Costello College of Business

Northern Virginia entrepreneur Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama, provide transformational support for Costello College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Katarina Benson — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:23:47 +0000

Northern Virginia entrepreneur Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama, provide transformational support for Costello College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Katarina Benson Fri, 08/21/2026 - 12:23

Anil Sharma is many things: an entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, angel investor, and philanthropist.

Although the 22nd Century Technologies CEO and his wife, Anupama, are not 911�� alumni, they have strong ties to the university through Anil’s membership on the President’s Innovation Advisory Council and the 911�� Foundation Board of Trustees.

Anupama and Anil Sharma. Photo by Duane Bailey/Costello College of Business.

They believe in education, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunity for the next generation. And that commitment has led them to commit to a gift that will name the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the Costello College of Business in their honor. The center supports local innovators and entrepreneurs by providing resources and connecting regional stakeholders.

“Today’s college students are graduating at one of the most transformative moments in modern history,” Anil Sharma said. “Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping every industry… and the future will belong to those who can learn faster, adapt continuously, think critically, and stay resilient during change.”

Anil Sharma came to the United States from India in 1997 with $100 and the determination to build a future in a new country. Later that year, he founded McLean-based 22nd Century Technologies. What began as an IT consulting business has grown into a $600 million government contracting firm providing IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital transformation solutions to federal, state, and local government agencies across all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico.

That experience has shaped the Sharmas’ desire to give back by helping others pursue opportunities of their own.

With the Sharmas’ gift, the center is poised to advance into a nationally recognized hub where innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnership-driven impact converge. By building on programs like the Patriot Pitch Competition, the Honey Bee Initiative, and the SOAR Initiative, the investment will allow the center to help strengthen the region’s innovation economy by creating a space where students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and partners collaborate, mentor one another, and develop new ventures.

The Sharmas with CIE faculty and staff. Photo by Duane Bailey/Costello.

“This is a significant milestone for both the Costello College of Business and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and one that will ensure our center’s role as the preeminent place at 911�� where the future takes shape for innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and industry leaders,” said Costello Dean Ajay Vinzé. “I know I speak on behalf of all of us at Costello when I say how grateful we are to Anil and Anupama for their leadership in strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, expanding opportunities for our students, alumni, and community members, and creating an engine of innovation that will fuel long-term value and opportunity for generations to come.”

For Anil Sharma, that connection between opportunity and responsibility is an important part of what comes next.

“Building a business taught me that success is never only about one person,” Sharma said. “People give you opportunities, people trust you, people teach you, and communities create the conditions in which you can grow. At some point, you have a responsibility to help create those opportunities for someone else. That is what Anupama and I hope this center will do.”

As the Costello College of Business approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, the Sharmas’ gift represents an investment in the college’s next 50 years, supporting expanded opportunity, greater access, and the real-world impact that will continue to shape its future. Their gift is part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, the university’s one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign.

The Costello College of Business plans to hold a formal naming event and celebration this fall.

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This business analytics major is pouring the foundation for a future in sports analytics

sholla4 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:43:49 +0000

This business analytics major is pouring the foundation for a future in sports analytics sholla4 Wed, 08/19/2026 - 09:43

When asked what advice he would give to students interested in internships, rising 911�� senior Dominic Jones said, "don't limit yourself."

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It's advice he's already following. This summer, the business analytics major in the Costello College of Business interned for Bognet Construction, focusing on project management.

Jones wants to work in sports analytics or analytics within consulting. But much like he advises, he's approaching his studies with an open mind. "Since you can do anything with business, I didn't want to home in on one sector just yet," he said.

When he met the Bognet Construction team at one of 911��'s career fairs, he saw an opportunity to broaden his horizons. "I don't have a background in construction," he said, "but the Bognet team was excited for me to learn and try. They wanted me to grow throughout each week."

His internship responsibilities include project management, supporting engineers, architects, and other project managers to ensure the build is on track. Despite this being a new field for him, his skills from business analytics have been able to transfer. "Being detail-oriented is really important in both," he said. "Every single little detail matters, because one error can build into a much bigger problem."

And just as Jones is growing into this role, he said the best part of the internship has been watching something grow from a blank space. "Seeing all the different subcontractors come and go, how the plans are communicated to them, how they get their jobs done: There's a lot that goes into good construction, and it's cool to see."

Jones is no stranger to teamwork. A member of the intramural basketball team, he understands the importance of maximizing strengths and communicating clearly and effectively. Working in construction, he said, has helped him further develop that skill. "There's so many moving parts and people; everyone has their own viewpoint and focus area. Learning how to communicate and work with everyone's individual skills and strengths is a skill I'll take into my classes and the workforce."

As Jones prepares to start his senior year at 911��, he's coming back to campus ready to take advantage of all the possibilities. "The more things you go to, the more opportunities you have to meet people and the chance to get the career you want," he said. "Go to events, join clubs, and try new avenues. You never know what opportunities might teach you that will make you stand out."

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This SAIC intern Excels in and out of the classroom

sholla4 — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:08:41 +0000

This SAIC intern Excels in and out of the classroom sholla4 Thu, 08/13/2026 - 09:08

Gabriella Lemus, a sophomore accounting major, entered 911��’s Costello College of Business with a head start and no plans on stopping. Not only is she a year ahead in school thanks to college and AP credit, she’s also been building her resume as a real estate agent and vice president of Mason Consulting Group. Now, she’s tackling her first summer internship with that same determination to excel.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Lemus is a project control intern for SAIC, a major government contractor, working on cleaning up invoices, updating reports, and ensuring all the accounting is correct.

Business analytics courses prepared her well for this position. “Knowing how to navigate Excel has really helped me, and that’s thanks to Professor Michael King. I was able to say confidently that I have strong Excel skills and experience when applying. I’m actually helping other interns improve their Excel skills, and they come to me with questions.”

Lemus may be teaching her fellow interns, but she’s doing plenty of learning as well. Being open-minded is, she said, a key part of the experience. “You have to be willing to learn everything, growing your knowledge and abilities in order to complete the tasks.”

Learning how to ask questions, for example, is one skill she’s working on improving. “I used to be very shy reaching out to my managers with questions,” she said. “I’ve gotten much more comfortable by reminding myself that people are here to help, that they are investing their time into me because they saw something in me. And if I have a question, others probably do too.”

Those communication skills are one tool she hopes to use in both future courses as well as her extracurriculars. As the vice president of Mason Consulting Group, she organizes events, interviews new consultants, and works with external clients. Communicating through differences in order to solve problems is an invaluable skill, one that she’s further developing through her SAIC internship.

Working within a large company has also given her valuable insights into how to best manage the growing consulting group and her growing career. Lemus works as a real estate agent for the Piano Home Group, with dreams of growing her own agency in the future. “I really love what I’m learning at SAIC, because I can apply it at a smaller level to my own business.”

If there’s one thing Lemus hopes her fellow students will learn from her experiences, it’s the importance of getting involved. “The networking at Costello has given me so many great opportunities, including this internship,” she said. “And it helps me academically, too. I’ve become a better student by being more engaged with my classmates.”

"One of the goals of the Costello Business faculty is to support our students in being 'Career Ready.' It is an inspiration to see how Gabriella Lemus is using the knowledge and skills that she learned in my Business Analytics classes to succeed in her internship," said King. "Her commitment to hard work and positive attitude will carry her far!"

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Sustainability commitments have serious consequences

Katelynn C Hipolito — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:29:09 +0000

Sustainability commitments have serious consequences Katelynn C Hipolito Fri, 08/07/2026 - 13:29

Amid increasingly stiff competition for capital, one way for a business to stand out is to make strong social impact pledges.

Yi Cao, assistant professor of accounting at Costello College of Business at 911��. Photo provided by Yi Cao.

For example, companies can voluntarily commit to environmental impact goals in hopes of attracting sustainability-minded investors and lowering cost of capital. However, it isn’t easy to tell whether these commitments, in and of themselves, make a difference to the marketplace—or, for that matter, to the planet.

“In regular settings, it’s really hard to evaluate the real economic effect of providing environmental commitments, and also establish that in making the commitment, the company is catering to real stakeholder preferences as opposed to their own idiosyncratic preferences,” says Yi Cao, assistant professor of accounting at Costello College of Business at 911��.

Cao’s paper in Review of Accounting Studies capitalizes on a unique setting that helps isolate the impact of environmental commitments. It was co-authored by John (Jianqiu) Bai of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Xiumin Martin of Washington University in St. Louis, and Chi Wan of San Diego State University. In 2018, leading crowdfunding platform Kickstarter added an optional “Environmental Commitments” section to project pages where creators could post about their sustainable practices (e.g., responsible sourcing, recyclable packaging, and/or low-emission manufacturing). The new feature was rolled out gradually across product categories, enabling the researchers to compare not only project-to-project differences, but also overall changes within entire Kickstarter verticals.

The researchers scraped information from Kickstarter pages to form a data-set comprising 173,874 observations of unique projects during the years 2016 to 2021. They also gathered data on a host of outcome variables, such as whether the project was successfully funded, how much money each project ultimately raised, how long it took for fully funded creators to deliver products to backers, etc.

The researchers found that, on average, about one-third of creators chose to declare an environmental commitment once doing so became possible in their category. Several of the largest categories (e.g., Design, Technology and Games) saw significantly higher take-up rates.

On the whole, projects that included environmental commitments were 13.2 percent more likely to be funded and increased the pledged amount relative to the funding goal by 8.7 percent.

Using Google BERT, a natural language processing model, the research team separated projects into two categories: those with largely local appeal, and those with a national market base. “We pre-trained the AI with all projects from 2010 to 2016 that had at least 50 backers, and measured the geographic dispersion of these projects’ backers traced by their IP address,” Cao explains.

The purpose was to spare the human researchers the tedious and painstaking work of hand-classifying every project in the data-set. The BERT results showed that national projects with eco-commitments received 62.2 percent more backers from more environmentally aware states—that is, states whose residents reported above-average levels of concern about climate change on the Yale Climate Opinion Maps—than local projects that had made eco-pledges.

For Cao, these findings add crucial nuance to the general idea that pledges of social responsibility help attract capital. In the Kickstarter example, projects of national scale benefited much more from eco-commitment because they were pitched to a larger and more diverse backer base, including environmentally aware consumers from other states.

Additionally, projects offering physical products, as opposed to intangible services, confronted tougher economic trade-offs resulting from e-commitment. “First and foremost, the Kickstarter creators want to know whether [e-commitment] will benefit them,” Cao says. “Because this is pretty costly, based on our analysis. It delays delivery and increases costs, because recycled and other eco-friendly materials, for example, are a little bit more expensive.”

The fact that entrepreneurs were clearly grappling with these economic challenges suggests that e-commitment amounts to more than mere “greenwashing.” “We find consistent evidence that when these small businesses are trying to access environmentally aware consumers through e-commitment, they do incur cost. It isn’t cheap talk. And that means that consumers are attracted by a genuine commitment, rather than lip service or a nice-sounding pitch,” Cao says.

In sum, Kickstarter’s e-commitment feature was a net improvement for the ecosystem, giving creators (especially those with national aspirations) access to an untapped source of consumer demand—namely, environmental awareness. At the same time, creators had to weigh the financial benefit against the increased costs of making good on environmental commitments.

Cao suspects that the same basic rules might apply to other types of pledges related to issues that animate large groups of consumers. “For example, AI is especially polarizing nowadays. You could appeal to consumers or investors who are polarized against the technology with a declaration that no AI was used in the creation of a product, etc. It could be anything where there are differing preferences, and a broader impact on the social perception of those preferences,” he says.

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Costello MBA alum leads the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting into the future

Katelynn C Hipolito — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:39:08 +0000

Costello MBA alum leads the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting into the future Katelynn C Hipolito Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:39

At the beginning of 2026, Mike Derrios, MBA ’06, returned home to the Costello College of Business at 911�� as the executive director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting.

Mike Derrios, MBA ’06, Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting Executive Director. Photo provided by Mike Derrios.

Bringing 30 years of experience across military, federal government, and private-sector organizations, he saw it as an ideal opportunity to strengthen the workforce, enhance the relationship between government and industry, and expand outreach. As Derrios explains, “We have the opportunity to inform and influence value-added offerings that can help the community reach better outcomes.”

Paramount to Derrios’s decision to take the job was the remarkable experience he had in the Costello MBA program and how it empowered him to take the next steps in his career. “The caliber of the professors and the curriculum set me up for success and gave me the tools that I needed to step into senior executive roles on the government side,” he says.

After separating from the United States Air Force, where he got his start in procurement, Derrios had hit a wall. In need of developing a business background, he turned to Costello, where he immediately felt that the faculty members understood the notion of service and his purpose for pursuing an MBA. “This university smiles on veterans and gives them the opportunity to advance,” he says.

“We have the opportunity to inform and influence value-added offerings that can help the community reach better outcomes.”

— Mike Derrios, MBA ’06, Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting Executive Director

Now, with attrition on both the government and industry sides of the acquisition workforce, Derrios is seizing the opportunity for the Baroni Center to help fill the gap. “We’ve added about 1,200 new people to our contact list, and that’s just from a couple of webinars that we’ve done so far,” he says. “And we’ve published several research papers so far this year that are laser-focused on highly relevant topics.” The center is continuing to expand education and training opportunities for professionals to upskill and advance their careers.

Since graduating, Derrios has witnessed the incredible growth of both the university and the business college, extending their impact and elevating their reputations across the country and around the world. With that growth, he sees increasing opportunities to broaden the Baroni Center’s reach and deepen its influence. Valued by policymakers across the political spectrum for its objective and nonpartisan viewpoints, the center is being consulted by senior government officials on new policy.

Along with reaching out from campus, the Baroni Center is also looking inward. “We brought people in for a storytelling event,” says Derrios. “And we’re going to actually bring those storytellers back to talk to students in the fall. We’ve got 40,000 brilliant minds on our campuses, and we want to connect some of them with people in government and industry to explore viable career paths. 911�� really has the potential to create a strong candidate pool for the future workforce.”

While the center will continue to devote significant attention to the defense market, Derrios plans to expand its focus on the civilian sector, launching new flagship events designed to convene leaders around research, innovation, and thought leadership.

After the Costello MBA helped transform his career, Derrios is eager to give back to his alma mater, continuing to elevate and expand the influence and impact of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting and connecting policy with practice.

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Costello MBA Executive Mentoring Program bridges experience and aspiration

Katelynn C Hipolito — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:13:50 +0000

Costello MBA Executive Mentoring Program bridges experience and aspiration Katelynn C Hipolito Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:13

When Q Miceli saw that the Costello College of Business at 911�� was offering the Executive Mentoring Program as part of the Costello MBA, she was all in. “I had just hit a point in my career where I started supervising more people and really wanted to get some perspective,” she says.

Q Miceli, Costello MBA Student. Photo provided by Q Miceli.

Cynthia “Cindi” Stuebner, MBA ’99, had recently left full-time employment to start a small business consulting firm for part-time work. “My experience at 911��, getting my MBA, was really valuable and very positive,” says Stuebner.

Miceli and Stuebner were matched through the MBA Executive Mentoring Program, which connects high-achieving Costello MBA students with accomplished C-suite executives who are Costello and 911�� alumni.

The program was developed and is run as a partnership between the Costello MBA and the Costello Alumni Chapter based on a mentoring program that Brad Stein, MBA ’94, had implemented at his company several years ago. The MBA program matches the mentors and mentees according to the professional needs, interests, and aspirations of the student.

“Cindi’s range of experience and the senior roles that she’s held—she’s been able to share with me all kinds of really valuable stories, anecdotes, and insights into how to be successful as a female executive, particularly when you are the only woman in the room or the highest-ranking woman in the room, and how to show up with a professional presence at meetings.”

— Q Miceli, Costello MBA Student

Cynthia “Cindi” Stuebner, MBA ’99. Photo provided by Cynthia “Cindi” Stuebner.

“Our Costello College of Business Alumni Chapter comprises alums with vast experience across a wide range of industries and a steadfast commitment to supporting our Costello students,” says Stein. “It has been a pleasure working with the MBA program leadership to put this MBA Executive Mentoring Program together and to see the impact our alums have on the professional lives of our MBA students."

Stein says the program has evolved and expanded significantly since the fall 2025 pilot. "We expect continued growth as we demonstrate increasing value to our MBA candidates," says Stein. "Our alumni are prepared to support and sustain this momentum.”

Rob Shaffer, who was completing a mix of online and in-person classes, really wanted to make sure he was taking advantage of everything that the MBA program had to offer. “I joined the MBA program to improve my soft skills and my ability to deal with people, and I really felt the mentoring program would be a great way to get some of the extracurricular benefits of the MBA program,” he says.

Shaffer was paired with Peter Conlon, Executive MBA ’96, who credits the Costello College of Business with changing the trajectory of his career. “I owe a great debt to the place, so I wanted to give back,” says Conlon.

At least once a month, the 10 mentor–mentee pairs met to share experiences, ask questions, and work through challenges together. To ensure productive conversations, students determined the discussion topics in advance, allowing their mentors to come prepared for each meeting.

Rob Shaffer, Costello MBA Student. Photo provided by Rob Shaffer.

Despite the differences in their ages and experience levels, Stuebner and Miceli found that they approached their work in remarkably similar ways.

“Cindi’s range of experience and the senior roles that she’s held—she’s been able to share with me all kinds of really valuable stories, anecdotes, and insights into how to be successful as a female executive, particularly when you are the only woman in the room or the highest-ranking woman in the room, and how to show up with a professional presence at meetings,” says Miceli.

One situation in particular was causing Miceli considerable concern. She began to question whether a direct report she had hired was the right fit and was unsure how to address it. Turning to Stuebner, she received practical, actionable advice that helped her navigate and ultimately resolve the issue.

After recently transitioning to a larger, international company, an environment quite different from what he was accustomed to, Shaffer benefited from Conlon’s big-picture perspective as he worked through unfamiliar challenges at work.

“I have a folder full of notes from some of Peter’s wisdom because I want to remember and be able to go back and look through the different insights he shared,” he says. “It is very nice to have somebody to talk to, to let you know you’re not crazy sometimes.”

Peter Conlon, EMBA ’96. Photo provided by Peter Conlon.

Conlon was cognizant of what his role as a mentor meant; he was there to help Shaffer become more comfortable in his role. “A mentor—you gotta listen,” he says. “That’s probably the number one skill.” Besides giving back and helping others, many mentors find that the program has helped their own careers and lives as they reflect on their own experiences and gain new perspectives. “It’s just been extremely rewarding and has given me more optimism about what I can still contribute,” says Stuebner.

Complementing a rigorous curriculum led by inspiring and knowledgeable faculty, the range of resources offered by the Costello MBA is designed to cultivate well-rounded leaders. Students benefit from mentors who bring deep professional expertise and a shared foundation as alumni, providing the support, clarity, and confidence needed to navigate their leadership paths successfully.

"At the Costello MBA, we continually strive to innovate across the full student experience by emphasizing learning that happens inside the classroom through market-responsive courses and stackable credentials, outside the classroom through experiential and hands-on learning, and beyond coursework through structured opportunities that support personal and professional growth,” says Ioannis Bellos, director of the Costello MBA program. “By building on the ecosystem of a large public university and 911��’s extensive alumni footprint in the region, these initiatives create a distinctive advantage for our students."

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Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:55:05 +0000

Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos Katarina Benson Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:55

Like many 911�� students, business major Camryn Weldon is spending her summer doing an internship. Unlike many other students, Weldon is also a Division I athlete and is balancing her work at government contractor Leidos with the demands of collegiate volleyball. The 911�� setter is spending her summer preparing for the upcoming season while gaining valuable experience in business development.

Weldon, junior and business major, is also a setter on the 911�� volleyball team. Photo provided

"I spent last summer here as a business development intern, helping the business secure their current contracts and allowing them to grow and expand into other areas," Weldon said. "I'm back this year supporting federal financials—basically the pursuit of business in federal financial agencies, so like the FTC, the Treasury."

Weldon has found that her coursework directly supports her professional ambitions.

"I'm a business major and my concentration is finance," she said. "[This internship has] been really good exposure, and it's allowed me to understand what it actually looks like. It's easy to get your degree and think that you're going to be interested in something, and then it's a whole another thing to be doing it every day and know what you want in a career."

Her academic background has enhanced her understanding of the technical side of the business. "Last summer I didn't really understand what all of the different aspects of IT services meant," she said. "[But this past year] one of my operations courses talked a lot about IT infrastructure and how all that stuff works, and so that really prepared me to understand the types of services Leidos provides."

Weldon credits her experience as a student-athlete for helping her excel in the professional world. The confidence she's built on the court translates seamlessly into the workplace.

"I think being comfortable speaking to people in positions of power is a really valuable skill. Interns are usually pretty scared to talk to people, but I've had to talk to adults on the phone since I was getting recruited in high school," she said.

"I've gotten great feedback from my manager. He told me that he can tell I'm a natural leader. Being put in positions of leadership because of my past experience as a student-athlete and previous summer internship allowed me to feel comfortable enough to let my leadership skills show."

Her competitive drive also finds a home in business development. "Business development is a competitive environment—which is nothing new to me," Weldon said.

Even while interning, Weldon remains committed to volleyball—though this summer has come with its own set of challenges. "I would say that's the most difficult part of having an internship is figuring out how to do it all," she said. "I'm definitely working to stay in shape, going to physical therapy when I can and staying mobile.”

As she heads into another year balancing athletics and work, Weldon is optimistic about her future in both arenas. "I'm looking to get a job here after graduation," she said. Whether she's leading on the court or in the conference room, Weldon continues to prove that the skills she's developed as a student-athlete are preparing her for whatever comes next.

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911�� and U.S. Air Force partner to rapidly field emerging capabilities

Katarina Benson — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:49:02 +0000

911�� and U.S. Air Force partner to rapidly field emerging capabilities Katarina Benson Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:49

A partnership between 911�� and the United States Air Force is accelerating the development and real-world deployment of technologies designed to support Air Force personnel operating around the globe.

Through a collaboration with U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT), 911�� faculty and students are working alongside military personnel to test emerging technologies, train the workforce that will use them, and move promising innovations from the laboratory into operational environments.

The effort builds on an educational partnership agreement established in 2023 and has since grown into a broader research and workforce development collaboration. Since 2023, AFCENT has invested nearly $10 million at 911�� to support experimentation, prototyping, and operational validation of new capabilities.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink addressed senior civilian and military leaders from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force financial management community, 911�� leadership and faculty, and AFCENT Futures Lab leaders at Fuse. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“A priority of AFCENT was becoming a more data-driven headquarters, upskilling the workforce and building capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, drones, advanced sensors, and data analytics,” said Brett Josephson, who leads the university’s work with AFCENT. “They looked for a partner who could bring together both technology development and the education needed to actually field those capabilities.”

The partnership leverages expertise from multiple 911�� schools and colleges, including the College of Engineering and Computing and the Costello College of Business. Other units, such as the Schar School for Policy and Government and the College of Science, contribute when additional expertise is needed.

Josephson, associate provost of learning initiatives at 911�� and associate professor of marketing in the Costello College of Business, said the collaboration works in two directions. 911�� researchers share insights on emerging technologies they are studying, while AFCENT leaders bring operational challenges that require new solutions.

That approach helps address a persistent challenge in defense innovation often referred to as the “valley of death”—the gap between research and real-world use.

“Too often, technologies are developed but never make it into the hands of the people who need them,” Josephson said. “By working directly with an operational command, we’re helping bridge the technology transition gap between the lab and the field.”

Research projects focus on areas such as robotics, sensor integration, AI, data analytics, and computer vision. New technologies and emerging capabilities are tested in 911�� labs before moving into field experimentation and, ultimately, operational validation overseas.

The collaboration has also created significant opportunities for 911�� students. More than 25 faculty members and nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate students have participated in AFCENT-supported projects so far, funded through fellowships, assistantships, and student wage positions.

Students are able to test technologies in real-world environments, working alongside faculty teams at Air Force bases in exercises to identify vulnerabilities in defense systems.

“These experiences give students the chance to work on real problems with real operational implications,” Josephson said.

The collaboration also includes training initiatives for military personnel. 911�� faculty have helped develop specialized courses, including a mechatronics program that combines robotics with computer and software engineering to support AFCENT teams working with emerging technologies such as drones and advanced sensor systems.

Participants in the U.S. Air Force and 911�� collaboration. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of Unversity Branding

In 2025, AFCENT designated 911�� as a duty station—AFCENT Bravo—where Air Force personnel can work alongside PhD and graduate students to ensure research innovations are operationally relevant and that personnel are prepared to use them.

This partnership is unique in that it directly connects a university with an operational combat command, enabling researchers to work closely with those responsible for executing missions. That direct connection allows George Mason researchers to better understand operational needs and rapidly develop technologies that can be deployed in the field.

It also reflects 911��’s broader strengths as a university located in the National Capital Region, where proximity to federal agencies, defense organizations, and industry partners creates opportunities for collaboration.

911�� facilities, such as Fuse at Mason Square, which was designed to promote collaboration, have also played a role in bringing together government, academic, and industry partners to tackle emerging challenges. In one example, the partnership helped support a 72-hour Department of War hackathon hosted at Fuse that brought together hundreds of participants across four continents to rapidly develop and deploy defense assets.

“Innovation in today’s security environment has to move faster than ever,” Josephson said. “Partnerships like this allow us to bring together researchers, students, and operational experts to rapidly field emerging capabilities that help protect our service members and keep Americans safe.”

As the collaboration grows, 911�� leaders hope it will serve as a model for future partnerships between universities and national security organizations, demonstrating how research, education, and operational experience can combine to meet rapidly evolving global challenges.

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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 911��’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 911��, 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 911��. 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 911��, 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 911�� 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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Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting

Katarina Benson — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:52:50 +0000

Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting Katarina Benson Mon, 05/11/2026 - 14:52

At its final meeting of the academic year, the 911�� Board of Visitors saluted graduates from the Early Identification Program, received an update on the men’s basketball program from Coach Tony Skinn, and passed a six-year capital plan, among other actions, including approval of a tuition and fees increase for 2026-27.

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, reported that 41 proposals (16 large, 25 small) had been submitted for the Grand Challenge Initiative. The initial funding recipients were announced in The George on May 6.

Faculty from all colleges and schools, including Mason Korea, submitted applications. Marshall noted that 38 of the proposals included more than one 911�� college or school and six proposals involved five or more colleges and schools.

“This initiative strengthens 911��'s competitiveness for large interdisciplinary awards,” Marshall said. “It also reshapes how we organize our institutional research. Finally, most importantly, it positions us to lead solutions to some of our most urgent societal needs, living up to our responsibility as a top-tier research university.”

Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, shared successes from his department and brought along a special guest—men’s basketball coach Tony Skinn. Women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis will be a guest at a future Athletic Committee meeting.

Lewis reported significant increases in corporate sponsorships, fundraising (including $2 million on Giving Day, doubling last year’s total), ticket sales, and men’s basketball attendance.

To improve student turnout at athletic events, the university is creating the position of assistant director of student involvement for student fan engagement. According to the job posting, the role “focuses on fostering connections between students, student organizations, and athletic programs to build a vibrant, spirited campus culture.”

“Most schools don't have that,” Lewis said. “But it shows the shared commitment in engaging our students, creating a community for our students, and our investment at the university level to make that happen.”

Under Skinn, the Patriots have posted three consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in program history and amid a challenging recruiting environment. The team was co-regular season champion of the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2024-25 and has reached the NIT the past two postseasons. 911�� will enter the 2026-27 season seeking its first NCAA men’s basketball berth since 2011.

Skinn said the Basketball and Academic Performance Center for the men’s and women’s teams set to open in 2027 will be “transformational” for the program because it combines the team’s athletic and academic resources. The BAPC is a 27,870 square-foot addition and 14,341 square-foot renovation to the existing Recreation and Athletic Complex and will include a modern academic advising center for all 911�� student-athletes.

“Through men's basketball, I believe a return on investment reaches far beyond the game itself, driving enrollment, strengthening alumni engagement, fueling fundraising, elevating national relevance and deepening 911�� pride,” Skinn told the board. “That is what a successful basketball program can do for this university.”

Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 911�� Foundation, reported that the university has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion Mason Now: Power the Possible goal. That includes $2.95 million raised from Giving Day on April 2, topping the $1.5 million collected last year for Giving Day.

Athletics, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Costello College of Business each had a record number of donors this year.

Bowden said that 237 faculty and staff made donations on Giving Day, and the day included 500 first-time donors.

The board congratulated 19 members of the Early Identification Program (EIP) who are graduating this month. Among them was Monica Amaya, an Honors College student and University Scholar who is earning a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management information systems.

EIP provides academic preparation, leadership training, and college process guidance for first-generation students starting in the eighth grade. EIP is marking its 40th anniversary this year. More than 200 EIP alumni are currently enrolled at the university.

“When I arrived here at 911��, I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch,” said Amaya, who is from Manassas Park, Virginia. “It felt like I was continuing a journey. One I had already been prepared for. I felt supported, and most importantly, I felt like I belonged.

“I carry with me everything that EIP and 911�� have given me: Resilience, a drive to learn, and a strong sense of community. My success didn't happen by chance. It started with access, it started with support. It started with EIP.”

Amaya, an EIP peer mentor, has a job lined up at CACI as a software developer.

Leaders from three of the university’s schools and colleges made pitches to the board for new or upgraded facilities.

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, presented a plan to turn Point of View into a retreat and conflict center that could accommodate overnight visitors. Özerdem envisions a “civilian Camp David.”

Point of View, located in Lorton, Virginia, about 18 miles from the Fairfax Campus, is a retreat and research center guided by Carter School faculty. The facility, on 120 wooded acres on Belmont Bay, provides space and support for groups to resolve conflict, heal, and reconcile, and is also a community event space.

Özerdem said that the most effective conflict resolution programs enable participants to spend extended time together in common living and gathering spaces.

“When people share the dinner table, if they sleep under the same roof, they start to think about peace in a different way,” Özerdem said. “Live, think, negotiate together is what we want to achieve.”

Ozerdem said the university has secured $4 million from the state and needs another $10 million to upgrade the facility. He said a public–private partnership is one option.

Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, made a presentation to the board about CVPA fundraising activities and a proposed $104 million project for a new Center for the Arts. The current center opened in 1990.

“When the arts programs of 1990 are all counted up, we had 250 students and we now have 1,800 students majoring in all of our arts disciplines,” Davis said. "The building that we designed in the 1980s was designed for a whole different universe.”

Davis mentioned other potential projects, including a planning study for a new facility for the film and video studies program and game design program to share. Those programs currently are based in the Art and Design Building. Davis also discussed an “arts district vision” that would include a sculpture garden and campus museum.

Patrick Soleymani, associate dean of the Costello College of Business, presented a plan for a new business school building, an initiative that began in 2018. The proposed $165 million project is part of the university’s six-year capital plan (see below).

Soleymani said that Northern Virginia has more than 130,000 open jobs, including 80% in tech-related field, many of which are affiliated with business school graduates.

“Our reputation has outgrown our infrastructure,” Soleymani said. “A new home for Costello directly enhances student success and strengthens the university's position as being in charge of the economic engine of this community and region.”

The six-year capital plan includes several proposed projects. It establishes the university’s capital requests to be submitted to the commonwealth for consideration. The plan is updated on an annual basis and approved by the Board of Visitors.

Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB): Proposed as 150,000-square-foot building that will modernize and replicate the spaces within David King Hall and Planetary Hall to allow 911�� to repurpose or demolish the two antiquated facilities in accordance with the Master Plan.
Costello College of Business Building: The approximately 150,000-square-foot building is anticipated to collocate the Costello College of Business operations. A new building would allow for technology-rich, experiential business education while significantly improving visibility and competitiveness.
Baseball Stadium: Would address long-standing facility shortcomings and support the student-athlete experience and recruitment. The current facility has metal bleachers and no restrooms, lights, or concessions.
High-Performance Training Center: Envisioned in partnership with a potential private partner to leverage shared investment and expertise.
Field House: The current facility has exceeded its useful life and no longer meets current programmatic or building system standards.

The April 30 meeting documents can be accessed here. A video recording and transcript of the meeting is here.

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