Katarina Benson

College of Science

Stephanie Shanahan is July Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:02:22 +0000

Stephanie Shanahan is July Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:02

Stephanie Shanahan, a human resources assistant in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at 911��, is known for being able to do it all. In their letters of support, her colleagues emphasized her attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to help. In recognition of her dedication, expertise, and unwavering support of the CEC community, she has been named July Employee of the Month.

President Washington with July Employee of the Month Stephanie Shanahan. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Stephanie is an outstanding employee in every way,” said Karen Witt, CEC director of human resources. “Her real gift is her attention to detail. She regularly spots errors and quickly and expertly fixes the problems.”

Kim Goodwin-Slater, chief business officer, said, “Not only is Stephanie knowledgeable and her work of high value, she is also one of the most collaborative and supportive team members in the college.”

Shanahan’s support of her coworkers was mentioned by several colleagues. “Stephanie is consistently friendly, approachable, and generous with both her time and her expertise,” said Lizzie Barnfield, academic affairs and administrative coordinator in CEC’s Office of the Dean.

“Her willingness to help is sincere and constant,” said Elizabeth Dean, manager of administration and strategic projects. “She never hesitates to lend a hand, answer questions, or take on additional work when needed.”

“Stephanie's administrative support was vital to hiring the new IT director of the College of Engineering and Computing. She made the hiring process efficient and was fun to work with,” said Kevin Hicks, director of operations and facilities projects at CEC.

How did you come to Mason:

After several years of volunteering with the Navy–Marine Corps Relief Society as chair of volunteers, I was ready to reenter the workforce. I applied to the 911�� Temp Pool and was later asked to stay on as a wage employee in the same role. It was a wonderful opportunity and a great fit for me.

Best day on the job:

I don’t have just one best day, but I would consider a “best day” on the job to be one when I feel that I’ve been most helpful to my coworkers.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Definitely the people. Everyone I interact with here truly enjoys working at 911��, so it’s lovely to work in environment where people genuinely want to be.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

My favorite things to do when I’m not working are walking—with or without my dog, traveling to new places, and reading books. We have a great monthly book club in the College of Engineering and Computing, so I always receive great recommendations from my colleagues.

Topics

College of Engineering and Computing

Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

911�� sends record number of students to National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Katarina Benson — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:23:23 +0000

911�� sends record number of students to National Conference on Undergraduate Research Katarina Benson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 10:23

This April, 63 911�� students presented their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond. NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research across disciplines. This year marked 911��’s highest attendance to date, and many students were able to attend due to support from the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).

Students listen to a speaker at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Photo provided

For Karen T. Lee, associate director of OSCAR, accompanying the students to NCUR each year is one of her favorite parts of the job. “Sharing results is the ultimate step in completing a research or creative project, and sharing them at a national conference like NCUR allows students to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field, and to meet students and faculty working on similar projects and learn to network as professionals,” she said. “Having this experience as an undergraduate, early in their career, is a real boost in their confidence.”

Both Michael Kaleem, a junior majoring in community health with a concentration in clinical science, and Auj Atteeq, a senior majoring in computational and data science, were supported by OSCAR grants this year.

Kaleem with his research poster. Photo provided

For Kaleem, NCUR was the first time he has presented his research outside of 911��. With his project, “Rest and Results: The Relationship Between Sleep, Stress, and Grade Point Average (GPA) in Undergraduates,” Kaleem found that while sleep didn’t necessarily affect students’ GPA, students’ stress levels influenced both their sleep quality and their academic performance.

A member of the Honors College and OSCAR's Undergraduate Research Scholars program, Kaleem credits Lee and his mentor Ali A. Weinstein, a professor of global and community health, for helping him hone his research skills. He hopes to work in the health care field in the future and plans to continue his studies at 911�� and pursue an accelerated master's in public health with a concentration in health policy.

In her project, “Thermal Stress Impact on Global Bleaching Events,” Atteeq found a positive correlation between sea surface temperature and coral reef bleaching across the globe. Essentially, rising temperatures disrupt the homeostasis of coral reef systems, causing them to turn white and become vulnerable to starvation and disease. Coral reefs support at least a quarter of all marine life, making Atteeq’s research incredibly important.

Atteeq with her research. Photo provided

Atteeq originally began her research as a final project for one of her computational and data sciences classes. OSCAR staff member Kim Seligman encouraged her to continue the work and apply to attend NCUR. She received a travel grant from OSCAR to attend the conference. In the future, Atteeq wants to continue her research on climate science and plans to pursue a career in academia.

Explore Research at 911��

Learn more about OSCAR

Topics

Students

bachelor of science in community health

College of Public Health

College of Science

Caitlin Horan is May Employee of the Month

ckearney — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:13:15 +0000

Caitlin Horan is May Employee of the Month ckearney Fri, 05/01/2026 - 10:13

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in 911��’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. She’s also a founding member of her department’s party planning team and has created team-building events such as chili cook-offs and trips to see the cherry blossoms. For all of this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

May Employee of the Month Caitlin Horan with President Gregory Washington. Photo by David Loughner/Office of University Branding

“Not only has Caitlin leveraged her strong interest in technology, efficiency, and providing quality service to students to improve the functioning of the graduate teams, she has also sought opportunities to lend her voice, time, and effort to university-level initiatives to implement new and better systems,” said Paige Wolf, associate dean of Costello graduate programs.

Graduate program manager Lauren Flynn said Horan is truly exemplary as both an employee and a colleague. “I don’t believe I have ever worked with anyone more thoughtful in her work and generous with her time, and I can think of no one more deserving.”

Saul Garcia, assistant director of MS in Management Program, emphasized Horan’s ability to recall and organize entire Costello schedules and programs with ease, which has been vital for their department. “She is the glue that holds our unit together,” he said.

May Abou Ghazaleh, assistant director of the Master’s in Real Estate Development Program, said, “Caitlin’s expertise, organization, and commitment has transformed the efficiency and accessibility of program operations, directly contributing to the success of faculty, staff, and students.”

“As a leader, Caitlin is not only dedicated to the success of our programs but also deeply empathetic to the needs of her staff. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to excel,” said Vanessa H. DeShane, director of specialized master’s programs at Costello.

“One of the things that truly stands out about Caitlin is her wealth of knowledge,” said Shabnam Rezai, assistant director of MSF and MSBA Programs. “She’s our go-to person for advice and guidance.”

How did you come to 911��:

After completing a master’s degree in educational administration and policy at the University of Georgia, I was looking to move to the DMV—a term I only associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles before moving here! I completed my undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary, so I had a number of college friends who lived in the area, and I was looking for a change. I applied to many schools in D.C. and Northern Virginia, but 911��’s commitment to access and inclusion resonated with me the most.

Best day on the job:

I have had the opportunity to join groups of students on their short-term study-abroad programs in Chile, Dubai, Estonia, and South Africa. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Watching the students learn about doing business in a foreign country firsthand while applying what they have learned in the classroom is such a cool experience!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

My answer is twofold: First, I love my colleagues! They are some of the hardest working, innovative, and passionate people I know. Second, I also love working with our students. Graduate students are such an interesting group because of the diversity of perspectives that they bring to the table. Our students range in age from 21 to 60+, so there’s always something to learn from them. I also absolutely love it when I hear them talk about how they have been able to apply what they learned in the classroom to their jobs, or how they have leveraged the network they gain by joining the program to find a new job.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, playing ultimate frisbee, and spending time with friends and family.

Topics

Costello College of Business

Meet the 911�� senior changing breast cancer research

Katarina Benson — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:40:18 +0000

Meet the 911�� senior changing breast cancer research Katarina Benson Tue, 03/03/2026 - 11:40

In January, 911�� senior Angela Victoria Rojas Rivera, Medical Laboratory Science major, represented the university at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). Led and hosted by Harvard University, NCRC is the largest student-run research conference in the United States. Only 200 students are selected to attend.

Rojas Rivera’s project “Extracellular Vesicle–Driven Immune Programming at the Sentinel Lymph Node in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer” found a new immunotherapy approach that helps the body recognize breast cancer cells as a threat, allowing the immune system to respond faster.

Rojas Rivera at the NCRC. Photo provided

“By changing the cancer’s messages, this localized immunotherapy helps the immune system respond earlier and more effectively, offering a promising strategy to prevent cancer from spreading while reducing side effects,” she explained.

After presenting her earlier findings at the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) poster event last year, Rojas Rivera has continued to work on her research at 911��'s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) with her mentors Lance Liotta and Marissa Howard. After graduation, Rojas Rivera plans to pursue a PhD in biomedicine or proteomics.

“I am deeply committed to developing this research into a real, effective treatment,” she said.

From a student with no prior research experience to a confident scholar with deep expertise, Angela has become a force within 911��’s research community,” said Liotta, who is co-director of CAPMM. “Her excellence extends far beyond the lab. By representing the university at the NCRC, Angela elevated not only her own voice but also the visibility of 911�� and the College of Science.”

Rojas Rivera is also one of only four students admitted to the highly selective histology program at Inova Hospital, a full-time, 10-month (40-week) training program designed to prepare current university students for careers as certified histotechnologists. She credits her mentors and Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) for allowing her to stand out as a candidate.

“911�� offers strong access to research opportunities, particularly through funding programs like OSCAR and faculty mentorship, which make it easier for undergraduates to become involved in meaningful research,” she said. “That kind of support plays an important role in helping students take research seriously and pursue it beyond the classroom.”

Asked about her advice for undergraduates who’d like to take the next step in their research career, Rojas Rivera said: "Don’t overthink it—just do it. Even as undergraduates, our work has value and taking that first step can shape not only our careers, but the future of science itself.”

Topics

Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine - CAPMM

College of Science

Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

Students

911�� students present at the second annual Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond

Katarina Benson — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:37:39 +0000

911�� students present at the second annual Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond Katarina Benson Wed, 02/11/2026 - 12:37

At the end of January, three 911�� students presented their research at the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol in Richmond. Now in its second year, the event gives undergraduates from each of NURVa’s member universities an opportunity to present their research to state legislators and fellow researchers alike. Students worked with faculty through 911��’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) to refine their work and apply to the selective event.

“Having my work accepted into the showcase affirmed that my research is relevant and meaningful, and I was eager to share both the project itself and its broader impact,” said Honors College student Alexia De Costa, a junior applied computer science major studying social robotics.

From left, 911�� students Emily Keung, Sofie Strompf, and Alexia De Costa presented at the second NURVa Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol. Photo by Karen T. Lee/OSCAR

De Costa’s project, “A Robotic Cat for Examining Camera Clarity and Privacy in Human–Robot Interaction,” focuses on a robotic cat called BARC (the Bioinspired Automated Robotic Cat). BARC is equipped with camera-based facial detection, expressive behaviors, and pre-recorded sounds meant to simulate a household cat. The project studied conceptions of privacy, finding that equipping BARC with a lower quality camera lessened how surveilled the participants felt, without compromising sociability or engagement.

De Costa worked on her project as a member of 911��’s Human-Agent Collaboration Lab, led by psychology professor Eileen Roesler, which studies human-robot and human-AI interaction. De Costa is very focused on maintaining privacy while keeping the benefits of human-robot collaboration.

“Robotics is advancing at an extraordinary pace, often without full consideration of the people who ultimately interact with these technologies. Being given the opportunity to raise important questions about human autonomy, privacy, and ethics in a government space, particularly at the Capitol in Richmond, was incredibly meaningful to me,” she said.

Senior Emily Keung, a chemistry major with a biochemistry concentration and member of 911��'s Nanoelectronics Research Group, presented her project “2D Diselenide Nanomaterials as Emerging VOC-Adsorbing Platforms for Low-Emission Cosmetic Technologies.” The project found that certain 2D materials could reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in consumer goods such as hair spray or dry shampoo.

VOCs contribute to air pollution and may irritate sensitive groups. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs can also cause serious health issues, making Keung’s research particularly important.

“It was especially meaningful to discuss my research with attendees from outside the university, including policymakers and researchers, and to see genuine interest in how undergraduate research can intersect with public health and materials science,” she said.

She credits her experience at the Nanoelectronics Research Lab, under the guidance of Ethan Ahn, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with teaching her the skills needed to present her work confidently.

Honors College student and neuroscience major Sofie Strompf’s research, under her mentors Lance Liotta and Marissa Howard at 911��'s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, focused on cancer cells’ survivability tactics.

Her project, titled “Extracellular Vesicle Export of Activated Tumor Suppressor Proteins Following Mitophagy Induction,” found that cancer cells remove damaged organelles and an essential tumor suppressor protein called p53, which allows the cells to evade the body's cancer-suppression mechanisms.

As a senior, Strompf has had several opportunities to present her research over the past four years, including at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2024 and 2025, with grants from OSCAR’s Undergraduate Student Travel Fund. She said attending NURVa was particularly meaningful for her this year, as her state delegate, Gretchen Bulova, was able to attend and see her work.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to present to my delegate, especially as a representative of Mason," Strompf said. “I think I nearly cried when she told me that she was impressed with my work and complimented my research communication skills.”

After she graduates, Strompf plans on pursuing a PhD in neurodegenerative diseases.

Learn more about the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research

Topics

Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

College of Engineering and Computing

Students

Oscar Ferrufino is January Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:27:15 +0000

Oscar Ferrufino is January Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 14:27

January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino is a member of 911��’s Essential Employees group, so he is one of the first to respond when severe weather is forecasted. A heavy equipment operator in Facilities Management, he has been an integral part of the Facilities and Campus Operations department for almost 20 years. Since 2006, his work has helped make 911��’s campuses a better place.

President Washington with January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Oscar can always be counted on to support our team, even if it is 2 a.m. with wind howling and snow flying. He is there and at the forefront without any complaints,” said Erich Miller, grounds program manager.

“Oscar demonstrates a level of stewardship, commitment, and service to the university who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Amy Millman, executive assistant to the vice president in Facilities and Campus Operations.

“Oscar has a wealth of grounds knowledge and professionally completes any assigned task. It is a pleasure to work alongside him, no matter what type of task we’ve been assigned,” said Archie Nesbit, senior grounds supervisor.

Kevin Brim, waste and recycling supervisor, said, “Every day, Oscar goes above and beyond in service to our university. I have never heard Oscar say he doesn’t have time to help a colleague or coworker.”

How did you come to Mason:

I was looking to move back to the area after moving away for a few years. I had close to 20 years' experience in a university setting, so when I searched for openings, I was happy to see there were positions available at 911��. I applied and traveled here for the interview and was hired from there.

Best day on the job:

Any day, but the best days are when I get to help colleagues in other shops that need assistance.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Flexibility with my schedule. I was able to take time off when my kids were little.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I love fishing and biking.

Topics

Facilities

Tourism and Events Management Program

Fulbright enables tourism professor to share her expertise in Tajikistan

Katarina Benson — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:21:50 +0000

Fulbright enables tourism professor to share her expertise in Tajikistan Katarina Benson Tue, 11/25/2025 - 11:21

Sue Slocum, professor in the Tourism and Events Management Program at 911��, received a Fulbright Specialist Program award in support of a project on how best to prepare students for jobs in Tajikistan’s tourism economy. She went for a month to advise and collaborate with faculty from the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan.

As part of this initiative, titled “Enhancing the Level of Competence of University Faculties,” Slocum identified opportunities for enhanced research and partnerships to support increased tourism development in Tajikistan. She also provided training related to teaching pedagogies and outcomes, and educational technologies to support classroom learning.

Students were taught new tourism strategies. Photo provided

The Fulbright Specialist Program is part of the larger Fulbright Program established by the U.S. Department of State and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to pair highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad. Initiatives under this program were short-term projects, ranging in length from two to six weeks. About 400 academic researchers and professionals participate annually in the program.

As a Fulbright Specialist award recipient, Slocum presented a series of lectures for both university faculty and students related to several types of tourism—most notably sustainable tourism, including integrated tourism models and visitor management strategies—and the specific needs and challenges of each. She taught for four hours a day, six days a week. She also presented at two conferences, teaching professionals about tourists’ use of technology for marketing purposes and how “to showcase development [and] accomplishments to the traveling public.”

Slocum took time to travel Tajikstan. Photo provided

“Most of my students were from small villages and had been exposed to tourism,” Slocum said. “The curriculum on sustainable development was very well received, and the students were excited to be able to apply some of what I taught to their home communities.”

She also gave a lecture to support faculties commitment to publishing
in SCOPUS academic journals, which the university was just beginning to explore.

“I also took four days to travel to Haft Kul [in the Pan Mountains] and Pajikent. Not only did it give me an opportunity to be a tourist in a country where I was teaching tourism, it also allowed me to spend time with villagers impacted by tourism. The sights were stunning, and the people were some of the friendliest I have ever met,” Slocum said.

Topics

Fulbright Scholars

College of Education and Human Development

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:24:27 +0000

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 10/28/2025 - 17:24

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is the associate director for 911�� Undergraduate Education's University Studies Program and has been a part of the department since 2008. From teaching the first UNIV College to Career course in 1998 to her responsibilities today, she has been an essential part of University Studies. She is also an alumna, having earned her MEd in Counseling and Development from 911��. For her ability to do it all, while championing kindness and positivity, Nash has been named November Employee of the Month.

Jackie Nash, November Employee of the Month, was recognized at a virtual ceremony with President Gregory Washington. Photo provided

“Having worked with Jackie for the past 15 years, I have seen firsthand her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and deep commitment to student success,” said Elena Chiru, director of career advising in University Career Services.

Rachel E. Lindsey, assistant director of career education in University Career Services, said, “Since I began in my role, Jackie has been my “go-to”—a source of expertise, sharing institutional knowledge and providing thorough, thoughtful (and timely!) answers to even my most frustrating and complicated questions. She remains an invaluable thought partner in navigating complex issues.”

“Jackie is a dedicated partner to many faculty and staff members who teach UNIV courses,” said Ann Garner, assistant director of career advising in University Career Services. “She deserves to be recognized for the commitment she exhibits every single day to 911�� students and the larger 911�� community!”

Katie Clare, director of well-being programs, said, “Jackie is a long-time 911�� employee who is an integral member of the community and who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen.”

Nina Cox, career advisor and career preparation courses instructor, praised Nash’s commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the 911�� community.

“Jackie has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of the career courses. Her prompt and reliable assistance has been invaluable to me and the students,” said Angelica Newham, career advisor in University Career Services. “Her ability to uplift and inspire those around her is a testament to the positive and collaborative work environment she fosters.”

How did you come to 911��:

My first career was in corporate human resources for 11 years. In the fall of 1997, I contacted the University Career Services office to volunteer with job search preparation activities such as resume writing and interview preparation. I instantly loved it and immediately enrolled in [Counseling and Development’s] counseling master’s program. I piloted the first College to Career course in the spring of 1998 and have taught several career and transition UNIV courses since then. After completing the master’s degree, I went on to work toward my doctorate in holistic college student development. For the last 17 years I have been an associate director for the University Studies Program.

Best day on the job:

It is a tie between being thrilled to talk with anyone who will listen about our University Studies Program (this is our 36th year and we have served more than 65,000 911�� students!), and any time that I have been able to assist students in their college journey!

What do you like best about working at 911��:

Hands down, it is the connection with not only students, but especially with fellow Mason colleagues with whom I have built long-standing and very meaningful collaborations and friendships.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

Along with being an avid reader (especially all things mystery) and a lifelong backgammon player (other board and card games, as well), I am a devoted sports championship enthusiast. It started with the famous 2006 Mason Patriots road to the NCAA basketball championship! My favorites are March Madness and the Little League World Series Championship. I also spend as much time with my three grown sons and family as possible.

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

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Topics