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NSF grants to support novel space weather prediction models and cybersecurity that could help further non-terrestrial infrastructure

sholla4 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:08:43 +0000

NSF grants to support novel space weather prediction models and cybersecurity that could help further non-terrestrial infrastructure sholla4 Thu, 10/15/2026 - 14:08

Our modern world relies on satellite networks, from television broadcasts, internet connectivity, cell phone service, GPS, defense, weather forecasting, and more. So, what happens when a major space weather event hits one of these satellites, such as a geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection? And how can we forecast if these types of events are coming?

Edward Oughton. Photo provided

Edward Oughton, associate professor of geography and geoinformation science in the College of Science at 911��, was recently awarded two grants from the National Science Foundation: $499,837 for "AI-enabled, Uncertainty-Aware Space Weather Risk Characterization and Mitigation for Satellite Operations," and $49,357 as co-PI with Alexander Sprintson, professor and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing, for "NSF Workshop on Security Challenges and Research Directions for Space and Non-Terrestrial Networks."

Impacts of space weather vary from minor signal interference to catastrophic satellite damage. But even signal interference, depending on severity, can have major ramifications for society. Disruptions to GPS satellites, for example, can cause inaccuracies in applications that require centimeter-level accuracy, like precision agriculture, or cause critical infrastructure systems that require GPS timing and synchronization signals to malfunction, like power grids or defense systems. Space weather can burn out key satellite components and knock satellites off their trajectories, costing their respective companies upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars.

“When you don’t have reliable forecasts, the critical infrastructure operators are going to take every forecast with a pinch of salt,” said Oughton. “We need to be able to predict and provide decent forecasts for these companies to be able to design systems that can withstand these space weather impacts.” Especially, he notes, as we increase space exploration. “With humans wanting to go back to the moon and then go beyond that, this is going to keep becoming more and more of an issue.”

The nearly $500,000 in funding supports the development of the first end-to-end framework for translating uncertainty in space weather forecasts into actionable risk information for satellite operations, and potential socio-economic impacts, similar to terrestrial weather prediction and risk assessment. This foundational research will combine multiple data sets into machine learning and physics-based models to narrow predictions of geomagnetic storm occurrence, timing, and severity, and their predicted impacts on the nation’s space infrastructure, the economy and society.

“We’re trying to move away from just using crude modeling assumptions to make estimated impacts, toward trying to do integrated scientific engineering modeling where we use the best methods and link them to impacts on the population and businesses,” explained Oughton.

Edward Oughton (top left) and Dennies Bor (bottom left) with ASSIP students. Photo provided.

Along with developing these novel tools, the grant’s education component ensures that the next generation of aspiring scientists and engineers have a hand in learning and creating this critical foundation. Each summer, Oughton takes on a group of high school students as part of the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP).

“This is one thing 911�� does an amazing job with,” he said. Oughton had 25 ASSIP students this summer, working in groups led by his PhD students. “There’s a whole ecosystem of keen scientists coming from these local, high-quality high schools. They develop research projects. They produce research papers: I have examples of students getting first author on papers in peer-reviewed research journals. There’s so much magic happening there.”

Dennies Bor, PhD student in earth systems and geoinformation sciences, has worked with Oughton on previous NSF grants and expects to support this project as well. "Working with Professor Oughton has strengthened my technical skills in modeling, programming, and data analysis, as well as my ability to communicate research...these experiences are helping prepare me for a career as a research scientist," he said.

The second NSF grant will support a workshop convening researchers from academia, industry, and government to identify critical gaps and develop an agenda to improve cybersecurity of space and nonterrestrial networks.

“We’re seeing increased frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks on satellites, partially because the attack surface has massively expanded in recent years due to the huge expansion of global satellite constellations,” said Oughton. “It’s a rapidly evolving field, so we need to come together to sketch out what challenges these companies and organizations are facing and what are possible solutions for long-term security.”

Between these two grants, Oughton and his team are demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary thinking when it comes to non-terrestrial challenges. “As geography and geo-information scientists, we bring something different to the party, quantitatively tying together different disciplines to support decisions in industry and government” he said. “And I believe both of these grants are great examples of what 911�� can do.”

Topics

Research

Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science

National Science Foundation

GCI-Space

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Learn more about the College of Science

High school flag football coach dominates the field with kinesiology and coaching knowledge

sholla4 — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:58:48 +0000

High school flag football coach dominates the field with kinesiology and coaching knowledge sholla4 Fri, 10/09/2026 - 15:58

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Lightridge High School girls flag football team may be new, but it's far from green. Their perfect record is proof of a spectacular inaugural season. And it's thanks, in part, to their head coach and 911�� student Maya McAfee. By combining her kinesiology major with a coaching minor and a passion for football, McAfee is helping Lightridge High School score big on the flag football field.

McAfee's path toward a kinesiology degree began with a lifelong love of sports. “Sports have always been a huge part of my life,” said McAfee, who grew up playing basketball, volleyball, and softball. Chronic hip issues requiring multiple surgeries often kept her out of the game; as a result, she started her college career at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as a biomedical engineering major with a plan to pursue orthopedics.

Recovering from another hip injury her freshman year at VCU, McAfee sought personal training in order to stay connected to sports. And when she couldn’t find a trainer, she decided to become one. Over the course of her personal training certification, she realized that the real healing process happened during rehabilitation. “Physical therapy wasn’t just about rebuilding my physical strength; it required an incredible amount of mental resilience and trust in my body,” she said. “That’s when I started to realize that I was more interest in being part of the process of helping athletes rebuild themselves.”

McAfee transferred to 911�� and into the kinesiology major in the College of Education and Human Development in 2022. She picked up the minor in coaching after becoming the assistant coach for the junior varsity (JV) girls basketball at Independence High School. She went on to become the head coach of JV girls basketball at Tuscarora High School before becoming head coach for JV girls basketball at Lightridge High School, where she is now the coach for the varsity girls flag football team.

"I'm a die-hard Washington Commanders fan, and football has always been a true passion of mine. And I fell in love with flag football playing on 911��'s intramural team," she said. "It's a safe space for me, and it's a safe space for these girls."

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

After the announcement of flag football's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the sport exploded in popularity across the United States. While dreams of Olympic gold are certainly part of the equation, McAfee explained that flag football is also a more accessible version of gridiron football that allows for wider participation.

"Since its newer, everyone is entering the sport on a more even playing field," she said. "It's something different, which is good for lifelong athletes tired of other sports. And people can enjoy the game of football without fear of potentially dangerous physical contact."

As a coach, McAfee is finding that one of the best parts of the job is helping the students build confidence in themselves as athletes and leaders. This is where her 911�� education has been especially valuable. “Studying kinesiology has helped me tremendously with the physical side of coaching, while my coaching minor has helped me develop a stronger understanding of the mental and psychological foundations,” she explained. "I'm using what I learned in my Foundation of Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sports classes daily.” Public Speaking—a class she took to fulfill a Mason Core requirement—also helped strengthen her ability to communicate with students, parents, staff, and other coaches.

"The more I learn, the more I realize how much there still is to learn. That's one of the things I love most about coaching. I'm constantly eager to be a sponge absorbing as much knowledge as possible and continue finding ways to improve," she said.

And the results are apparent in the scores. In its inaugural season, the Lightridge Lightning have dominated the field. They won the inaugural NOVA Girls Flag Football Tournament, and have gone on to have a perfect first season leading to the playoffs. It's also caught the eye of her favorite team; The Washington Commanders named McAfee the Flag Football Coach of the Week in September.

One thing is for certain: football will always have a special place in McAfee's life, whether she's making a play on the field or coaching from the sidelines.

"My 911�� education has really helped me in the real world," she said. "And the more I'm educated, the more I can bring back to the field to help my girls. It's just very full circle."

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Topics

College of Education and Human Development

School of Kinesiology

Mason Recreation

Learn more about the College of Education and Human Development

New educational wind tunnel gives 911��'s aerospace program wings

sholla4 — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:33:30 +0000

New educational wind tunnel gives 911��'s aerospace program wings sholla4 Tue, 10/06/2026 - 15:33

"And that's Aeronautics 101." Robert Gallo, adjunct professor of aeronautics in the College of Engineering and Computing, clicks the cap back on the whiteboard marker. He opens a box of various objects: golf balls, plastic models, and airfoils. With an airfoil in hand, he prepares the tabletop Matrix wind tunnel. This, he says, is the fun part. "Now, let's fire up the fan and see what we can do."

In 911��'s wind tunnel lab, located in the Life Sciences and Engineering Building on 911��'s Science and Technology Campus, the next generation of mechanical engineers learn the foundations of aeronautics and aerospace engineering. Supported by Gallo, the lab was envisioned to permit students to get hands-on experience with aero technology. This summer, the lab installed 911��'s first large-scale educational wind tunnel (EWT), funded by a GO Virginia grant supporting the Nexus234 Innovation District.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“The addition of this wind tunnel is a strong example of how 911�� and Nexus234 are aligning education and research infrastructure with real industry demand in a growing aerospace and defense sector,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Nexus234 Innovation District. “Hands-on assets like this help prepare students for high-demand careers, strengthen connections with industry partners, and reinforce the region’s position as a place where innovation, talent, and economic growth come together.”

"We've seen a huge increase in mechanical engineering students over the past 10 years," explained Gallo. "I think it's because students can see it. They can touch it. It affects so many things in their lives. Airplanes, automobiles, complex machines: If it moves, it's mechanical engineering. They're excited about it. And my goal for the class is to feed excitement."

Upon opening in 2025, the lab was equipped with three Matrix wind tunnels, each just over 5.5 feet long. Within the glass test section, students place test articles such as drag force models and wing sections of various shapes. Users can adjust the air speed as well as the angle of the object relative to the wind. Sensors detect lift, drag, and pressure. By introducing harmless smoke into the tunnel, students can see how the air flow moves above and below the objects.

The new EWT measures about seven feet tall, five and a half feet wide, and 18 feet long. Students will use the smaller Matrix wind tunnels to learn the basics of practical experimentation and aerodynamic testing and then apply their knowledge to extended experiments at higher speeds and larger sizes in the Aerolab EWT.

“The new large wind tunnel will be incredibly impactful, providing students real, hands-on experience that we haven't had before, even with the existing smaller tunnels,” said Morgan-Rose Coltrain, a current mechanical engineering student in Gallo’s course this semester.

And it’s not just students in-class that can benefit from this new technology. Phillip Cunio, professor of practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and leader in developing 911��’s aerospace program, noted that the EWT provides further opportunities for engaging with student organizations and industry partners. “I’m looking forward to the ways the Aerolab wind tunnel may benefit some of our registered student organizations—such as the High-Powered Rocketry team or the Formula SAE team—that test and operate fast-moving vehicles,” he said.

Cunio and Gallo are of the same mind in their belief that introducing students to this technology and providing hands-on experience gives students pursuing jobs in aerodynamics a competitive advantage. This EWT, for example, is manufactured by Aerolab, whose extensive client list includes the Navy, Lockheed, NASA, Boeing, and dozens of other clients. "If we want our students to represent 911�� well, they need to bring as much to that industry partner as they possibly can," said Gallo.

Experiential learning is the foundation of Gallo's pedagogy. One of his efforts has students 3D-print and test propellers, then compare their results to store-bought propellers. Even with nearly identical dimensions, the performance results of the homemade propellers are substantially different that the theoretical values or the store-bought propeller performance. It's a lesson in how there's more to aerodynamics than the equation: What a wing is made of and how it's fabricated are important in gauging performance.

"That's the engineering process: design, analyze, build, test, break, fix, and do it again," he said. "I think they're much better prepared to go into the industry if they've had the opportunity to have practical experience with both failure and success."

The lab has space for an additional EWT, which Gallo hopes can be added in the future. But this first one, Gallo said, is a huge step in raising the university's profile in aerospace and mechanical engineering.

"911�� has a reputation that keeps growing, and this is going to be a piece of it."

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Topics

Research

Science and Technology Campus

aeronautics

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Learning technology student and alum find shared language to develop International Trade Commission corporate university

sholla4 — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:55:16 +0000

Learning technology student and alum find shared language to develop International Trade Commission corporate university sholla4 Wed, 09/30/2026 - 13:55

Photo of Christopher Bellone, '22 (left) and Mini Glass '19. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

It's called the "eureka effect": an 'aha!' moment when a student suddenly understands a previously incomprehensible problem or concept. For both 911�� graduate student Mimi Glass, MA Arts Management '19, and alum Christopher Bellone, MS Learning Design and Technology '22, this is what they work toward in their studies and work in learning design and technology. And they brought that shared philosophy to the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) as student volunteer and mentor, respectively.

Bellone came into instructional design from health care. After serving as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and working in emergency dispatch, he transitioned into training-focused roles, first as the regional hospital preparedness coordinator and then a training specialist with FEMA.

"I spent a lot of my time traveling across the United States teaching state and local officials rules and regulations," he said. "But when COVID-19 happened, and I couldn't be out there with people anymore, I needed to do something." 911�� and the Learning Design and Technology Program were the answers.

"It was backwards engineering for me. I knew how to do it up front, but not the theory behind it. It taught me so much about what I've been doing for over 20 years." It was, he said, his "aha” moment.

Now, he's paying it forward for current learning design and technology students. Earlier this year, Bellone reached out to Lisa Giacumo, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and Doug Wilson, assistant professor and academic program coordinator for the Learning Design and Technology master’s program, to develop an internship partnership between the program and the USITC.

Glass is the first student volunteer in the program.

A learning design and technology master's student and the associate director of development, constituent engagement in the College of Engineering and Computing, Glass' first taste of learning design came from her time as a professional dance instructor. "I got to watch people literally walk through the learning process as I taught them the steps of a dance," she said. "And at some point, there's the 'aha' moment, and they get it. And it's such an exciting moment for everyone involved." With her extensive experience in administration and project management as well, instructional design was a perfect confluence of her strengths and skills.

As a student volunteer with the commission, Glass spent the summer building the foundation for the development of a SharePoint site for training and educational materials for commission departments.

"We have the learning management system for the organization, but there's so much other training that happens within departments," Glass explained. "It'd be great to have one place for that to live."

She created a UX design plan, conducted user interviews, and developed prototypes and recommendations for next steps. It's necessary groundwork for Bellone's vision of a corporate university. It's a valuable experience for Glass as well, putting her coursework into practice and learning new technologies.

"I could have all the theory in the world," said Glass, "but there's nothing that's going to substitute the networking and learning opportunities that come from hands-on work."

And working with an alum of the program is, Glass describes, like sharing a language. "Having that shared language of how we think about instructional design creates a lot of trust."

Bellone hopes the learning design and technology program can continue expanding the bridge between college and career through opportunities like this. "I'm at the point in my life where I want to give back," he said, "I want to share my expertise, and give those who are just starting their training careers more opportunities. I want students like Mimi to succeed."

Topics

College of Education and Human Development

Alumni

Internships

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After historic sewage spill, 911�� researchers monitor for long-term impacts with support from NSF grant

sholla4 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:59:50 +0000

After historic sewage spill, 911�� researchers monitor for long-term impacts with support from NSF grant sholla4 Thu, 09/24/2026 - 10:59

On January 19, 2026, a sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland, collapsed. More than 240 million gallons of wastewater overflowed into the Potomac River. It was one of the largest sewage spills in United States history, right in 911��'s backyard.

While a temporary fix to the pipe was completed in March and DC Water continues to actively remediate the area, questions of long-term impact to this distinctive tidal freshwater estuary system linger. The team at 911��'s Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) hopes to find answers.

This summer, seven 911�� researchers received a RAPID grant of $299,886 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to investigate how the sewage spill may have impacted water quality, aquatic life, and the overall health of the estuary. Led by co-PIs Amy Fowler, associate professor and interim director of PEREC, and Jennifer Salerno, associate professor of environmental science and policy and faculty fellow at PEREC, the grant team includes environmental science and policy faculty Thomas Reid Nelson, Cindy Smith, and Rosalina Christova, as well as Brittany Hupp, assistant professor of atmospheric, oceanic and earth sciences, and Benoit Van Aken, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.

Students and alumni collect water samples in Gunston Cove for PEREC researchers. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

One defining feature of PEREC—and the reason why this team was awarded the NSF grant—is its historical record of Gunston Cove water samples dating back to 1984. That data is invaluable in a project like this, as it gives the researchers points of comparison. And prior to receiving the NSF grant, the team was already taking samples, with support of seed funding from the College of Science, to start tracking the effects of the sewage spill as early as February 2026.

"We have 11 different sampling locations where we sample water quality and organisms each month," said Fowler. Their partners in the Potomac River Keeper Network, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and others are also aiding in sampling along the river.

Water quality monitoring includes standard measures such as temperature, salinity, clarity, and nutrients. The team is including a few additional measures. Checking for traces of PFAS, the chemical used on Teflon pans, is one addition, led by Van Aken. Hupp is monitoring heavy metals.

The team is also utilizing new technology: environmental DNA (eDNA). Macro- and microscopic species leave detectable traces of DNA as they interact with and move through the environment. Through an environmental sample—such as a water sample—researchers can detect the presence of the organism in an area from their DNA and map biodiversity without needing to directly sample or see the organisms themselves, from phytoplankton to fish.

"Typically, if you have big, severe, acute disturbances like this, you'll expect to see reductions in diversity," Salerno said. "So, we're going to test that theory, as well as examine if those changes affect the food web."

Students and alumni sample the waters of Gunston Cove. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Funding for the project ends in May 2027, though PEREC's standard water and organismal sampling in Gunston Cove, funded by Fairfax County, will continue to keep building their extensive library of historic data.

A second component of the NSF grant is tying this research into teaching and outreach—a good fit for PEREC, whose key pillars include educational outreach. Findings from this research will be incorporated into the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) program with Fairfax County Public Schools, led by environmental science and policy professor Cindy Smith. The team has also recruited more than 10 graduate, undergraduate, and high school student researchers. They will be trained in sampling, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and science communication, and paired with graduate student mentors for additional support.

"The outcomes of this research could have a significant impact on how organizations prioritize and allocate funding in the future. In addition, the opportunity for students to gain hands-on field and/or laboratory experience through such a high-profile project would be an invaluable professional experience and meaningful addition to their resumes," said Fowler.

Students and alumni sample the waters of Gunston Cove. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Contaminated drinking water reservoirs and disease spread as a result of a large sewage spill in a public water source are, of course, top concerns. But Fowler and Salerno both note the cultural value of the river as well, and the importance of keeping it clean.

"There's been a cultural shift over the past few decades that has increased regional interest in the waterfront," Salerno added. "More and more, people want to use these water systems for recreation, which means there's growing interest in the water being clean and in conserving the ecosystem."

"The Potomac is known as the 'Nation's River' because it flows through the heart of the nation’s capital," said Fowler. "It’s history also played an important role in raising awareness about the nation’s water pollution crisis and the need for stronger protections."

The co-PIs noted that none of this work would be possible without continued collaboration and cooperation amongst the PEREC researchers and faculty.

"This grant is the culmination of years of expertise, effort, and collaboration," said Salerno. "We all specialize in different areas, with unique strengths and research backgrounds. But the river is what brings us together."

Students and alumni collect water samples in Gunston Cove for PEREC researchers. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Topics

Research

Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center

Atmospheric Oceanic and Earth Sciences

Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP)

National Science Foundation

GCI-Health

Sustainability

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Learn more about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

Discover the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center

From conservation to clean energy, summer programming helps students learn to build climate-resilient societies

sholla4 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:24:40 +0000

From conservation to clean energy, summer programming helps students learn to build climate-resilient societies sholla4 Thu, 09/24/2026 - 10:24

From solving climate challenges through research to preparing the next climate leaders, 911�� is applying science, policy, and innovation to safeguard communities and ecosystems. And that commitment includes developing leadership and talent to produce solutions for our global community.

These interdisciplinary summer programs are helping the next generation of conservationists, environmentalists, and sustainability experts develop the critical skills needed to help build a climate-resilient society and a more resilient future.

Participant explores a nuclear reactor through virtual reality at the 2026 Constellation Small Modular Reactor Summer Academy. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

In Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) opened its doors over the summer for high school students to gain college credit while exploring conservation through different but complementary perspectives: CONS 100 Introduction to Field Conservation Ecology and CONS 110 Natural History Illustration.

Students in CONS 100 participated in field investigations, testing research questions in a guided pilot study. In CONS 110, an online course, students learned to accurately observe and document the natural world through scientific illustration, with sketching practice, anatomical study, and lessons in different artistic mediums. Through both courses, students engaged in immersive, hands-on learning experiences that emphasize scientific inquiry, conservation, and observation.

“Whether they’re collecting field data or illustrating flora and fauna, we want the students to realize that observation is a powerful scientific skill,” said Robert Barrett, assistant director of recruitment and outreach for SMSC. “If they remember that conservation begins with paying close attention and that they have the ability to contribute through critical thinking and creativity, then they’ll carry something valuable with them long after the course ends.”

Together, these programs prepare the next generation of conservation leaders by teaching them the power of combining arts and sciences in observation, documentation, communication, and research to help communities adapt to environmental change and protect biodiversity. “By empowering students to translate observation into action, these courses contribute to the university's goal of building a more sustainable and climate-resilient society,” said Barrett.

Constellation Small Modular Reactor Summer Academy

Moving east from the mountains to Arlington, the inaugural Constellation Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Summer Academy at Fuse at Mason Square tackled questions of climate resilience through sustainable energy.

“The academy directly explores the challenge of providing reliable, resilient, and low-carbon electricity as demand continues to grow,” explained Liling Huang. During the week-long program, students participated in hands-on activities involving the NuScale SMR simulator at 911��’s E2 Center, built Lego-based SMR applications, and took virtual reality tours of a nuclear power plant and renewable energy facilities. The camp concluded with a poster presentation competition attended by industry professionals.

“We want students to see the breadth of educational and career opportunities available in the energy industry,” said Huang.

By exploring potential solutions to the challenges of providing reliable, resilient, and low-carbon electricity, students began to develop the necessary skills to create a more resilient energy future.

“They can be a part of solving some of the most important energy challenges facing society,” said Huang. “They do not have to wait until they graduate from college to start thinking creatively, conducting research, and contributing ideas.”

Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

Across the Potomac River, the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) immersed students in the world of environmental conservation and sustainability. Over the course of one week, rising juniors and seniors in high school explored careers and developed the skillsets required to create actionable solutions, foster resilient communities, and ensure a sustainable future.

Led by faculty with expertise in environmental science, conservation, policy, law, and engineering, the youth delegates met with states’ U.S. Congressional Representatives and Senators; explored national and state parks, caverns, and waterways; toured the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute; and heard from industry professionals such as conservation photographers, environmental project managers, animal keepers, marine biologists, and many more.

A tentpole of the youth delegate experience was roleplaying exercises, such as an intensive problem-solving water quality simulation. These sessions allow students to apply what they’ve learned to real-world problems and develop solutions.

“These high school students learn tangible skills and connect on a human level, with a goal of being impactful, empowered, and trustworthy citizens at home and abroad,” said Dawn Aponte.

Constellation Small Modular Reactor Summer Academy at Fuse in Mason Square campus. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Topics

GCI-Climate

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Fuse at Mason Square

Discover more GCI climate research >>

911�� is one of the first 14 institutions to receive Carnegie's new classification for sustainability. Read More >>

This research supports the Grand Challenge Initiative's goal of building a more climate-resilient society.

Learn about other solutions >>

In This Story

Liling Huang

Summer summits empower youth to strengthen peace, trust, and engagement in democracy

sholla4 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:54:51 +0000

Summer summits empower youth to strengthen peace, trust, and engagement in democracy sholla4 Thu, 09/24/2026 - 09:54

911�� believes that strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy is vital for creating resilient, inclusive societies where individuals feel empowered to shape their future. As part of our Grand Challenge Initiative, this mission extends not only to our graduates and undergraduates, but to the broader community as well.

Over the summer, high schoolers from around the world came to the Fairfax Campus to learn from the experts how to contribute meaningfully to democratic resilience in the United States and around the world. These three longstanding programs demonstrate how 911�� is building civic trust and advancing peace by preparing our youth to lead.

Photojournalist Anna Rose Layden (center left) speaks at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference Summer Camp. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Started in 2009, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) has immersed rising juniors and seniors in the world of journalism. During their week as "youth correspondents," participants hear from journalists and media experts, meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, and tour Washington, D.C. This year's experts included the editor-in-chief of Washingtonian magazine, the director of Pentagon Press Operations, and the Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter for USA TODAY Network.

Youth correspondents apply what they learn through two simulations that place them in the role of journalists. Participants explore the First Amendment and serve as editors in a newsroom, developing the critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills essential to careers in journalism. Correspondents also earn college credit from 911�� through their full and active participation in WJMC.

"WJMC brings together the best-of-the-best for an immersive experience that showcases leadership and careers in journalism," said Elena Johnson, director of the Washington Scholars Program, of which WJMC is a part. "These students learn tangible skills and connect on a human level, with a goal of being impactful, empowered and trustworthy citizens at home and abroad."

Conflict Resolution Youth Summit

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Conflict Resolution Youth Summit (CRYS) hosted a record 63 high school students from around the country this summer.

The four-day summit introduced high school students to the field of conflict resolution by teaching foundational skills such as active listening, facilitation, and negotiation. On the fifth and final day, students presented on a conflict in their school community, drawing on their lessons from the week to identify underlying causes and suggest interventions. The summit also brings students into Washington, D.C., for a day and introduces them to career pathways in conflict resolution.

As these skills are not often found in traditional high school curricula, students often leave the summit inspired to pursue conflict resolution in college and, potentially, as a career. Students can also receive one general elective college credit from 911�� by participating in the summit.

"CRYS equips young people with the skills to navigate conflict, communicate across differences, build trust, and collaborate on complex challenges," said Mel G. Carousso, recruitment coordinator and academic advisor for the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. "Through hands-on dialogue and problem-solving, CRYS empowers students to become engaged and constructive leaders."

911�� Debate Institute

911�� has run a version of a debate camp since its award-winning Debate Team started in 1974. Its current iteration—911�� Debate Institute—began in 2014. Currently, it's the largest middle school and high school debate camp in the state of Virginia.

Campers are divided into three classes: middle school public forum debate, high school public forum debate, and high school policy debate. Every year, the institute selects two "wicked" public policy issues for the campers to research. This year, the policy debate students investigated public policy solutions to the health care crisis in the United States, and the public forum students focused on debating federal financial restrictions to corporate greenhouse gas emissions.

"Providing the next generation of leaders with the skills to engage in the democratic field to address wide-scale threats to society through discourse, dialogue, and public policy solutions is the mission of our institute," said Warren D. Decker Director of Debate Jackie Poapst.

All the tracks share a common goal: increase the public speaking confidence of middle and high school students while strengthening the quality and expanding the reach of debate across Northern Virginia.

"Debate is for everyone," Poapst reiterated. "Discourse and dialogue are a practice that any individual can and should participate in, as it undergirds the improvement of civic society."

Topics

GCI-Democracy

Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Bold Solutions for a Changing World

Summer campers blast off with interstellar research

sholla4 — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:04:30 +0000

Summer campers blast off with interstellar research sholla4 Wed, 09/16/2026 - 10:04

From constructing an artificial star to capturing a 25-year timelapse of a supernova, 911�� is pioneering space exploration, research, and collaboration. And our mission into the final frontier brings students along for the ride.

Whether a fourth-grader is getting their first taste of rocketry with bottle rockets or an intern is making cutting-edge discoveries in planetary atmospheres, 911�� summer programming offers a glimpse into the vast universe we call home as students and faculty make small steps towards one giant leap for humankind.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mason Space Exploration Center Summer Camp

Founded in 2023, the Mason Space Exploration Center (MSEC) is dedicated to providing immersive and educational space experiences for families and inspiring the next generation of space explorers. And one avenue for that is their award-winning MSEC Summer Camp.

With Base Camp for rising fourth- and fifth-graders and Advanced Camp for rising sixth- through ninth-graders, MSEC Summer Camp introduces a range of students to the exciting possibilities of astronomy. Students practice programming with Micro:bit, and learn the importance of asking questions, designing solutions, and working as a team, just like the professionals. They even launch their own rockets—bottle rockets, that is.

"We want students to see and experience the many different fields that work in the space sector," said S Falgiano, deputy observatory director in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. "By giving our campers experience with astronomy, engineering, coding, and other space-related fields, we hope to build their multidisciplinary interest in space exploration."

For these younger campers, MSEC Summer Camp is a chance to see that they can do science without needing to be professional scientists in a laboratory. "They can make observations, ask questions, test theories, and draw conclusions," said Falgiano. And that, at its core, is what science is all about.

Google Space Data Centers Summer Camp

For the 10th- through 12th-graders, the College of Engineering and Computing offers a chance to step into the future of technology. In partnership with Google, the Space Data Centers Summer Camp lets students explore how artificial intelligence (AI), energy systems, and data centers are evolving for space environments.

Throughout the week, campers walk through virtual reality re-creations of nuclear power plants, watch drone demonstrations, and tour data centers to learn key concepts of AI computing, electrical power systems, space environments, thermal management, and other aspects of operating computing infrastructure in space.

"The camp brings together space exploration, AI, energy, computing, and engineering while emphasizing interdisciplinary and industry collaboration," said Liling Huang, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Applying concepts to real-world solutions is a key part of the program. Students were challenged to envision and develop solutions for infrastructure that may be needed for the next generation of space exploration. Camp culminated with a poster presentation and expo where students met with industry experts to share their novel ideas. From this, two students were awarded Google-sponsored research scholarships and were invited to continue their research through Huang's year-long high school Research, Innovation, Spark, and Exploration (RISE) Scholars Program.

Beyond the camp, Google also sponsors the first teen-focused program in the history of the CIGRE Grid of the Future Symposium, organized by the College of Engineering and Computing and hosted by Dominion Energy. The inaugural 2026 Teen Program gives high school students an early opportunity to experience the professional power and energy community, present their research ideas, tour Dominion Energy’s System Operations Center, and connect with industry experts.

"We want students to leave camp willing to ask, 'why not?' and then use engineering and science to determine what it would take to make an ambitious idea possible," said Huang.

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

For those high schoolers and undergraduates hoping to spend their summers in the lab, the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) hosted by 911��’s College of Science is a stellar choice.

"There's quite a bit of literature that hands-on research experiences support students' persistence/identity in STEM fields, and we like to think that ASSIP is one key program trying to bring these experiences to as many students as possible," said Amanda Still, director of undergraduate student research initiatives and internships. "The interns’ eager hands to pursue the 'I wonder if...’ ideas of faculty really help to promote new research directions and embody the word 'pioneering.’"

This year, 20 interns were assigned to research or support space-related projects across the College of Engineering and Computing and the College of Science.

In the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, for example, Associate Professor Edward Oughton oversaw 16 ASSIP students, some of whom worked on projects concerning space weather: a space weather risk assessment for Virginia, refining radar detection strategies for small space weather debris, and the economic impacts of losing GNAA/GPS, Navigation and Timing services due to space weather events.

"It's important to engage these students in space activities because we have so many challenges there to address," said Oughton, "from protecting terrestrial and space-critical infrastructure systems from space weather, to making sure we have the workforce to enable us to go back to the Moon, on to Mars, and then beyond."

"911�� is a pioneering university in this area," said Art Poland, research faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Three ASSIP interns supported his research work on the solar atmosphere, measuring the velocity of gases in hot magnetic loops above the surface of the Sun. "It's an amazing steppingstone for students who want to go into space science or engineering."

Bold Solutions for a Changing World

In This Story

Liling Huang

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GCI-Space

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Advancing 21st-century education through models, math, and mentorship

sholla4 — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:17:35 +0000

Advancing 21st-century education through models, math, and mentorship sholla4 Wed, 09/02/2026 - 13:17

Education is at the core of everything we do here at 911��. And we believe that while talent is equally distributed among people, opportunities are not. As Virginia's largest and most diverse university, it's our duty to advance 21st-century education for all: whether through hands-on experiential learning with the technology of tomorrow, teaching complex topics through novel techniques, or breaking down barriers to give everyone the knowledge needed to succeed.

These summer programs showcase how 911�� is opening doors for all students to explore, learn, and grow in their passions and skills to prepare for whatever their future holds.

MGTA Prep Program students learning game design, Python, and animation in the Art and Design building on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mason Game and Technology Academy

Founded in 2013, Mason Game and Technology Academy (MGTA) offers a variety of game design and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classes throughout the year for ages 11-18. Students can learn character modeling and animation, Python programming, Unreal Engine 3D design, 2D digital art, and more. Some courses, like Python programming, offer both introductory and intermediate levels.

"Our goal is to get students to embrace these critical STEM skills early and reward their curiosity," said Joshua Emswiller, operations manager for MGTA. Critically, the curriculum focuses less on how to "use" the software, and more on developing long-lasting skill sets that will help students adapt to rapidly changing technological advancements.

Courses are taught by faculty, alumni, and student interns in computer science and computer game design—many of whom have start-up companies with the Virginia Serious Games Institute, of which MGTA is a part. For the 911�� students, this is an opportunity to teach the skills they've learned in classes and mentor academy students.

"MGTA hopes to continue to be a great opportunity for students in the community as well as giving 911�� students a chance to use their knowledge to benefit others,” Emswiller said

Mason Math Odyssey

No need to sail to Greece for this Odyssey: Mason Math Odyssey (MMO), in its fourth year, brings rising 6th- through 9th-graders on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time as they learn about the greatest mathematical discoveries over millennia.

"We see many students who struggle with undergraduate math courses and lack preparation and motivation to succeed," said Maria Emelianenko, professor of mathematics. "MMO is aimed at raising mathematical awareness, fostering critical thinking skills early on, and broadening Mason's outreach efforts in the community."

Each day explores different areas of mathematics. Friendly competitions bring students together to build problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Major math concepts are practically applied to real-world situations, like exploring advanced concepts of non-Euclidean geometries through measuring “city-block” distances—measuring distance in horizontal and vertical direction, not on the diagonal—using a map of Washington, D.C., and comparing those distances on a sphere. All the lessons culminate on the final day, where the campers must apply their knowledge to navigate a series of puzzles in order to unlock their medal.

Varied learning modes, hands-on activities, and mentorship from 911�� students all come together to help campers build a passion for mathematics that will follow them on their journeys through school and their future careers.

"With math being the foundation of many careers, bringing the excitement back into math classrooms is the spark that is needed to fuel students’ curiosity and ensure their future success," said Emelianenko.

Early Identification Program

For the past 40 years, the Early Identification Program (EIP) has brought students to campus over the summer for educational opportunities and a chance to experience life as a college student. Between its Summer Academy and its Institute for Excellence (IFE), EIP welcomed approximately 1,000 students to the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses this summer.

Both programs help prepare students for the coming school year. Summer Academy assigns students to academic courses aligned with the curriculum in their county school districts to give them a head start on the subjects with valuable insights and support from licensed teachers and experienced mentors. IFE offers 5-week college courses so students can earn college credits.

"Our work is centered around making college accessible for first-generation students,” said Gabriella Rodriguez, assistant director of pre-college initiatives and IFE manager.

EIP also offers college and career readiness opportunities to support students in preparing for higher education. Special events throughout the summer—Career Day, Major Fair Day, Professional Shadowing Day—all center on exposing students to new career paths and programs of study.

"Our summer programs have evolved a lot over the years, but the student experience is still at the heart of it," said Rodriguez. That heart shows through the number of EIP alumni who return to support summer programming. Rodriguez herself is an alum of the program.

"I fondly remember my mentors and teachers in Summer Academy and the way everyone came together to give us a memorable experience," she said. "I wish the same for our students now."

Topics

Mason Game and Technology Academy

Early Identification Program (EIP)

GCI-Education