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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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Nelson Granados is September Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:37:28 +0000

Nelson Granados is September Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 09/01/2026 - 12:37

Nelson Granados, general maintenance tech in Facilities and Campus Operations, is a critical part of 911��’s Science and Technology Campus team. His colleagues know him for his outstanding workmanship and his willingness to help. For his capability and his dedication, Granados has been recognized as the September Employee of the Month.

September Employee of the Month Nelson Granados with President Washington. Photo provided

“For many years, Nelson has been a pillar of the SciTech Campus, quietly and diligently working behind the scenes,” said Colby Grant, director of administration and operations at SciTech. “His dedication and work ethic are unparalleled, and his craftsmanship reflects the highest standards of quality. He approaches every responsibility with an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

“Nelson's dedication and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed, and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone has the support they need,” said Ronnie Wells, SciTech facilities zone manager.

Carrie McVicker, associate director of Facilities and Operations, said Granados is attentive, responsive, and prompt. “Nelson consistently demonstrates an appreciation for all research and academic activities on campus by working with us as we grow our programs and need a service or repair. His ability to balance the needs of the university’s mission with those of the academic units has earned him respect among faculty, staff, and peers.”

How did you come to Mason:

Granados has worked on the Science and Technology Campus for more than 20 years. In fact, he remembers the date he started: May 31. “So it’s been 20 years and three months,” he said.

It was a friend who told him about the job and suggested he apply to 911��. “And I got the job,” he said.

Over the years, people have suggested he apply to jobs at other campuses so he could be closer to where he lived, shortening his commute, but Granados didn’t want to make a change. “I always said no,” he said. “I like it here. My coworkers are nice people.” 

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Granados said he enjoys his job and the work, but what is really important to him is the teamwork and the camaraderie. Just as his nominators spoke of his willingness to help, that’s what Granados appreciates most about his colleagues—that they are always willing to lend a helping hand.

And he knows almost everyone on campus. He enjoys greeting people throughout the workday. “Around the campus, you always find nice people. They know me. They always try to say hello or call to me ‘How you been?’”

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

When not at work, Granados said he and his wife have started talking about and planning what they want to do when they retire. “I don’t want to retire, but I know one day that will come,” he said.

In his retirement, Granados would like to take some classes and work on his computer skills. “In technology, everything is growing so fast.”

He said he also plans to stay active, which he jokes is also important to his doctor.

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911�� hosts the 2026 Virginia Data Science Teacher Institute

Katarina Benson — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:57:45 +0000

911�� hosts the 2026 Virginia Data Science Teacher Institute Katarina Benson Thu, 07/30/2026 - 16:57

In June, more than 225 educators, higher education partners, industry experts, and students gathered at 911��’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas for the fifth annual Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute. The 2026 theme, “Data Science, Computational Thinking, and Modeling in the Age of AI,” reflected growing demand for data literacy and analytical thinking across industries.

For 911��, the event represents more than professional development. It highlights the university’s role as a statewide convener while advancing its Grand Challenge Initiative solution to support 21st-century education.

Teachers at the fifth annual Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

A central theme throughout the institute this year was that students need strong foundations in data and computational thinking to succeed, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every profession.

Dewayne McClary, Virginia deputy superintendent for innovation, student pathways, and opportunities, said students must understand the concepts behind emerging technologies. “They need data literacy. They need skepticism. They need discourse. They need to understand how a model works,” McClary said.

Since the Virginia Board of Education approved a high school data science course in 2022, data science courses have expanded to more than 130 Virginia schools and reached more than 4,000 students.

For conference co-chair Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, the 911�� professor of mathematical sciences who helped develop Virginia’s data science curriculum, the institute’s success reflects years of collaboration among educators, school divisions, state agencies, universities, and industry partners. “What started as a vision has become a thriving statewide movement.”

“The institute's rapid growth underscores Virginia's emergence as a national leader in preparing students to navigate a data-rich world,” said keynote speaker Kate Maxlow, senior advisor to the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The institute offered more than 40 sessions and 10 keynote speakers, as well as the opportunity to earn continuing education credits through 911��.

Keynote speakers and featured leaders included Jenna Conway, Virginia superintendent of public instruction; Conrad Wolfram, co-founder of Wolfram Mathematica; Ben Galuzzo, executive director of COMAP; Eli Luberoff, founder and CEO of DESMOS; Ji Yun Son, co-founder of CourseKata; and Amarda Shehu, 911��’s vice president and chief AI officer. Their expertise in mathematics education, computational thinking, curriculum innovation, and educational technology provided participants with direct access to leaders currently shaping how students learn and reason with data in an AI-driven world.

This year’s institute was cosponsored by the Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI (ATAA) program, co-led by Peng Warweg, research program director in 911��’s College of Engineering and Computing, and aligns with the mission of 911��’s Data Science, Computing, and Applications Lab School partnership.

“Every teacher who leaves this institute takes new ideas, tools, and opportunities back to hundreds of students,” Seshaiyer said. “When educators, state leaders, higher education, and industry work together, we can build pathways that help every student see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and future leaders.”

Learn more about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

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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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SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all

lclarkg — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:27:47 +0000

SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all lclarkg Wed, 02/25/2026 - 15:27

As the anchor for Nexus234, Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, 911��’s Science and Technology Campus is going through a major growth spurt. The campus is powering new developments in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, and defense. A new, walkable Innovation Town Center is under construction near the front door of campus.

And 911�� employees now have the option to live in the center of it all.

The SciTech Townhomes are part of a new residential community that is directly connected to 911��'s Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Stanley Martin

The SciTech Townhomes , a new residential development directly connected to the SciTech Campus, presents an opportunity for 911�� to offer affordable, high-quality housing to faculty and staff. The university has purchased units with the sole purpose of renting them out to employees at affordable, below-market rates.

In 2025, 911�� committed to purchasing 20 units in the community developed by Stanley Martin. The Board of Visitors approved the purchase of the condominiums in May 2025. This fall, the university is purchasing 20 additional units to rent at below-market rates. New options include one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans above retail space, available starting this November.

Affordable housing for faculty and staff is a priority for 911��.

"The new residential community near the SciTech Campus presents a strategic opportunity for the university to invest in faculty and staff success,” said Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “Affordable, high-quality housing for faculty and staff will help 911�� attract and retain a talented workforce to serve our students. "

Faculty and staff are eligible to rent spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom units, some with private garages. A key benefit for faculty and staff renters? The affordability, with monthly rents below market rates.

Some units in the SciTech Townhomes include a rooftop terrace. Photo by Stanley Martin

The cost of living in the Northern Virginia region has long been a challenge when it comes to recruiting and retaining talented faculty and staff. Long commuting distances from more affordable areas can strain the well-being of employees and increase the university’s carbon footprint.

The availability of affordable housing near campus can be a key selling point for faculty and staff, particularly those who are early in their careers or relocating from another area. Cat Forst, administrative coordinator in the Psychology Department, came to 911�� last April as a recent master’s graduate from Longwood University. Her role at 911�� is her first full-time job.

“When deciding where to live, the SciTech Townhomes stood out because of their affordability, quality, and location,” said Forst. “Finding something affordable in Northern Virginia was a major priority. This opportunity allowed us to live in a beautiful, high-quality home at a great price, which felt too good to pass up.”

The SciTech Townhomes offer an affordable, high-quality housing option for 911�� faculty and staff. Photo by Stanley Martin

Another resident of the SciTech Townhomes, who wished to stay anonymous, was drawn to the space and affordability of the units.

“We were living in a one-bedroom apartment before, and things were getting pretty tight with space,” she said. “The opportunity arose to tour the SciTech homes, and we fell in love. I like the area and feel it is a safe place to live and walk my dog.”

The townhomes are a strong option for those who work at the SciTech Campus, as well as those who work at other 911�� locations. 911�� Shuttles travel between the SciTech Campus and the Fairfax Campus, offering a free transit option for faculty, staff, and students. Riders can take the shuttle to the Fairfax Campus and connect from there to the Vienna Metro, Mason Square, and beyond.

The SciTech Townhomes community will include a pool, clubhouse, playground, and pickleball courts. The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center and nearby trails offer recreation options within walking distance.

Other local attractions include the Hylton Performing Arts Center, restaurants and shopping in Old Town Manassas, public parks, breweries, and more. The homes are located within the boundaries of Prince William County Schools, including Ellis Elementary School, Marsteller Middle School, and Unity Reed High School.

The SciTech Townhomes are not the university’s first real estate investment to support campus housing for faculty and staff. Masonvale, located on the Fairfax Campus, offers 157 rental units with one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans. Masonvale units are available for rent by 911�� employees or graduate students. Both communities are managed by Willow Bridge Property Company.

The SciTech Townhomes provide a vital opportunity for residents to live close to a world-class research university at a critical time, as the university anchors the new Innovation District.

“The Nexus234 Innovation District builds connections across research and industry sectors, supporting an innovative workforce,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Innovation District and 911��’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation. “The new residential development supports the innovation district's trajectory, providing opportunities for employees and students to live, work, and learn in a dynamic, innovative community.”

To learn more about the SciTech Townhomes, contact the property manager and visit scitechtownhomes.com.

Updated October 2026

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Guiding innovation: Meet the 911�� mentors helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact

ckearney — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:31:31 +0000

Guiding innovation: Meet the 911�� mentors helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact ckearney Wed, 10/08/2025 - 15:31

In the heart of Northern Virginia’s Innovation District, you can feel the buzz of ideas turning into action. Labs hum with experiments, whiteboards fill with sketches of prototypes, and the seeds of new ventures begin to grow. Guiding these entrepreneurs and inventors are TJ Master and Elizabeth Pyle, mentors with the Virginia Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP).

TJ Master. Photo provided

Their job? Helping early-stage entrepreneurs transform vision into viable business strategy.

For both Master and Pyle, mentoring is more than advising—it’s about meeting founders where they are, asking tough questions, and helping them navigate the uncertain early stages of growth.

“I’m a go-to-market expert,” Master said, describing his background that spans Business-to-Consumer, Business-to-Business, and Business-to-Government sectors. “At ICAP, I work with teams from ideation through scaling. Most teams come in with an idea of their initial market and value proposition—I help them test those assumptions and figure out how to turn early interest into a go-to-market plan that makes sense.”

Master’s experience is hard-earned. He helped lead a global communications company from start-up to more than $100 million in annual revenue across six countries—culminating in a NASDAQ IPO. Now, his focus is on using that experience to fuel others’ success. “Working within a community of peers fosters collaboration and shared learning,” he said. “Founders get access to objective guidance in a space where everyone’s trying to solve similar problems.”

For Pyle, mentorship has always been about helping ideas find traction in the real world. Over the past two decades, she’s worked with start-ups and growth-stage companies in tech and health care, supporting founders as they turn ideas into sustainable businesses.

Elizabeth Pyle. Photo provided

As chief operating officer of Aperiomics, Pyle led operations and regulatory strategy. Before that, she helped shape the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University of Virginia (UVA), directing the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps site program and serving as associate director for technology entrepreneurship at UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Today, through her consulting firm, Pyle & Associates, she supports companies across industries in interim leadership roles. At ICAP, “I typically work with first-time founders and later-stage teams, faculty spinouts, and start-up to early-stage companies in life sciences, tech-enabled, and government-adjacent sectors,” Pyle said. “My focus is helping them optimize business models, prepare for funding, and build teams that can execute.”

Both mentors say that while funding is often the first thing founders mention as a challenge, it’s not the only hurdle.

“Many teams haven’t deeply defined the problem they’re trying to solve,” Pyle said. “They focus on the technology instead of the customer’s pain. What they really need to do is set the tech aside and validate the problem—understand who has it, what it looks like, and how it affects workflow.”

Hiring and limited lab space can also slow momentum.

Still, for both mentors, the region’s innovation energy is unmistakable. New initiatives like Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Lab-to-Launch program, which aims to streamline commercialization processes across Virginia’s universities, promise to make it even easier for entrepreneurs to turn ideas into impact.

“It’s an exciting initiative,” Master said. “It introduces a transparent and founder-friendly approach to licensing and tech transfer across the state, helping both researchers and entrepreneurs move their products forward faster.”

And while the innovation landscape is changing—particularly with artificial intelligence accelerating product development and investor expectations—Master sees opportunity in the shift. “Investors are asking for stronger growth signals earlier,” he said. “AI raises the bar for lean teams and drives faster hypothesis testing. That creates pressure and opportunity.”

For founders who don’t have a technical background, Pyle has simple but powerful advice: Build your team. “Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses,” she said. “Recruit people who can fill the gaps. Investors back teams who they feel can execute.”

Her second piece of guidance: Keep listening. “Leverage customer discovery interviews,” she said. “Talk to potential users, test assumptions, gather data, and refine the problem you’re solving.”

That focus on curiosity and adaptability is exactly what the Innovation District, led jointly by 911��, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by 911��’s Science and Technology Campus, hopes to cultivate—a community where researchers, students, and entrepreneurs collaborate to build something bigger than themselves.

Through ICAP, Virginia-based founders have access to free resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to turn great ideas into market-ready ventures.

Master and Pyle are both on site to meet with founders and teams in the Innovation District. Learn more and register to for ICAP program benefits and mentorship through the Virginia SBDC website.

To connect with Master and Pyle, entrepreneurs can sign up for the Innovation District newsletter by emailing ibhi@gmu.edu.

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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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911�� interns make a difference at biotech start-ups

Katarina Benson — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:54:21 +0000

911�� interns make a difference at biotech start-ups Katarina Benson Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:54

This summer, 911�� graduate students rolled up their sleeves in busy labs, learned their way around unfamiliar equipment, and even played a part in moving clinical trials forward, working with start-ups and biotech companies in the recently established Innovation District anchored by the university’s Science and Technology Campus.

Biosciences PhD candidate Ahana Byne worked at Ceres Nanosciences for a second summer. Photo provided

It is part of a program 911��’s Graduate Division rolled out two years ago that puts students right in the thick of active research. They work side by side with scientists and get a firsthand look at how research projects come together. Each participating 911�� research institute accepts around 10 applications. The Institute for Biohealth Innovation leveraged this opportunity to connect five PhD students with life science industry mentors.

Biosciences PhD candidate Ahana Byne returned to Ceres Nanosciences for her second summer, drawn back by the promise of its Nanotrap® technology to catch illnesses before symptoms appear. Ceres Nanosciences is a Manassas, Virginia-based company that’s licensed the university’s proprietary Nanotrap® particle technology and incorporated it into a range of diagnostic and research use products and workflows.

In the lab, Byne moved quickly from planning experiments to reviewing results and fixing problems, a pace far beyond what she was used to in academic research. “In academic settings, you’re usually focused on concocting new ideas and exploring them in depth,” said Byne. “In industry, it’s about clear processes and concrete results. Experiencing both has helped me see more clearly where I want to go next.”

Ben Lepene, Ceres Nanosciences director of research and development, served as Byne’s mentor. Lepene said Byne’s know-how and clear thinking helped the team gather data they rely on to support customers and answer questions about product performance. When asked for his best advice to Byne, Lepene said, “Keep good records and make sure results can be repeated, because in a commercial setting, consistency is everything.”

Ben Lepene, Ceres Nanosciences director of research and development, (left) served as PhD candidate Ahana Byne's mentor. Photo provided

At another Innovation District partner company, Virongy Biosciences, which develops virus-based research tools and diagnostics, bioscience doctoral student Lorreta Opoku spent her internship assembling and cloning alpha pseudoviruses for virology research. Progress came through careful and steady work, with small changes that moved the experiments ahead until the results fell into place.

“Successfully generating and validating my first batch of pseudoviruses was extremely satisfying,” said Opoku. Outside the lab, she spoke with clients, packed orders, and got them ready to send, which helped her learn the practical side of a research company.

At Tracked Biotechnologies LLC, kinesiology PhD student Ahmadreza Souri worked alongside mentor Michael Petr, the company’s CEO and chief scientist. They split their summer days between pilot clinical trials, grant proposals, and Institutional Review Board paperwork. That same brisk rhythm drives the company as it develops AI tools that let scientists, clinicians, and consumers explore human and animal behavior with speed and accuracy.

“Mentorship creates a strong foundation for aspiring professionals,” said Petr. “I make it a priority to teach mentees to the best of my ability and share how we approach commercialization in the context of research.”

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911�� is part of Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, launched with transformational grant from GO Virginia

ckearney — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:34:37 +0000

911�� is part of Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, launched with transformational grant from GO Virginia ckearney Tue, 07/01/2025 - 10:34

Thanks to a major investment from GO Virginia, Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is taking shape, laying the groundwork for growth in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced last week that the commonwealth will invest $2.6 million into Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, with an additional $1.3 million coming from local businesses, government, and higher education partners. The funding will help launch the Innovation District and roll out programs aimed at making Northern Virginia a national hub for research-driven industries, while giving residents the chance to pursue strong, lasting careers without leaving their communities.

This partial view of the 3,800-acre Innovation District in Prince William County and the City of Manassas highlights 911��’s SciTech Campus, with major employers like Micron in the background and the future town center site underway on the right. Photo by Prince William County Economic Development and Tourism

“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, enabling regions to pursue economic opportunities aligned with state priorities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in announcing $6.8 million in state economic initiatives directed to talent development, cluster scale-up, regional site development, and startup ecosystem expansion “These projects reflect a collective commitment to building robust talent pipelines, supporting industry growth, and strengthening the economic competitiveness of every region in Virginia.”

The Innovation District, led by 911�� and in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas, will accelerate scientific advancement, bolster startups and established employers, and create high-quality jobs.

“As Virginia’s largest public research university, 911�� is deeply focused on equipping students to lead and succeed in a dynamic workforce,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation at 911��. “The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry advancing innovation and improvements across the region while also giving students opportunities that extend beyond the classroom for real world impact.”

The district exemplifies the goals of GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of high-wage jobs in strategic industries. The funding will give local workers more ways to acquire new skills and stay ahead in fast-moving industries. It will also support the introduction of new technologies, help entrepreneurs navigate the commercialization process, and increase the region’s appeal to companies from around the world.

Prince William County and the City of Manassas are key partners in developing the 3,800-acre Innovation District. The district includes Innovation Park, which houses major employers such as NAL Research Corporation, American Type Culture Collection, and the newly rebranded NOVA Live, as well as the Innovation Town Center project with housing and retail development. The Manassas Regional Airport, nearby aerospace companies such as Electra.aero, and global employers along Godwin Drive, including Micron and BAE Systems, further strengthen its position as a growing technology hub.

During the planning study for the Innovation District, local business leaders identified talent development as a critical factor for growth and expansion.

911��’s emphasis on career preparation, corporate engagement, and translational research is an essential part of the Innovation District. The university is leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure, including its CAP/CLIA-certified Clinical Proteomics Laboratory, Nanofabrication Facility, and a multi-story laboratory for air and ground robotic and autonomous vehicles, to support research translation and workforce readiness. More than an academic anchor, the university is broadening real-world learning experiences and opening doors for students to contribute to the region’s evolving economy.

University-affiliated districts are important links in the country’s innovation infrastructure, offering regional strengths with national relevance. The Northern Virginia Innovation District includes the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator, workforce programs tailored to local employer needs, and young professional networks connecting early-career talent across the area.

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911�� interns make a difference at biotech start-ups

911�� is part of Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, launched with transformational grant from GO Virginia