Shayla Brown

Rising senior’s internship steers her in the right direction

sbrown79 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:57:33 +0000

Rising senior’s internship steers her in the right direction sbrown79 Wed, 08/19/2026 - 10:57

At first glance, it might seem usual for a graphic design major to intern at a car dealership. But for 911�� rising senior Rayna Roades, her role as a marketing operations intern at Pohanka Automotive has revealed a strong connection between the creative skills she’s learned in the classroom and the work she’s doing in the professional world.

One of her major projects with the company has been putting together Pohanka’s annual student yearbook, an assignment she said connects directly to what she learned in her AVT 313 Publication Design course.

“In my publication design course, I learned a lot about how to set up a good book. We did a cookbook and a magazine, both of which were really instrumental in preparing me to set up the yearbook,” said Roades.

Roades (second from left) and her internship colleagues. Photo provided.

At Pohanka Automotive, Roades is gaining hands-on experience in marketing, publication design, and photography. Roades said the internship has strengthened the creative and technical skills she’s developed at 911�� and reinforced one of the biggest lessons she has learned so far: Growth often comes through trial and error.

“It's a lot of hard work, but it’s fun. Now, I'm confident in my ability to do things like set up a media program, quick color grading, and artistically capture a story through a video or one still image,” she said.

Her contributions to the company’s marketing efforts include filming and editing content, auditing websites, and contacting customers.

Roades, who has a minor in studio art, also contributed to event planning for Pohanka, coordinating the company’s Fourth of July parade entry in Leesburg, Virginia. She managed details such as costumes, decorations, vehicle assignments, and communication with parade organizers.

Roades (second from left) working alongside her internship colleagues. Photo provided.

Beyond the technical work, Roades said the internship has given her a better understanding of workplace culture. She travels between dealerships to photograph and interview fellow interns for the company yearbook.

During her breaks, she visits different parts of the company and talks with employees across brands, including Acura, Lexus, and Chevrolet, to better understand the organization and create more authentic content. Interns also meet weekly at the Pohanka Automotive Operations Center to learn from one another and share updates on their work.

Roades said 911�� faculty played an important role in preparing her for the opportunity as she was recommended for the internship by a professor and advisor, who helped her build the foundation she now uses every day.

“Rayna is an exceptional and imaginative student who consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and creativity,” said School of Art adjunct faculty member Peter Kery, who taught Roades’s Publication Design course.

“She approaches every task with careful attention to craft and detail, particularly in image-making and illustration. Based on her performance in class, I believe she has the potential to become a strong leader who can think critically and take initiative,” he said.

Roades also works as a media lab specialist in Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) and hopes to expand her content creation skills by contributing to social media efforts connected to the Makerspace as well as to the Flourish and Bloom Research Lab in the College of Public Health.

“911�� and my professors have done such a great job of making sure that I can transition from college into the work industry,” Roades said.

For other students preparing for internships and careers, Roades offers simple advice: “We have a saying in sales: Selling is 90% emotion and 10% facts. Be nice to people.”

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College of Visual and Performing Arts

Bioengineering senior gives back through a Morocco clinic internship

sbrown79 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:17:27 +0000

Bioengineering senior gives back through a Morocco clinic internship sbrown79 Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:17

Although she was born in the United States, 911�� senior Meriam Belainass feels a special connection to Morocco thanks to extended family and friends who live there. She’s also had two summer internships there.

Belainass, who visits Morocco every year, recently interned at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field,” said Belainass, who is majoring in bioengineering in the College of Engineering and Computing. “Interning in Morocco has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I also interned at a Moroccan clinic last summer and the fact that I'm able to continue to contribute to my community in this way is really special.”

Meriam Belainass interning at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo provided.

During her visit last summer, Belainass completed a biomedical engineering internship at Sheikh Zaid Hospital in Casablanca, where she gained experience with medical equipment and hospital operations.

At the clinic, Belainass observed preventive maintenance procedures and ensured devices were safe and ready for patient care by inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting medical equipment, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scanners, ultrasound systems, patient monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, and electrocardiogram machines.

“This opportunity has strengthened my technical ability, broadened my perspective on health care, and reinforced my commitment to improving patient care through medical technology,” said Belainass, who plans to complete her master’s in 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master's Program.

In addition to working with hospital equipment, she also gained experience with beauty center technologies such as Derma View, Alma IQ, high intensity focused ultrasounds, and Pico Laser systems.

Belainass, who has a concentration in imaging and devices, said the internship has given her insight into a different health care system while strengthening both her technical and professional skills.

“During this internship, I helped ensure medical equipment is safe, accurate, and reliable, supporting health care professionals in providing effective patient care,” said Belainass. “The skills I'm developing are invaluable, and I know I’ll take them with me throughout my medical career.”

Belainass’s greatest strength is her genuine passion for learning, according to her mentor and supervisor at Clinique Al Madina, biomedical engineer Fatima Zahra Fakhrouni.

Meriam Belainass interning at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo provided.

“Meriam adapted to the clinical environment really quickly,” said Fakhrouni. “Her commitment to understanding the equipment and taking on new challenges was particularly impressive. This kind of mindset will undoubtedly serve her well throughout her career.”

Belainass continues to build an impressive academic and professional resumé outside of this internship as well.

Before transferring to 911��, she earned two associate degrees from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)—one in architecture and one in engineering. She’s currently on track to complete a third associate degree in computer science from NOVA this fall.

“I was surprised by how much biomedical engineers contribute behind the scenes to keep medical equipment functioning safely and efficiently,” she said. “I learned that attention to detail, teamwork, and preventive maintenance are essential for ensuring patient safety and reliable health care technology.”

For students interested in a similar path, Belainass encourages them to seek out as many hands-on opportunities as they can.

“Take advantage of internships and study-abroad opportunities,” she said. “Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to build technical skills, gain confidence, and prepare for a career in biomedical engineering.”

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Zaakir Khan interned with Old Glory DC on their playoff run

sbrown79 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:56:01 +0000

Zaakir Khan interned with Old Glory DC on their playoff run sbrown79 Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:56

As a defenseman on 911��’s ice hockey team, rising senior Zaakir Khan knows a thing or two about team sports. But for a recent internship, he stepped off the ice—and out of his comfort zone.

“I've never watched rugby in my entire life, but I just went in determined to learn and figure it out,” said Khan, who spent the summer as an intern for Major League Rugby (MLR) team Old Glory DC, assisting the team as they made their way to the playoffs.

Khan, who is majoring in computational and data sciences in the College of Science, learned how a professional sports organization works, attending the team’s training camps and practices, observing and organizing drills, filming and cutting clips, and breaking down analytics.

Zaakir Khan (right) with an Old Glory Rugby colleague. Photo provided.

“They introduced me to the app, Huddle Sports Code, so I would film parts of the practice, cut clips, and then organize them for the players and coaches to see where they’re succeeding and what they could work on in the future,” Khan said.

The team practiced twice a day, often on 911��’s Fairfax Campus, and was split into two groups: the forwards and the backs.

“The coaches asked me to keep track of game scores and drop balls. I was also able to fly a drone, which was awesome and gave us a nice bird's eye view of the field,” said Khan. “It was a really cool progression from just observing to reporting the whole practice on my own.”

During actual games, there was a bit more pressure.

“I helped set up a computer for our medical tent to re-watch any concussions that potentially happened,” said Khan. “The cameras covered different angles so if any MLR players are injured with a concussion, for example, they go straight to the tent, and medical personnel look on the computer and review the hit to see how egregious it was.”

But Khan’s favorite spot, by far, was the coach’s box. "It was super unbelievable being in that environment and helping to live code the game.” Live coding, Khan explained, involved creating a real-time Excel sheet with all the relevant game statistics.

“Statistics tell a story and the coaches needed those stats—penalties, drops, turnovers—on the fly. With live coding, I was able to get that information to them as quickly as possible,” Khan said. “The sooner you can get this information, the better, but it also has to be accurate because those numbers turned into halftime stats and game reports."

Khan uses the app, Huddle Sports Code, for his internship with Old Glory Rugby. Photo provided.

He credits Craig Esherick, his SPMT 201 Introduction to Sports Management professor with helping him get the internship.

“Professor Esherick was kind enough to help me get my foot into the door,” said Khan, who is working on a minor in sports management. “I got a meeting with the head of the team’s sports analytics department who invited me on for the season.”

“I was very impressed with how quickly Zaakir learned about rugby and the league. It was a lot to learn in a short amount of time,” said Esherick, a professor and the chair of the Sport Management Program in 911��’s College of Education and Human Development. “He developed great relationships with the players and the staff with Old Glory and became an important part of their team this season.”

Although Old Glory’s season ended at the playoffs, Khan didn’t let that stop his momentum. He is currently a data science intern at Peraton, a national security and technology company.

“I’m learning how data, data quality, and data hygiene work. I’m hoping to use this knowledge and transition it into sports analytics after I graduate. I’d say both internships as well as 911�� have really prepared me for that,” Khan said.

Advance your career with an internship at 911��

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911��’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer

sbrown79 — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:28:37 +0000

911��’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer sbrown79 Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:28

A new high-resolution mass spectrometer is coming to 911��’s Center for Molecular Engineering (CME) this fall, thanks to $1 million Community Project Funding.

Mikell Paige. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The federal funding was by sponsored by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (10th District) and emphasizes 911��’s place as one of only six Virginia universities with Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s R1 designation. 

The spectrometer, which will be housed at 911��’s Science and Technology Campus, will be instrumental in expanding regional research capacity and workforce training. Curricula utilizing the spectrometer is currently in development.

“I want to thank Congressman Subramanyam and his staff for securing this federal funding. With the mass spectrometer, we can train students in data acquisition and analysis tools,” said Mikell Paige, director of CME and chair of 911��’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science. “Our center has also been working with local biotechs, government agencies, and other universities. Researchers in these partner facilities rely on us for data analysis, and 911�� students will be able to go into these local industries that require these skillsets after they graduate.”

Through the center, Paige has built a robust group of collaborators including institutions, such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Capital Biosciences, and Amerimmune, and universities, such as Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, Georgetown, and the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany.

911��'s Center for Molecular Engineering team. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Paige has a background in synthetic chemistry and works in drug discovery, meaning he can synthesize novel, small molecules and design drug molecules as potential medicine. His work has centered on antibacterial and antiviral efforts, and areas such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis—areas where small molecules are necessary for the research process. 

When Paige came to 911��, he wanted to build a program where he could conduct and expand this research alongside his students. Their work on mass spectrometry prompted their need for the high-resolution component for small molecules. 

“We will also have a continuing education component where local industries could send their companies to come train with our faculty and students to learn how to do the data analysis on their own, as well as provide the core services where they can do a fee-for-service running of samples,” said Paige.

“This opportunity makes our center an amazing place for us all to meet other academics and collaborate.”

“There is tremendous research and discovery happening right here in our region,” said Subramanyam. “I can’t wait to see what the mass spectrometer will allow Professor Paige and 911�� students to accomplish as they work toward improving our understanding of medicine.”

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911�� sociologists advance families’ economic mobility through Fairfax County pilot program

sbrown79 — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:45:39 +0000

911�� sociologists advance families’ economic mobility through Fairfax County pilot program sbrown79 Mon, 06/29/2026 - 10:45

An innovative partnership between 911��, Fairfax County, and the United Way is shedding light on how guaranteed income can support working families facing economic hardship. 

Throughout the county’s 18-month Economic Mobility Pilot Program, 911�� researchers Amy Best and Eliz Storelli investigated how unrestricted cash payments, when combined with organizational resources from local and state government and community nonprofits, affect the financial mobility of the county’s asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) population, which represent a third of Fairfax County residents, according to the United Way.

ALICE are essential workers—teachers, medical assistants, postal office staff, Lyft, Uber, and bus drivers—that drive the local economy but have wages that are too low to make ends meet living in the county. For the Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot, 180 households were randomly selected from a pool of 2,400 eligible applicants from across 10 zip codes in the county with greater economic vulnerability. This guaranteed income pilot is among more than 150 municipal unrestricted cash pilots across the United States since 2020.

Eliz Storelli (left) presenting the results of the pilot program. Photo provided.

“The county hopes to use the pilot intervention as an opportunity to engage in systems-level change, improve service delivery, support programming, and policy design to better promote economic mobility and prosperity among Fairfax residents," said Best, professor of sociology and director for 911��’s Center for Social Science Research. 

After 20 months of data collection and analysis, the research team submitted four major reports to Fairfax County. They have presented research findings to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Human Services Council, as well as at the 2026 Eastern Sociological Society conference. 

The results were clear: Unrestricted cash payments had a profound stabilizing effect, and in some cases boosted financial mobility for participating ALICE families.

Nearly 42% of participants reported they improved their credit scores, and many used the funds to pay down debts, earn credentials, and move closer to degree completion and better job prospects. The pilot provided participants with the “gift of time” enabling pilot participants to strengthen connections with family and community.

Best and Storelli served as co-principal investigators on the pilot program, which reflects the Center for Social Science Research's strong commitment to community-partnered scholarship.

Funding was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a legislative proposal introduced by the Biden-Harris administration in 2021, and the Human Services Innovation Fund. Each household received a guaranteed monthly income of $750 for the duration of the pilot, in addition to their regular earned income.

“This program differs from other kinds of policy interventions because the unrestricted cash was distributed with a trust and invest philosophy, which is a policy philosophy that assumes that people are the experts in their own lives,” Best said. These families know what they need, so we don’t have restrictions on how the money is spent.” 

The research team also worked closely with a community advisory board to ensure fidelity to the community and benefit from community expertise in research design, collection, and analysis.

That trust proved meaningful. Through three waves of surveys, three rounds of interviews, and 10 focus groups, the team documented both immediate economic relief, and broader changes in well-being and opportunity among the participants.

Emma Vetter Taylor. Photo provided.

For lead graduate researcher, Emma Vetter Taylor, PhD Sociology ’26, the human impact became clear after speaking with participants.

“During the interviews, parents told me about how they bought things like bunk beds and Christmas trees for the first time. It was really meaningful for them and their kids. As a sociologist, seeing their stress levels decrease from the first to the second interview and hearing about the positive impacts it had on their lives was really inspiring,” Taylor said.

“Being part of the mobility project was truly the highlight of my experience at George Mason,” she added. “It was invaluable learning from two really impressive researchers like Amy and Eliz, but then also having the opportunity to be able to conduct research myself.”

Fairfax County’s government works closely with community partners. Storelli, affiliate faculty at the center, Department of Sociology and Anthropology associate professor and undergraduate director, emphasized that these partnerships were essential because economic hardship does not exist in isolation, but is shaped by systems, structures, and long-standing inequalities.

“We have to look at what holds these financial problems in place,” Storelli said. “The government has made investments in people in the past and they can do it again in a way that is more inclusive so that everybody can take advantage of these community resources.”

For Best, Storelli, and their student team, the pilot shows that when local government and its community partners invest in people, the results can extend far beyond finances, building greater community trust, connection, and belonging. They can improve stability, reduce stress, strengthen well-being, and help families prepare for a healthier, more secure future.

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Department of Sociology and Anthropology

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Research

911�� research initiative examines subversive campaigns and prepares students for communication careers in new areas

sbrown79 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:06:03 +0000

911�� research initiative examines subversive campaigns and prepares students for communication careers in new areas sbrown79 Tue, 06/23/2026 - 10:06

As debates over digital propaganda, misinformation, and media manipulation intensify, audiences are increasingly unsure what’s fact and what’s fiction across news outlets and social media feeds. At 911��, Sergei Samoilenko, associate professor in the Department of Communication,is working to better understand how digital disruption and manipulation practices shape public perception.

In 2016, Samoilenko, MA Communication '06, PhD Communication ’20, co-founded the Lab for Character Assassination and Reputation Protection (CARP), where he studies reputational attacks on individuals and organizations, and strategies to counter them. Samoilenko works alongside CARP co-founder Eric Shiraev, an adjunct faculty member at the Schar School of Policy and Government.

Samoilenko (bottom center) with his team, including CARP co-founder Eric Shiraev (right). Photo provided.

Through CARP, Samoilenko recently launched the Subversive Strategic Communication Research Initiative, examining how new era subversive campaigns disrupt conversations, hijack brands, and damage reputations through malicious actors ranging from trolls to angry activist groups that use boycotts, cancellation campaigns, and deepfakes to target brands and corporate executives.

The team is currently focusing on corporate subversive practices. The takeover of corporate identities is often intertwined with the hot-button issues present in public discourse that can be amplified by various agents of chaos and turned into social conflict situations. 

“We call them subversive because they aim to disrupt communication between brands and their stakeholders while subverting the original meaning, ideas, or identity of organizations,” Samoilenko said. “With new technologies emerging every day, artificial intelligence-generated deceptions and deepfakes are being created and spread at an alarming rate.”

By calling public attention to emerging malicious practices, the researchers hope this initiative will expose and combat these tactics—work that aligns with 911��’s broader commitment to strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy, one of the six solutions in the university's Grand Challenge Initiative. 

The center’s research is a collaborative effort, but when it comes to understanding how online culture evolves, Samoilenko said students often have an advantage. “Students are leading the discussions because they’re digital natives. When it comes to platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, they’re more knowledgeable about subversive humor—memes, trends, scandals, and general news—and they see a lot of things that faculty don’t,” he said. “My job is to teach them how to synthesize that information and explain it from a theoretical standpoint.”

Valentina Fala. Photo provided.

One of CARP’s defining strengths is the student-centered approach. This model helped shape the careers of students and recent graduates. 

Alumna Valentina Fala, BA Communication ’25, transferred to 911�� from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) through the ADVANCE Program. Initially a CARP videography intern, Fala became a full-time media manager and intern supervisor. She credits that experience and Samoilenko’s mentorship with helping her secure her current role as communications coordinator at Spirit of America. 

“There's so much disinformation, and it’s important to be able to distinguish false narratives from the truth,” Fala said. “It’s one of the biggest challenges to democracy right now, and it’s essential to counter that with the truth.”

Fala helped organize CARP’s fifth international conference at Mason Square, featuring Michael LaRosa, former press secretary for former first lady Jill Biden.

“It was really impactful hearing his perspective and experiences on what he had to go through and manage with the media, and how women often face more character assassination attempts against their image,” Fala said.

Deirdre Prigge. Photo provided.

Deirdre Prigge, BA Communication ’23, MA ’24, also transferred from NOVA through ADVANCE and said she’s fascinated by the darker side of communication. 

“Deception is not just immoral communication, but it’s often used to achieve a certain goal,” Prigge said. “To understand how we're being persuaded, we must understand the ideological conflicts that our society is currently experiencing and how that gray area of communication works.”

Prigge, host of the CARP Radio podcast, credits 911��’s Summer Podcast and Radio Camp with Rodger Smith for preparing her for this role. 

“That's where I learned to edit audio in Audacity. Without Dr. Smith’s guidance, I wouldn’t have been nearly as knowledgeable when it comes to executing this podcast to spread the center’s work,” Prigge said.

After earning two degrees through 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program, Prigge became an adjunct faculty member and CARP research affiliate. “I think a lot of people would like a very simple and easy flowchart of how they should respond in a moment of crisis,” she said. “Unfortunately, there is almost never one clear answer, but I believe that above all, authenticity is one of the most important values in communication.”

The center’s work continues to gain an international audience. CARP’s sixth conference, “Character Assassination in the Era of Permanent Crisis,” is scheduled for May 2027 at University of Piraeus in Greece.

This initiative supports strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy solution of 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

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Eric B. Shiraev

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From 911�� to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path

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

From 911�� to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path sbrown79 Fri, 05/29/2026 - 13:49

During her final semester at 911��, 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 911��.

"When I first came to 911��, 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 911��'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 911��. "[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 911�� 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 911�� 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 911�� education has prepared her to contribute to building a future in which communities are better prepared to face environmental change.

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Younsung Kim

Learn more about the Honors College

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Building a strong foundation one course at a time

sbrown79 — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:26:49 +0000

Building a strong foundation one course at a time sbrown79 Fri, 05/15/2026 - 13:26

As one of the key focal points of 911��’s Grand Challenge Initiative, building a climate-resilient society requires not just innovation in sustainable infrastructure, but innovation in how the university prepares future leaders in sustainability.

Assistant professor Xijin “Emma” Zhang recently launched CEIE 499/619 Innovations in Civil Engineering Materials, a first-of-its-kind special topics course in 911��’s College of Engineering and Computing that aims to give students—undergraduate and graduate alike from any degree program — a strong foundation in the emerging technologies that are reshaping the future of civil engineering.

Emma Zhang presents to her students. Photo by Shayla Brown/Office of University Branding.

The course was developed after Zhang submitted a proposal to the Institute for a Sustainable Earth’s Creating Impactful Research Connections Through Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) program. Following panel review, the proposal was selected for development, an outcome that underscores 911��’s emphasis on translating research into real-world solutions.

“My hope is that the course helps students understand how climate issues impact material properties and how we can improve material properties [when designing] future infrastructure,” said Zhang.

In the course, students study the fundamental physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of major construction materials, including aggregates, steel, concrete, asphalt, and wood. This course also introduces students to analytical techniques for assessing material performance and explores how advancements in civil engineering materials are influencing modern design, construction, and sustainability practices.

“I noticed that there was an opportunity to further expand students’ exposure to civil engineering materials within the CEIE program, and I really wanted to help students become more familiar with this topic,” Zhang said. “While developing this course, I spoke with government agencies and community partners that specialize in sustainability design in the Northern Virginia area and beyond to better understand the skills and knowledge communities and industries are seeking from future professionals in terms of sustainable infrastructure techniques and materials.”

One of Zhang's students presents his work. Photo by Shayla Brown/Office of University Branding.

Those conversations also highlight another defining strength of 911��: its close connections to government, industry, and regional partners. Zhang engaged with organizations including Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Federal Highway Administration’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

 Discovery interviews with these partners helped shape the course around real-world priorities such as safety, cost efficiency, and sustainability maintenance. In turn, students’ semester projects focus on analyzing the life-cycle of construction materials, encouraging them to think critically about how engineering decisions affect both infrastructure performance and environmental outcomes.

In preparing the course, Zhang also worked with 911��’s University Sustainability to learn more about sustainable materials and practices already being implemented across campuses.

“I ask students to think about how materials are produced. For example, we need to consider their manufacturing process and the amount of carbon emissions associated with it,” Zhang said. “Also, I encourage students to think about what happens at the end of the materials’ life cycle, how can we recycle or re-utilize it for another project?”

Zhang said she hopes students will carry this mindset into their future careers in the civil engineering industry.

Senior civil engineering major Andres Lozano already sees how the course connects classroom learning to real-world impact Lozano hopes to enter the civil engineering field, specializing in structural and water resources engineering.

“I see this class as an opportunity to learn about innovations in materials and to contribute to the industry with new applications that are not yet widely used in current practice,” Lozano said. “There is still a gap between research and field implementation, but in Professor Zhang’s class, we’re working toward filling that gap by analyzing the performance and sustainability of current material applications and exploring potential improvements for future practice.”

Lozano, a Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s student, also works as a research assistant in 911��’s Flood Hazards Research Lab revising projects for real-world clients from jurisdictions such as Fairfax County, Arlington County, the City of Petersburg, the City of Emporia, and the Town of Jarratt in Virginia.

Zhang and her students in the Engineering Building. Photo by Shayla Brown/Office of University Branding.

“The bridge infrastructure in Virginia and throughout the country is facing challenges related to aging, durability and rehabilitation,” Lozano said. “I see myself contributing to the development of rehabilitation strategies, that strengthen infrastructure resilience and protect the communities that depend on it. This course’s focus on materials and construction methodologies is such a good fit for me, and I now feel more prepared to take on these challenges in a professional setting.”

Through courses like Innovations in Civil Engineering Materials, 911�� is equipping students with the technical expertise, collaborative mindset, and community-connected experience needed to lead in a rapidly changing world. In doing so, the university continues to advance its mission of producing knowledge that matters—and solutions that strengthen communities locally and globally.

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Emma (Xijin) Zhang

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Sustainability

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From Cambodia to Carter School: Avery Butler builds a future in peacebuilding at 911��

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

From Cambodia to Carter School: Avery Butler builds a future in peacebuilding at 911�� sbrown79 Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:56

When 911�� senior Avery Butler was 16 years old, his family traveled to Cambodia to visit the Killing Fields, the massacre sites associated with the country’s brutal Khmer Rouge era. The experience would change Butler’s perspective on life and inspire him to pursue a professional career in peacebuilding.

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

At 911��, Butler found a place where he could turn those questions into action and has taken advantage of experiential learning opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. 

Butler’s work at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution highlights 911��’s emphasis on career-connected learning and real-world impact. Through hands-on learning, global experiences, and leadership opportunities, he has built an academic and professional path centered on dialogue, empathy, and impact. 

As part of the Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program, Butler plans to continue his education at 911�� this fall.

Avery Butler. Photo provided.

During his time at 911��, Butler had an internship with the university’s Dialogue Across Differences initiative where he coordinated multiple workshops, including an all-women’s discussion and a session with international students. 

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

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

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

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

In that role, Butler has planned multiple events for Carter School’s Political Leadership Academy, including the inaugural Global Insider Reconciliation Summit held last year at 911��’s Point of View Retreat Center in Lorton, Virginia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In This Story

Leslie Durham

Learn more about Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

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Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

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Global Gateway Program

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911�� secures grant to expand high school cybersecurity internships in Northern Virginia

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

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

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

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

“Given the gap between the number of cybersecurity-related job openings and the number of skilled graduates, creating opportunities for younger learners to spark that interest is critical,” said Liza Wilson Durant, director of the CCI Northern Virginia Node and associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement at 911��.

CCI 2025 at CGI Bootcamp. Photo provided.

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

“We are proud to collaborate with 911�� in growing the next generation of cybersecurity talent through the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Internship Program,” said Nene Spivy, Chief Executive Officer at the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. “Together we provide students with practical workplace skills and direct exposure to industry and careers that are critical to our nation’s future.”

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

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

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

CCI 2025 at CGI Bootcamp. Photo provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annamalai credits her experience with the CCI Program for helping to prepare her for the courses in 911��’s cybersecurity program.

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

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

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

Learn about Cybersecurity at 911��

In This Story

Liza Wilson Durant

Topics

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)

education-to-employment pathways

Community Engagement

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Students

Cybersecurity

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911��’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer

911�� sociologists advance families’ economic mobility through Fairfax County pilot program

911�� research initiative examines subversive campaigns and prepares students for communication careers in new areas

From 911�� to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path

From Cambodia to Carter School: Avery Butler builds a future in peacebuilding at 911��

911�� secures grant to expand high school cybersecurity internships in Northern Virginia