Community Engagement

Fall for the Book’s Writers in the Schools reaches more than 1,000 students

Katarina Benson — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:45:43 +0000

Fall for the Book’s Writers in the Schools reaches more than 1,000 students Katarina Benson Wed, 08/12/2026 - 08:45

Last year, Fall for the Book’s annual Writers in the School series reached nearly 1,200 K-12 students in the Fairfax County Public Schools with their Writers in the School series. The program, organized by the 911��-based festival, is designed to introduce students to authors and encourage interest in reading and writing.

Misako Rocks! taught students how to draw manga. Photo provided.

Last fall Japanese writer and artist Misako Rocks! visited Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax to show students how to draw manga. Misako Rocks! has published many graphic novels including Bounce Back, winner of the American Library Association’s 2021 Best Graphic Novels for Children. She also conducted a manga drawing workshop and signed books during 2025 Fall for the Book Festival.

"Having Misako visit was such a joy for the Robinson community. It can be difficult to secure school funding for author talks, and we were so fortunate to receive this opportunity through Fall for the Book. It was really a special day and truly enriched the learning of the 250 students who were able to participate,” said Michael Van Wambeke, Robinson Secondary School Library.

Local author Ann McCallum Staats visited Mosaic Elementary School, also in Fairfax, to teach students about botany with the help of her book Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants.

Award-winning writer and professor of English at William Paterson University Marina Budhos visited Manassas Park High School to discuss teenage life and immigrant families. Her recent book, Tell Us We're Home, follows three eighth-grade girls in Massachusetts.

Author Ann McCallum Staats at Mosaic Elementary School. Photo provided

“We worked with the schools to create meaningful, immersive activities to connect the featured books with their current schoolwork,” said Kara Oakleaf, director of Fall for the Book and a faculty member in 911��’s English Department. “For many of these children and teens, it was their first time seeing an author speak in person.”

Engaging with authors allows students to learn more about the writing process, increases interest in reading, and improves literacy outcomes.

At this year's festival, which runs October 6-10, authors will again visit schools.

Cassandra James, international bestselling author of fantasy epics for teens, will visit Chantilly High School. Her debut duology, Capitana and Libertad, has been translated into multiple languages and was chosen for the Junior Library Guild Gold Selection.

Marcie Flinchum Atkins is a teacher-librarian and the author of When Twilight Comes. The author of several nonfiction books for children, she will speak to Mosaic Elementary students about crepuscular plants and animals active in summer in Virginia. Atkins’s debut historical YA novel, One Step Forward, is about the youngest suffragist imprisoned at Occoquan Workhouse.

Based at 911��, Fall for the Book is an independent nonprofit literary arts organization that promotes reading by sponsoring a variety of year-round events and activities on the 911��’s Fairfax Campus and throughout Northern Virginia.

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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

OLLI Mason welcomes lifelong learners at inaugural Ideas Festival

Susan Martonik — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:25:30 +0000

OLLI Mason welcomes lifelong learners at inaugural Ideas Festival Susan Martonik Thu, 07/02/2026 - 10:25

Learning doesn’t end at graduation—it continues to evolve at every stage of life. That spirit was on full display in early May as nearly 500 participants aged 50 and older gathered for the first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 911�� (OLLI Mason) Ideas Festival to explore new interests, exchange ideas, and learn more about the program.

The Ideas Festival was created to introduce more people across the area to the many experiences and benefits OLLI Mason offers. “OLLI Mason is truly a standout resource for older adults, providing enriching educational, social, and cultural experiences in a warm, welcoming environment,” said Steve Rose, president of the OLLI Mason Board of Directors.

Held at 911��’s Fairfax Campus, the free, open house-style Ideas Festival included educational classes, demonstrations, activities, and a panel discussion. Courses were taught by 911�� faculty, community members, and even OLLI Mason members themselves.

Musical performers at the OLLI Ideas Festival stand alongside Linda A. Monson, director of 911��'s Dewberry School of Music. Photo by OLLI staff.

To kick off the event, Linda A. Monson, director of 911��’s Dewberry Family School of Music, organized a music performance to highlight the extraordinary talents of the school’s students. The presentation attracted a large audience and drew positive feedback from attendees.

“OLLI is so lucky to be affiliated with a wonderful 911�� music program,” said OLLI Mason member Bob Heyer. “We often listen to a number of very talented local and international students performing their amazing talents in OLLI classes and party events.”

Among the most popular offerings at the Ideas Festival was the class “Yeah, There’s a Pill for That” taught by OLLI member Michele Romano, a retired physician. The interactive session taught attendees how to safely navigate prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbals, and how to keep everything organized for themselves and their healthcare providers.

Other well-received classes included “Watercolor is Playful,” in which award-winning local artist Marni Maree led participants as they experimented with various painting techniques, and “Meet the Restauranteur” featuring Dina Daniel, founder and chef at Fava Pot, the first Egyptian restaurant in the DMV. Poet and 911�� alumna Danielle Badra, who was Fairfax County poet laureate from 2022-24, led a "Nature Poetry Writing” class in which attendees ventured outdoors to listen to poetry, write their own, and then read their works aloud.

The OLLI Mason Walk and Talk Club learns about outdoor art installations at 911��'s Fairfax Campus. Photo by Bob Heyer.

In addition to classes, the Ideas Festival also offered attendees the opportunities to learn about the different clubs and special interest groups that are a part of OLLI Mason. Meetings were held by the Investment Forum, a long-running, retiree-focused group; the Walk and Talk Club, which led a tour of the campus’ outdoor art installations; the Board Game Club; and others.

“I came to OLLI to learn about things other than airplanes and engineering that I spent a career in. I have found great classes in history, music, philosophy, religion, science, and most important, many friendships in classes, clubs, and activities,” said Bob Heyer, coordinator of the Walk and Talk Club.

Based on the strong turnout, OLLI Mason plans to hold another Ideas Festival in 2027. “It’s clear from both the number of attendees and the overwhelming positive feedback from the event that older adults want to continue their learning journey,” said Debbie Engleson, OLLI Mason treasurer. “OLLI Mason is the perfect place for them to do just that.”

Through its partnership with OLLI, 911�� welcomes lifelong learners to campus for courses, lectures, and other educational opportunities. The program connects participants with university faculty and programs while creating additional opportunities for engagement between the university and the broader Northern Virginia community.

In This Story

Dr. Linda Apple Monson

Explore OLLI at 911��

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Fairfax Campus

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Community Engagement

Creating joyful new—and therapeutic—connections through dance

Katarina Benson — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:27:30 +0000

Creating joyful new—and therapeutic—connections through dance Katarina Benson Thu, 06/25/2026 - 14:27

“Being in class with our participants reminds me of the pure joy of dance,” said School of Dance senior Emma Simons of her time interning with Dance for PD®.

Dance for PD is a national program providing movement-based classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. Photo provided

Dance for PD is a movement-based class for people with Parkinson’s disease, which offers physical benefits to the participants and helps reduce the social isolation associated with the neurological disease. 911��’s School of Dance has offered the national program, administered by 911�� arts partner Mark Morris Dance Group, in Northern Virginia since 2021.

When Simons and fellow dance major Asiah Moore interned with Dance for PD, each took a different approach to her work, a practice encouraged by 911�� adjunct Elizabeth Spatz, a certified Dance for PD teaching artist.

Moore concentrated on increasing internal awareness of Dance for PD at 911��, creating strategic social media content and encouraging her peers in the School of Dance to engage more robustly with the program.

She recruited fellow students to attend the classes and perform brief dance selections for class participants. After these showings, participants had the opportunity to ask the students questions about the pieces and their experiences overall.

“I wanted to combine these worlds and give the community a chance to see inside the work we do,” said Moore. “When [the participants] have a chance to see pieces beforehand, they might come to a performance, [then] they come in feeling like they’re already part of this world because they know us.”

Dancers participating in Dance for PD®. Photo provided

In her work, Simons focused on external communications, building on previous interns’ research into local medical practices, retirement communities, and businesses where patients and caregivers might be looking for the resource that Dance for PD provides.

Simons made cold calls and sent out emails, aiming to bring more people to 911��’s Fairfax Campus. But as she spent more time in class, she noticed that people’s hesitation melted inside the studio, and she decided to pivot in her approach.

“It’s so much joy to be in the room with the participants, and I knew words can’t bring people in as much as the movement itself could,” said Simons.

Simons and Moore joined forces and started reaching out to administrators at various retirement communities to organize in-person trial classes on-site. The class they offered with Westminster at Lake Ridge was very well attended.

“There were staff members who said ‘We’re just here to watch’ at the beginning of the session, but within five minutes, they were dancing and smiling and moving. It has this power for connecting people,” said School of Dance Associate Professor and 911�� alumna Shaun Boyle D’Arcy, MFA Dance '21, who helped bring the program to 911��.

Simons and Moore graduated from 911�� in May with BFAs in dance and look forward to building on their experiences with Dance for PD. They both plan to perform professionally and are looking for companies that value community engagement and service.

Spatz said these internships can lead to jobs. “One of our former interns was hired by a company that was impressed with her [Dance for PD] experience,” said Spatz. “It’s so valuable for our students to see the different ways dance applies to people’s lives.”

This research supports the Grand Challenge Initiative's goal of improving human health, well-being, and preparedness.

Discover more GCI human health, wellness, and preparedness research >>

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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.

In This Story

Emma (Xijin) Zhang

Explore Sustaintability at 911��

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Sustainability

College of Engineering and Computing

Community Engagement

Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s

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Students

When students compete to help local organizations solve problems, everybody wins

sholla4 — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:52:08 +0000

When students compete to help local organizations solve problems, everybody wins sholla4 Wed, 04/15/2026 - 11:52

Bright and early on a Saturday in February, every table in Fenwick Library’s Reading Room is packed. Some of 911��’s most driven students are about to begin a rigorous five-hour competition in partnership with local organizations. For them, it’s the perfect way to spend the weekend. And for the Honors College, it’s a chance to show what the honors learning experience is all about: engaging multidisciplinary perspectives, asking questions that matter, and making a difference through civic engagement.

Honors College Challenge Day brings teams of students together to solve strategic challenges for corporate and nonprofit partners. Challenge Day fits into the Honors College’s wider ecosystem of professional development opportunities, as a condensed version of their Honors College Connects and Honors College Consults courses. The quickfire nature of the challenge helps build critical thinking, research, presentation, and teamwork skills, as well as being a great networking opportunity for students.

Photo by Dan Luaces

“We wanted a high impact, low time-commitment experience beyond the curriculum for all 911�� students to gain valuable skills while contributing, connecting, and learning from the community,” said Melanie Fedri, assistant professor and experiential learning coordinator in the Honors College.

For each Challenge Day, the Honors College typically selects one corporate and one nonprofit partner to participate. They work with each organization to create a challenge statement: what their strategic challenge is and what the constraints are. On the day of the challenge, participating students select their track: corporate or nonprofit. They are then grouped into teams to tackle the selected partner’s challenge. Each team has half a day to come up with a solution and present their findings to a panel of 911�� alumni and leaders from the participating organizations. A winning solution is selected from each track.

“I think it’s so enriching to participate in these types of extracurriculars that leverage what you’re learning in class in a way that impacts the community,” said Costello College of Business and Honors College senior Vidhi Pathak. Pathak works for the Honors College as the external partner experience officer. She has been instrumental in shaping the recent iterations of Challenge Day, from developing the corporate track to creating the competitive structure.

“In today’s competitive job market, students want real-world experiences and collaborations with real clients that they can put on their resumes to make them stand out among other applicants,” said Pathak. “And our partners want outside perspectives on their strategic challenges to find novel and innovative solutions. It’s a win-win.”

For nonprofit partners, who may be working under tighter budgeting and staffing constraints than their corporate counterparts, Challenge Day is an opportunity for consulting that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Due to an overwhelming response from nonprofit partners, Honors College Challenge Day for spring 2026 focused on nonprofits. Six organizations were selected and assigned one team each, with all six teams competing against one another for two prizes: the most innovative solution and the most actionable solution.

One of this semester’s winning teams worked with Britepaths, a local organization that provides food, financial assistance and education, and workforce development to Northern Virginia residents in economic crisis. Their challenge was how to further grow and promote their in-house library space for young readers.

“Participating in Honors College Challenge Day gave Britepaths valuable insight from the next generation of changemakers, as students brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that we look forward to implementing," said Cora Lundgren, food security and youth programs manager for Britepaths.

From left: Nora Rideg (Honors College student mentor), Zahra Hashemi, Neda Sellidji, and Naomi Fetene. Photo by Dan Luaces

Naomi Fetene, a freshman neuroscience major in the Honors College, and Zahra Hashemi, a freshman biology major in the Honors College, both participated in Challenge Day in fall 2025. They returned in spring as part of the Britepaths team, along with freshman neuroscience major Neda Sellidj.

“I wanted to participate because it felt like we’d be making a real difference for the organization,” said Sellidj.

Using skills learned in their courses like affinity mapping to define the problem and organize their ideas, the group developed high-, medium-, and low-effort solutions for Britepaths within their budgetary constraints: book donation drives, text message campaigns, incentivized summer reading challenges, and community events. Their thorough and creative planning won the prize for “most actionable recommendation.”

“Even more fulfilling than winning was when each sponsor stood up and said their thoughts on our presentation, and they told us that our solution would make an impact and be implemented,” said Hashemi.

“You leave the day having helped a community and refining your skills in communication, team building, and time management,” said Fetene, “and you can make new friends!”

“Events like this bring intellectually curious and passionate students from various backgrounds and majors together to make an impact,” said Pathak. “It’s really empowering.”

Learn more about the Honors College

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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

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Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)

education-to-employment pathways

Community Engagement

experiential learning

internships

Students

Cybersecurity

Carter School welcomes Walk for Peace to Northern Virginia

Katarina Benson — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:21:35 +0000

Carter School welcomes Walk for Peace to Northern Virginia Katarina Benson Wed, 02/18/2026 - 13:21

From October to mid-February, the Venerable Buddhist monks of the Dhammacetiya Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center of Fort Worth, Texas walked more than 2,300 miles to Washington, D.C. Known as the Walk for Peace, their goal was to raise awareness of the global need for peace as well as how we can practice and foster peace in our own lives and neighborhoods.

Carter School students Angelina Di Matteo and Grace McIntyre traveled to Fort Belvoir to greet the monks as they arrived for their lunch break at the Chùa Hoa Nghiêm temple. Photo provided

On February 8and 9, students and staff from 911��’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution gathered together in the cold and wind to greet and witness the Walk for Peace.

The monks, ranging in age from 29-68, represent monasteries and temples from around the globe. In past years, they have gathered for walks in other locations across the globe, including India, Cambodia, and Thailand. They gather when there is a sense that the world is in crisis, and peace is especially needed.

On Sunday, February 8, Carter School undergraduates Angelina Di Matteo and Grace McIntyre traveled to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to greet the monks as they arrived for their lunch break at the Chùa Hoa Nghiêm temple. Carter School doctoral student Heather Rosso was one of the volunteers escorting the monks as they arrived at the temple.

Rosso had been following the Walk for Peace on Facebook when she noticed a call for volunteers at the Virginia locations and volunteered. “We were told to be prepared for anything, including the cold weather, so I bundled up and headed to the temple.”

Rosso’s assignment was to escort the monks through the temple grounds while maintaining crowd control and respect for the monks. In addition to typical crowd control for an event, the monks required special care and attention. “For monastic reasons, we had to be sure nobody touched or approached the monks.”

"It was an amazing experience," said Rosso, who studies U.S. mass violence, extremism, and coercive control. "It was bitter cold and windy, filled with love and peace, long hours on our feet, and over in what seemed like the blink of an eye. I was so honored to have been among those chosen to assist as a volunteer that morning."

The next day, February 9, one of the last days of the walk, 911�� students, members of the Carter School, and Mason Square faculty and staff greeted the monks as they passed by Vernon Smith Hall at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia. They were joined by the Rotarians from District 7620. The Rotary is a Carter School partner organization, as both share a mission of fostering peace locally and globally. Participants laid yellow flower petals along the monks’ path, and greeted them with a banner, flowers, and signs representing the Carter School for peace studies.

The gathering was an incredible experience filled with “fellowship, hope, peacefulness, healing, resilience,” said Shirley Al-Jarani, director of operations for the 911�� Instructional Foundation (GMUIF). Al-Jarani captured the experience well when she recalled, “The hope I felt as a group of virtual strangers [as we] talked in fellowship getting to know each other realizing we may never meet again but we were connected in that moment and stood together in solidarity for peace and hope.”

From left, Mark Flanigan, Paul Snodgrass, Monica Solis, Heather Rosso, Shirley Al-Jarani, Angela Mandizvidza, and Rotary's Mari Clark welcomed the Walk for Peace with a banner as the monks made their way through Arlington. Photo provided

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Mason Nation stands behind Ilia Malinin after Olympic setback

Katarina Benson — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:27:41 +0000

Mason Nation stands behind Ilia Malinin after Olympic setback Katarina Benson Mon, 02/16/2026 - 13:27

911��’s Ilia Malinin’s Olympic journey hit an unexpected speed bump on Friday in the men’s individual figure skating final at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. But even as the result stunned fans worldwide, Mason Nation gathered at the Johnson Center with unwavering support for one of its own.

Olympic watch party in the Johnson Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

A two-time reigning world champion and the overwhelming gold medal favorite, Malinin fell twice during his free skate and finished eighth overall, marking his first loss since November 2023, and his first time finishing outside the top three since March 2022. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov claimed gold, with Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama and Sato Shun earning silver and bronze.

“Honestly, I’m just speechless. So in shock, I really didn’t know what to expect,” Malinin told reporters afterward. “I’ve been training my whole season to get to this point and skate as best as I can, but it didn’t happen. I’m heartbroken.”

The 21-year-old Vienna native and exploratory studies major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences had hoped to add an individual medal to the team gold he helped secure for Team USA win earlier in the games.

Like Malinin, the crowd of several hundred enthusiastic students, faculty, and staff at the Johnson Center’s Atrium were stunned, but their pride never wavered.

Kiersten Strassburg, a junior anthropology major from Chesapeake who has followed Malinin’s career for years, remained confident in his future.

“He’s only 21, and he’s still in college,” she said. “He still has his whole career ahead of him. It was disappointing, but I’m not disappointed in him.”

Malinin had entered the free skate with a five-point lead after the short program, poised to potentially become the second consecutive American Olympic champion in men’s figure skating, following Nathan Chen’s victory in Beijing in 2022. His high-risk, high-reward technical arsenal—including the quad axel, which he remains the only skater to have landed successfully in competition—seemed tailored for the Olympic stage.

But Olympic competition can be unforgiving.

“Our hearts hurt for him,” said Cassie Baker, a junior business major at the Costello College of Business.

Graduate student Kat Hines arrived early to secure a prime viewing spot in the atrium. Though the outcome wasn’t what she expected, the moment still mattered.

“It’s pretty amazing that we have an Olympian going here,” said Hines, a Fairfax native and public health major within the College of Public Health. “This gathering shows what kind of community Mason has, and it’s nice to see.”

While the individual medal eluded him, Malinin will return home an Olympic champion through the team event, joining alumni David Verburg, who earned a gold medal as part of Team USA’s 4x400-meter relay squad at the 2016 Rio Summer Games, and Mike Kohn, who earned bronze as a part of USA-2 in the four-men bobsledding at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

But Malinin’s Olympic journey is not over, as he will perform in the popular exhibition gala—the final figure skating event of the games—on Saturday, February 21. He has also committed to defending his world title next month at the 2026 World Championships in Prague.

For Mason Nation, Friday was about more than medals, it was about standing behind a student who has elevated the sport and the university on the world stage. And at just 21, Malinin’s story is far from finished.

911��’s Ilia Malinin claims team figure skating gold

“I was around 13 when I realized that I could skate for more than just fun.”

Ilia Malinin

Read an interview with 911�� student Ilia Malinin

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Outdoor learning at Burke Lake shows students science career pathways

sholla4 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:42:18 +0000

Outdoor learning at Burke Lake shows students science career pathways sholla4 Mon, 01/26/2026 - 09:42

Cynthia "Cindy" Smith (left) works with one of the seventh grade students. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Down at the shores of Burke Lake, seventh-grade students squeal in delight and disgust. They've found a collection of invertebrates under a rock. Their field interpreter—a 911�� student—gathers them around to take a closer look and identify what they see. Nearby, another group of students takes water samples. Another group measures the soil compaction around the mossy roots of a tree.

For some of these Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) students, it’s the first time they’ve been to Burke Lake. Some didn’t know it existed at all, despite being in their proverbial backyards. But through the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) program, FCPS students get the chance to do hands-on learning outdoors.

Developed as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program and Chesapeake Bay Program, MWEEs increase environmental literacy through hands-on experience in indoor and outdoor classrooms. Since 2010, 911�� environmental science and policy professor Cynthia Smith has worked with FCPS and Fairfax County Park Authority to develop and support her students in delivering MWEEs in waterfront park locations around the county. In her role as outreach director for the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC), Smith integrates PEREC aquatic ecology research into these programs.

The program is an extension of the FCPS seventh-grade life science curriculum, bringing students out of their classroom labs and into the field to gain hands-on experience. With support and guidance from field interpreters, the students move through different stations to learn about the history of development around the lake, test the water chemistry, investigate invertebrate habitats, measure soil erosion and compaction, and examine biodiversity living amongst the trees and leaf litter to gather a holistic look at the health of their local watershed. The data they record during their field excursion is further investigated in the classroom.

911�� student and field interpreter Deena Chouaf (right) and one of the seventh grade students. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We’re looking at the human impact on the land and how it impacts the water,” Smith explained. “But instead of just hearing a lecture on it, the students are immersed in the environment. When you see it, touch it, measure it, and talk about why you’re doing it, then the learning is just so much more impactful, and you become more invested in protecting and preserving it.”

Smith recruits 911�� students to serve as the field interpreters, giving them an opportunity to practice their science communication skills in a real-world setting. “They’re explaining challenging concepts to young learners, encouraging them to engage with the data they’ve collected, helping them learn through inquiry," Smith explained. “I’ve seen so many students evolve into incredible leaders and communicators through their experiences as field interpreters.”

“I had never had a job where I had to speak in front of people, and I really couldn’t do it at all when I started,” said Matt Helfinstein, BS Biology ’12. He worked as a field interpreter throughout his time at 911��. “But I was able to develop those science communication skills and get much more comfortable with it.”

Now, Helfinstein is camp director of Fish and Explore—a company that offers guided outdoor experiences and summer camps—and continues to work with Smith as the MWEE site manager. Helfinstein met the owner of the company while serving as a field interpreter, which opened the door to his future career.

"We have students go into policy, environmental science, science communication, as well as working for our partners like the Park Authority or Fish and Explore,” said Smith. “Translating science to the public opens up so many opportunities for them that they never thought possible.”

911�� student and field interpreter Angelina Seehusan. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

It’s an important opportunity for the middle school students as well. “This is the first time some of them have ever met a college student working outdoors in a park setting,” Smith explained. Because of this, she has her field interpreters introduce themselves not just as 911�� students, but with their expected career paths: freshwater ecologist, marine biologist, environmental scientist, etc.

“They hear about all these different career fields and areas of study in science, they get excited. They routinely ask field interpreters what they have to do to pursue that same career,” said Smith.

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement put forth a new goal in 2025 of increasing elementary, middle, and high school student participation in MWEEs, working toward 75% of public school students enrolled in a school district with MWEEs by 2040.

In 2016, Smith and her collaborators in FCPS and the Fairfax County Park Authority received a Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations in the category of Partnership Initiative for their work. Ten years ago, they had served over 25,000 seventh graders throughout the county. Now, Smith estimates PEREC outreach programs reach more than 10,000 students a year. And more and more, she’s seeing those students enroll at 911�� and become field interpreters themselves.

“Sometimes just seeing one cool thing is life-changing,” Smith said.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and 911�� researchers

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:30:46 +0000

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and 911�� researchers Taylor Thomas Mon, 01/26/2026 - 09:30

In This Story

Iulia Fratila, PhD

“Imagine living in a place where you can comfortably send your child and their friends on a safe route to your local library on foot or by bike. How about being able to engage in physical activity by simply accessing an expansive network of trails that might connect parks to local suburbs? This is what walkability looks like—and walkability is public health,” said social science researcher Iulia Fratila, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at 911��.

Fratlia participated as a cohort member of the 2025 Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI) and was awarded $9,000 in funding to enhance a local park in Alexandria, Virginia. In partnership with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA), Fratila and third-year undergraduate social work student Bryce Neuman devised the plan for the Alexandria City Ben Brenman Park project, which aims to encourage walkability, promote physical activity among community members, and improve access to fitness.

Fratlia emphasizes the role of partnerships in bringing sustainable change to fruition. “A partnership like this is a win for everyone involved," she said. "Academic researchers bring knowledge and expertise on the science that shapes health outcomes and the potential prevention efforts and the governmental agencies can bring resources and design structures that support health-promoting landscapes and decision-making.”

Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health Iulia Fratila (left) and Senior Transportation Planner at Equitable Cities Reba Oduro (right) standing in Ben Brenman Park currently, before enhancement. Photo provided.

The goal of the Ben Brenman Park project is to upgrade a trail segment in the south side of the park that has been underdeveloped and underutilized. The anticipated result is more walking and community engagement, healthier residents in the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas, and addressing health and recreation access gaps.

“We need to make sure we are creating and enhancing built environments and infrastructure that make healthier habits like walking and biking a possibility for all,” said Fratlia.

Neuman joined the Ben Brenman Park project to explore her interest in the built and natural environment as an important factor of public health as well as connections to macro-level social work dimensions. Together, Fratlia and Neuman developed the project’s action plan and strategic goals that guided them through the project proposal and implementation process.

Fratlia attended the farmers' market held at the park to distribute QR codes linking to the survey, and the RPCA emailed the survey to the city residents via their newsletter. These data collection methods garnered more than 400 responses. Based on the survey responses, the community identified priorities, including planting native trees and plants and installing adult fitness equipment in the park. Subsequently, the RPCA Urban Planning team created a plan outlining the proposed layout for exercise equipment and tree plantings.

“I am looking forward to being able to see the final product implemented at the park and see that positive change. I’m particularly excited about the addition of native wildlife around the park, and I hope the people who live near and visit the park also appreciate the changes,” said Neuman.

In addition to the pitch and execution of the Ben Brenman Park project, the VWAI program, in partnership with Equitable Cities LLC, involved attending distance learning modules and in-person workshopsfocused on topics such as Placemaking and Tactical Urbanism, the Economic Impact and Sustainability of Active Transportation Investment, Inclusive Community Engagement, Safe Routes programming, and Complete Streets initiatives. This experience allowed Fratila and Neuman to apply public health principles to a real-world built environment project while engaging directly with community members to address their needs and priorities.

The park enhancement project, which has officially been named a case study by the VWAI, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026 and will be installed by the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The VWAI is a program of the Virginia Department of Health and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Key Takeaways

911�� College of Public Health researchers are partnering with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute to study and improve neighborhood walkability at Alexandria City's Ben Brenman Park, ensuring research is grounded in community-identified needs rather than academic theory alone.
The initiative provides hands-on, real-world research experience for College of Public Health students, integrating applied public health training with community-based data collection and analysis to inform local planning decisions.
911��’s involvement helps translate walkability research into practical policy insights, supporting Alexandria’s goals around healthier, safer, and more equitable streets while positioning the university as a long-term community partner.

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Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and 911�� researchers