary biomarkers could offer a predictive tool to guide SCD therapy management and therapy effectiveness more holistically.”

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Students use AI to solve everyday challenges at recent Fail-a-Thon

Shayla Brown — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:35:24 +0000

Students use AI to solve everyday challenges at recent Fail-a-Thon  Shayla Brown Mon, 01/12/2026 - 12:35

91�� is preparing students to transform setbacks into stepping stones with a “Fail-a-Thon," a hackathon event where failing forward is the goal.

The event, hosted by the College of Engineering and Computing, encouraged students to explore bold ideas under two themes: artificial intelligence (AI) for everyday challenges and tech for well-being and creativity.

Junior computer science major Oluwatomisin Badmus and his partner, junior applied computer science major Chesney Noye, working under the team name “AfroHacks,” took first place. 

Chesney Noye (center) and Oluwatomisin Badmus presenting at the Fail-a-thon. Photo provided.

Badmus and Noye are international students and wanted to emphasize the importance of checking in with one another within their community. The duo used an AI coding tool to build an application that allows users to log their current mood over the course of the day, and the system then uses the logged mood when responding to questions.

“You might describe it as a mood-aware AI chatbot,” explained Badmus.

They were able to complete a working version of the application to present to the judges. The team 808s won 2nd place and the Three Musketeers won 3rd. 

“I'm very passionate about AI, so I make sure to take advantage of every educational opportunity regarding AI. I hope to apply that knowledge in my work to make an impact both in and out of school,” said Badmus, an Honors College student. 

Badmus said he has participated in other George Mason hackathons and competitions at other institutions such as Morgan State, John Hopkins University, and online. Badmus encouraged Noye to participate in the event with him in hopes that he would also find the experience rewarding. 

“I’ve always wanted to participate in a hackathon, so when I saw the flyer for the Fail-a-thon, I knew it would be a great opportunity to gain experience in a relatively low-stakes environment,” said Noye, who has a concentration in software engineering.

Noye said hackathons always seemed too intimidating, but he was encouraged by the fail-a-thon's easygoing approach.

“Having an event centered around failing gave people room to go out there with their ideas, and getting to see all the projects everyone else came up with was great,” he said.

“Getting to share stories with the other participants there on where our projects failed, what weird bugs we had, and how different our initial ideas and final products ended up was a great bonding moment and really helped normalize the idea that failing is okay,” said Noye.

The students had two hours to build real-world practical projects using provided AI tools. Many of the project features were built and working, and judges and attendees could see them live during the presentations. 

Humaira Akhtari (left) with Christi Cartwright Wilcox, director, Office of Outreach Student Success and Engagement. Photo provided.

“Watching students turn ideas into functional solutions in just two hours was genuinely exciting and inspiring,” said Humaira Akhtari, a term instructor in the Department of Information Science and Technology and one of three faculty judges at the event.

Other judges included professors Socrates Dimitriadis and Maha Shamseddine from the Department of Computer Science.

“I kept telling the teams, ‘I would be the first person to use your app’ because their ideas were genuinely useful. Seeing students build practical solutions, collaborate across disciplines, and confidently present their work made the experience incredibly rewarding,” said Akhtari. “It brings me so much joy seeing my students grow beyond the classroom. Whether it’s capstone presentations, Fail-a-Thon, or Engineering Week, I love seeing how my students are thriving.” 

Students from electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, IST, and cyber security engineering participated. The mix of backgrounds really elevated the ideas and discussions, said Akhtari. 

When evaluating projects, judges looked at creativity, risk-taking, learning through failure, and how well teams communicated their ideas.  

“Rather than penalizing mistakes, we looked for evidence of iteration, reflection, and growth. The goal was to celebrate experimentation and meaningful learning,” said Akhtari. 

“Events like Fail-a-Thon create a safe space where students learn that failure is not something to avoid—it’s part of the process. This mindset is essential not only in academics, but also in entrepreneurship and real-world problem solving,” said Akhtari.

One team built a study management tool where students could upload their course syllabus, and the app would automatically generate a personalized study plan based on upcoming assignments and deadlines.

Another team designed a nutrition app that helps users track dietary preferences like Halal, vegan, and other restrictions.  

There were also projects focused on productivity, motivation, and wellness—apps that help users stay on track with their schedules, motivate them to stay consistent at the gym, or even guide users while grocery shopping based on their calorie goals.  

Topics

competitions

Hackathon

Applied computer science

computer science

Artificial Intelligence