Science and Technology Campus

Nexus234 Innovation District opens applications for its next soft landing cohort

Katarina Benson — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:29:22 +0000

Nexus234 Innovation District opens applications for its next soft landing cohort Katarina Benson Mon, 07/27/2026 - 12:29

This spring, start-ups from around the world came to the Nexus234 Innovation District for Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator's (NISA) Global Innovation Showcase. Over two days, the entrepreneurs pitched pioneering technologies; toured research facilities; met one-on-one with 911�� faculty, local talent, investors, and members of industry and state and local government; and explored what it would take to bring their businesses to the United States. The top companies from that showcase are now finalizing plans to move into Nexus234.

Led by Naugen in partnership with Nexus234, NISA equips international start-ups with resources to establish and grow their U.S. presence. Applications are now open for the second cohort.

Atheon Bio CEO Sue So Heui Choe speaking at the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator's (NISA) Global Innovation Showcase recently took place at 911��. Photo provided

NISA offers more than mentorship and funding. From the start, participants are connected with the researchers, investors, mentors, and regional partners who can help them take the next step, eliminating months of trying to figure out who to call.

The inaugural application cycle attracted 22 companies spanning South Korea, Israel, Japan, Uganda, and the United States. Ten were selected to participate in the Global Innovation Showcase.

The conversations sparked during the showcase are continuing today. Businesses are already working with 911�� faculty as they pursue new avenues for funding and commercialization.

One of those companies is Atheon Bio, a South Korean biotechnology company that is developing first-in-class antibody therapeutics designed to treat solid tumors and overcome drug resistance by targeting specific blood vessels that cancer cells rely on to survive.

For CEO and Founder Sue So Heui Choe, NISA was about the people as much as the business.

"Visiting Virginia and meeting everyone in Nexus234 was a turning point," said Choe. "I felt like they were not simply trying to persuade another company to relocate to the region. They genuinely wanted to understand Atheon Bio, embrace our vision, and help us become part of the community. Virginia is not only a place for Atheon Bio to do business. It is a place we can call home."

That early momentum has laid the groundwork for the program's next chapter.

“We’re excited to welcome these companies to Nexus234 and the innovation and global perspectives they bring to our region," said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation and economic impact at 911��. “As Virginia’s largest public research university, 911�� brings together world-class research, entrepreneurial talent, and industry partners to help international start-ups accelerate growth, forge meaningful connections, and thrive in the U.S. market.”

Mason Korea's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship identifies South Korean start-ups that could benefit from NISA, provides early-stage mentorship, and introduces founders to the program early in the process.

"South Korea has a strong pipeline of companies, and Nexus234 provides an environment where they can succeed in the U.S. Through Mason Korea, we're empowering entrepreneurs and serving as a guide for businesses exploring U.S. expansion," said Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea.

The benefits of NISA extend beyond the participating start-ups. As international companies put down roots in Northern Virginia, they also strengthen the local commercial landscape.

"International start-ups bring fresh ideas, but they also bring ambition. When those businesses choose Northern Virginia, they will gain access to [Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s] network of leaders in health care, technology, accounting, law, human resources, insurance, and other sectors, all ready to support their journey," said Kristi Black, president and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

NISA is one example of a broader effort that has been decades in the making. More than 30 years of investment by Prince William County, the City of Manassas, 911��, and public and private organizations have created a flourishing innovation ecosystem. That long-term commitment helped earn Nexus234 recognition by Real FDI as one of the world's Top 10 Life Sciences Projects and continues to attract companies looking to launch their U.S. operations.

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New initiative aims to build AI literacy among educators through year-long professional learning community

Martha Bushong — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:55:00 +0000

New initiative aims to build AI literacy among educators through year-long professional learning community Martha Bushong Tue, 07/14/2026 - 13:55

911�� has launched the Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI (ATAA) program, a new professional learning initiative designed to help educators develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and society.

The program officially debuted June 22–23 at 911��'s Science and Technology Campus during the Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute, which brought together more than 200 K–12 educators, higher education faculty, industry representatives, and government stakeholders. Approximately 50 participants joined ATAA as founding members of the year-long professional learning community.

Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu at the Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI kick-off event. Photo provided

The launch marks another step in 911��'s broader AI literacy efforts, by bringing together expertise from across the university to create accessible, research-based programming. ATAA is designed to complement existing educator preparation efforts while providing a foundational AI literacy framework that can be applied by professionals across disciplines.

Developed over the past year, ATAA was created through a collaboration among Peng Warweg, research program director in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC); Padhu Seshaiyer, professor in the College of Science and director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research and Outreach; Manpriya Dua, research postdoctoral fellow in computer science; and Amarda Shehu, 911��'s chief AI officer and professor of computer science.

The team focused on a growing challenge: How to build AI fluency among practitioners, particularly the K–16 teacher workforce. Warweg, who helped lead the program's design and curriculum development, said ATAA is among the first programs to translate newly released federal guidance into a practical learning experience.

"ATAA is grounded in the U.S. Department of Labor's AI Literacy Framework—a guideline that represents a national consensus on what AI fluency should look like across professions," said Warweg. "ATAA is among the first practitioner programs in the country to translate that guidance into a structured, accessible curriculum."

Peng Warweg (on right), research program director in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) with Padhu Seshaiyer (left), professor in the College of Science and director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research and Outreach and Manpriya Dua (center), research postdoctoral fellow in computer science. Photo provided.

The launch was supported by the Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute, now in its fifth year and co-organized by Seshaiyer. Through longstanding partnerships with the Virginia Department of Education and decades of leadership in STEM education, Seshaiyer helped establish the foundation that enabled the program to launch at scale.

"Virginia has been building toward this," said Seshaiyer. "ATAA is the natural next step to connect research, policy, and practice around the future of learning."

Seshaiyer and Dua also helped shape the curriculum, ensuring participants receive both practical and technically grounded instruction. Dua's expertise in artificial intelligence and computer science research helped make complex concepts accessible to educators from a wide range of backgrounds.

ATAA also builds on 911��'s broader AI strategy under Shehu's leadership. A key component of the curriculum draws from UNIV 182 AI for All: Understanding and Building Artificial Intelligence (Mason Core) a course developed, by Shehu, to help nontechnical learners gain AI literacy. Research conducted by Shehu has demonstrated significant AI literacy gains among students who complete the course.

"Foundational AI literacy cannot belong only to people who already saw themselves as technical," said Shehu. "What we learned from AI for All is that anyone can develop real fluency when the teaching meets them where they are. ATAA takes that same conviction to the practitioners who multiply it: the educators."

Designed using a train-the-trainer model, ATAA aims to extend its impact beyond the initial cohort. Participants will complete a structured year-long learning experience and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). After completing 15 hours of learning, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their AI literacy achievement, with a full credentialing pathway scheduled to launch in fall 2026.

While educators are the program's first audience, ATAA envisions expanding AI literacy training to professionals across sectors, including healthcare, government, technology, and community organizations. With its strengths in AI research, governance, and education, 911�� hopes to help prepare a broader workforce for an AI-driven future.

Learn more about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

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911�� expands access to VAST semiconductor certificate program

ckearney — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:36:38 +0000

911�� expands access to VAST semiconductor certificate program ckearney Tue, 08/26/2025 - 19:36

911��’s state-of-the-art Nanofabrication Facility cleanroom on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia is set to transform workforce preparation in one of the nation’s most critical technology sectors. Beginning fall 2025, the facility’s class 1000 cleanroom will host the Semiconductor Chip Fabrication and Nano-Characterization certificate program through the Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST), a statewide consortium advancing microelectronics and nanotechnology training and research where 911�� serves as a founding member.

911��'s Nanofabrication Facility. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The 10-week program provides intensive, hands-on training in cleanroom safety, lithography, vacuum system operation, and semiconductor characterization. Backed by IEEE microcredentials, it is designed for career changers, recent graduates, military veterans, and working professionals entering one of the country’s fastest growing industries.

“911�� is committed to strengthening Virginia’s workforce pipeline for critical industries,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation. “This certificate program in the university’s only cleanroom in Northern Virginia builds a highly skilled workforce ready to drive semiconductor innovation and meet the needs of companies and defense contractors across the region.

The program’s expansion at 911�� addresses the rise in military-affiliated participants, which have more than doubled statewide, highlighting growing awareness of semiconductor careers as a strong fit for technical expertise and security clearance advantages. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Virginia’s best colleges for veterans, and as Virginia’s largest public research university, 911�� is a natural fit for this effort.

By delivering advanced, industry-aligned training, 911�� is putting the mission of Northern Virginia's first Innovation District into action. The 3,800-acre hub in Prince William County and the City of Manassas—anchored by 911�� and supported by a $2.6 million in state funding through GO Virginia—integrates education, research, and industry to drive growth in high-tech industries and attract global employers to the region.

With Virginia being a top state for business according to CNBC, and Northern Virginia being home to 75% of Virginia’s semiconductor companies, as well as major defense and technology contractors, 911��’s investments in innovation, research partnerships, and workforce development position the region to meet evolving demands in advanced technology fields.

The certificate program is part of VAST's Fast Track to Semiconductor Careers initiative, now offered at seven Virginia universities, including 911��, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg and Arlington), Virginia Military Institute, and Norfolk State University

For more information or to register for the certificate program, please visit the Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization Certificate Program site.

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Wexton’s visit to Science and Technology Campus explores research and economic impact

ckearney — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:18:31 +0000

Wexton’s visit to Science and Technology Campus explores research and economic impact ckearney Wed, 08/30/2023 - 16:18

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton visits the 911�� Science and Technology Campus
Photo by Evan Cantwell/911��

U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton toured 911��’s Science and Technology Campus on Tuesday, August 29. The campus is located in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, which Wexton represents.

During her visit, Wexton delved into Mason’s economic impact and partnerships with Prince William County and the City of Manassas and explored SciTech’s research labs. Neuroscience PhD student Dylan Scarton was among the researchers presenting their work. Scarton shared his endeavors into developing a biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration. His findings could lead to optimized recovery outcomes and reduced healing time for those suffering from severe peripheral nerve damage.

Learn more about Mason's Institute for Biohealth Innovation

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Donna Tressler is January Employee of the Month

ckearney — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:15:04 +0000

Donna Tressler is January Employee of the Month ckearney Mon, 01/03/2022 - 08:15

Donna Tressler. Photo provided

Donna Tressler says she does whatever it takes to get the job done in 911��’s Science and Technology Campus Executive Office.

“I’m a very behind-the-scenes person, but I make sure that whatever we’re trying to do, that we’re successful at it,” Tressler said.

Tressler, who is January Employee of the Month, has been an administrative specialist for the Executive Office since September 2014.

From managing multiple calendars, supporting the SciTech Campus Advisory Board, overseeing campus tours, and running the SciTech Campus Facebook page, “you name it, I do it,” Tressler said.

“When she is at work, she is focused, driven and ready to help the team succeed day in and day out,” said Colby Grant, assistant director of operations for the SciTech Campus Executive Office.

Tressler has led the marketing efforts for many events, including Leadercast, a leadership conference the Executive Office hosted in 2018 and 2019. Tressler attended multiple lessons on marketing, social media success, and search engine optimization to create every piece of marketing material for Leadercast.

“She is an avid learner and actively pursues trainings that will enhance the office goals, her colleagues and improvements to processes,” said Debbie Weitzman-Ward, assistant director of administration for the SciTech Campus Executive Office.

While the event was transferred to the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in 2020, Tressler continued to help with promotion by assisting with her social media skills and large database of contacts.

“Everything that she works on is delivered with impeccable professionalism that makes all participants feel welcome and included,” said Amy Adams, executive director of Mason’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation.

“Because of her support, we can grow and thrive at the SciTech campus and Mason at large,” Adams said.

How she got to Mason:

I previously worked in administrative roles for custom manufacturers. Prior to my position at Mason, I worked for a commercial real estate agency. Commercial real estate was hit hard by the last recession, and I felt it was time for a change. I had a conversation with Heather Aleknavage, the office manager and HR coordinator for Mason’s Office of Sponsored Programs, and she told me to apply to Mason. I did, and here I am.

Best day on the job:

Whenever a VIP campus tour is over, and Ronald Carmichael, the director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus Executive Office, comes back and says, “That was fantastic,”—that’s a good day.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

I like the diversity of all the people here. You could be walking down the hall and run into a researcher or an engineer. I love how there are so many different people with so many different backgrounds. You never know who you’re going to be talking to.

What she does when she’s not working:

I am married with a 13-year-old daughter who is my “mini me.” I also have two step-sons who are grown and married with families of their own. My husband, daughter, and I live on five acres with our two foxhounds and a brood of chickens. I am a big reader so when I’m not hanging out with my family or working in our huge vegetable garden, you will find me curled up somewhere with a book.

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Hylton Performing Arts Center to hold virtual 10th anniversary celebration with live performances

ckearney — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 09:05:41 +0000

Hylton Performing Arts Center to hold virtual 10th anniversary celebration with live performances ckearney Thu, 07/02/2020 - 05:05

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