Colleen Kearney Rich

911��’s first Grand Challenge Exchange Day builds connections across disciplines

ckearney — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:41:51 +0000

911��’s first Grand Challenge Exchange Day builds connections across disciplines ckearney Wed, 09/16/2026 - 13:41

911�� held its first Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) Exchange Day on Tuesday, September 15, bringing together more than 200 faculty members from across the university to talk to about the GCI-related work being done and invite collaboration as the call for proposals in second year of funding launches.

Board of Visitors rector and 911�� alumnus Sumeet Shrivastava and Aurali Dade, interim vice president of research, innovation, and economic impact. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

911�� launched GCI in 2025 to align university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solutions addressing what 911�� President Gregory Washington describes as “humanity’s ultimate grand challenge”—securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future.

Supported by a five-year, $15 million investment, GCI awarded funding to two large and five small catalysts projects in the first year, and those projects were highlighted throughout the half day.

Hosted by Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact (ORIEI) and Aurali Dade, interim vice president, the program included a fireside chat with 911�� alumnus Sumeet Shrivastava, rector of 911��’s Board of Visitors and CEO of Unissant, and a panel discussion with the associate deans of research from four 911�� colleges.

President Washington opened the day talking about how GCI is transforming George Mason from a collection of strong units into a unified research engine capable of competing at the highest levels and how this investment in faculty talent, research development, and cross-campus infrastructure is positioning George Mason for long‑term competitiveness.  

“The Grand Challenge Initiative signals to federal agencies and foundations that George Mason is organized, coordinated across disciplines, and strategically focused on areas of national priority,” Washington said. “Government, industry, and NGOs are increasingly seeking universities that can integrate expertise across sectors. And 911��, today more than ever, is viewed as a partner of choice.”

In the fireside chat with Dade, Shrivastava talked about his connection to the university and his work not only with the BOV, but with the Costello College of Business, the 911�� Foundation, and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.

From left, associate deans of research—Anya Evmenova, Amarda Shehu, Michele Schwietz, and Patrick Gillevet Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“This was so exciting for me when I first heard this,” he said of GCI. “Through this process we are putting a framing on everything we do. This is the North Star for 911�� going forward.”

Shrivastava said that five years from now 911�� will not only be an exemplar in this work, but “we're going to be showing the nation how you do this right.”

During the research panel, "GCI as a Catalyst for 911��," moderated by Institute for Digital Innovation Executive Director Massimiliano Albanese, the associate deans of research—Anya Evmenova of the College of Education and Human Development, Patrick Gillevet of the College of Science, Michele Schwietz of College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Amarda Shehu of College of Engineering and Computing, who is also vice president and chief AI oﬃcer—discussed the challenges of putting together those first GCI proposals and figuring out how to collaborate across units.

Schwietz emphasized how all this coordination was important to moving forward on the six bold solutions. “Even if you don’t get the seed funding, you know you’ve started something important.”

In the last session of the half day, Dade kicked off Year 2 of the GCI funding with a call for research proposals. They expect to again award up to two large catalyst grants—up to $750,000 in GCI funds for up to 36 months, and up to five small catalyst grants—up to $100,000 in GCI funds for 18 months.

New this year, research teams are expected to file a Letter of Intent to the lead school/college dean’s office by December 4, 2026. Final proposals are due February 15, 2027, by 11:59 p.m. Award decisions are expected to be announced by April 30, 2027.

Dade also announced that the next GCI convening will be a networking event for faculty looking to collaborate on GCI-related research.

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Smithsonian-Mason REU helps aspiring conservation scientists find their path

ckearney — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:19:59 +0000

Smithsonian-Mason REU helps aspiring conservation scientists find their path ckearney Tue, 09/08/2026 - 14:19

For Olivia “Liv” Laurie, one of the defining moments of her summer research experience came while holding a baby bird in her hands.

Laurie, a student at Mount Holyoke University, spent 10 weeks this summer working with American kestrels, North America’s smallest raptor, at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) in Front Royal, Virginia. She helped monitor cameras in nearly 70 nest boxes, band kestrel nestlings, and analyze GPS and camera data to better understand how the birds move across the landscape and what prey they bring back to their nests.

“The fieldwork was one of my favorite parts,” she said. “It’s an awe-inspiring experience to be able to hold this raptor that’s so important for our environment.”

Laurie was one of just 10 undergraduates selected from nearly 800 applicants for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation. The students came from around the country to spend the summer immersed in field- and laboratory-based conservation research at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s 3,200-acre campus.

At SMSC, a partnership between 911�� and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute designed to educate the next generation of conservation leaders, students work alongside Smithsonian scientists and conservation practitioners while conducting hands-on research focused on endangered species and biodiversity. 911�� is one of the few universities to partner with the Smithsonian Institution in this way.

For the students, the experience offered something that cannot be easily replicated in a classroom: the chance to find out what doing conservation science actually looks—and feels—like. That was exactly the kind of experience Laurie was looking for. “One of my goals coming into this program was to explore research as a career and see if it was something I was interested in,” she said.

The REU gave her a much broader view of the possibilities. “There are tons of different fields in conservation that I didn’t even know existed before I came here,” she said.

For Laurie, that meant working with Smithsonian researcher Joe Kolowski on a project examining American kestrel movements and feeding behaviors. The findings can help scientists understand how kestrels are using the Virginia landscape—and ultimately provide information that can help protect them.

REU students Maria Cornejo and David Campos worked on reproductive technologies for threatened Przewalski's horses and whooping cranes. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Maria Cornejo, a junior from Penn State, came to the program already thinking about a career as a wildlife veterinarian. She was initially drawn in by the REU’s title, “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats,” and the prospect of working on such projects.

While working with Smithsonian scientist Budhan Pukazhenthi on reproductive technologies for threatened ungulate conservation, Cornejo had the opportunity to interact with the endangered Przewalski's horses. Seeing the Smithsonian’s veterinarians in action brought clarity to Cornejo’s career goals. “It helped me to see this is what I want to do,” she said.

The experience also helped David Campos of Dominican University hone in on possibilities for graduate studies as well as careers. “You get to experience so many different aspects of conservation, and you're exposed to a lot of different lab techniques, scientists, different career paths,” he said. “[The REU was] definitely a fundamental step in trying to figure out what kind of scientist you want to become.”

Campos, who spent his summer working on a cryo-preservation protocol for whooping crane sperm, also found some of the most valuable lessons came when the research didn’t go as expected, and he appreciated having a mentor there—Nucharin Songsasen, head of the Smithsonian’s Center for Species Survival—to guide him.

“There can be the real setbacks when doing research,” he said. “Being with a mentor that's very open to giving suggestions and guidance was essential. I'm really glad that I had that experience now instead of experiencing it by myself on a larger-scale research project.”

These are the kinds of experiences that Elizabeth Freeman, executive director of SMSC and an associate professor in 911��'s School of Integrative Studies, and Anneke DeLuycker, professor of conservation studies, hope the students will take away.

Biology major Valerie Hernandez of Evergreen State University spent the summer exploring nutritional forage quality and tradeoffs in bird-friendly haying. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

This summer was the first of three SMSC will offer with the NSF REU funding, Freeman said, and its organization was reflective of the experiences offered in the semester-away programs that SMSC offers twice a year. SMSC has hosted students from more than 70 universities and colleges at its semester-away programs

“We try to offer a range of project types—lab-based, field-based, some are even computer-based,” said Freeman, who also served as one of the mentors this summer, sharing her African rhino behavioral research with Henry Reinke of Williams College.

The diversity of subjects extended beyond birds and mammals and included reptiles as well as plants and trees.

The REU began in June with a “bootcamp” covering such topics as how to establish a research project, writing a resume, and best practices for conservation success to get the students up to speed quickly. Then, while the students conducted their research, one day a week was devoted to professional development. On those days, DeLuycker offered lessons on the business side of being a scientist—developing an abstract, creating a poster, and communicating research, all working toward the final presentations the students gave before an audience on their last day of the REU.

Those discussions were followed by an afternoon colloquium series where guest speakers from the Smithsonian and affiliated conservation groups came to talk about various case studies in conservation, emphasizing successes and future directions, as well as highlighting emerging or innovative solutions in conservation.

DeLuycker said she was extremely impressed by the quality of the students’ presentations and the REU cohort overall. “Their talks were polished, highly professional, and insightful,” she said. “This group really bonded. It was lovely to see them relying on each other for advice and sharing exciting, fun moments over meals.”

Environmental biology major Charlie Shivers of DePauw University spent the summer studying forests' long-term responses to climate change. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

One of the challenges, Freeman said, was whittling down the 800 quality applicants to 10 recipients. For the final stage of the process, they provided each mentor with 10 to 12 applicants to evaluate. When reviewing the applicants, Freeman said they prioritized candidates who expressed a desire to engage in scientific research, but had limited access to these types of experiences that an R1 research university like 911�� can provide.

911�� alumnus and former Board of Visitors Rector Jimmy Hazel established a scholarship to encourage REU participants to continue their academic experience at SMSC. The James W. Hazel Scholarship will provide $10,000 to each REU participant who enrolls in one of the semester-away programs.

The NSF- REU program helps open doors for emerging scientists—creating opportunities for students to discover the challenges of conservation work and the impact they can have in protecting species and ecosystems around the world.

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

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Building Peace

Katarina Benson — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:03:06 +0000

Building Peace Katarina Benson Thu, 08/06/2026 - 12:03

Silvia Danielak, an assistant professor at 911��’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, is the author of Peace Infrastructures: How UN Peace Operations Build Roads, Bridges, and Solar Farms in the Pursuit of Sustainability (MIT Press, April 2026), the first comprehensive account of infrastructure building in United Nations peace operations. Danielak’s work focuses on sociospatial and infrastructure planning in conflict settings and as part of peace efforts, as well as its coalition with climate and environmental efforts.

Silvia Danielak. Photo provided

What inspired you to write the book?

I wrote Peace Infrastructures because I was struck by how rarely infrastructure shows up in conversations about peace, even though it shapes everyday life in conflict zones in very visible ways. While studying UN peace operations, I kept encountering roads, bases, power systems, and utilities that were treated as technical background rather than as part of how peace is made and maintained. I wanted to understand how peace operations became infrastructure builders, and what their material footprint means for communities living with conflict long after international missions arrive—and leave.

Was there anything that surprised you in your research for it?

What surprised me most was how ambitious peace operations have become as infrastructure actors, even though this role is often underplayed or described as secondary. I was also struck by how much attention goes into building infrastructure, and how much less attention is paid to its afterlife—how it is maintained, repurposed, contested, or abandoned once a mission draws down. But I have also come to appreciate the UN’s willingness to reconsider practices, to innovate and improve.

Peace Infrastructures by Silvia Danielak.

How do you anticipate people will use this book?

I hope scholars will use the book to rethink how peace, conflict, and intervention are studied, by taking material systems seriously rather than treating them as background. For practitioners and policymakers, I hope it offers a vocabulary and set of questions for thinking more carefully about infrastructure decisions—who they serve, what risks they create, and how their impacts unfold over time. I am grateful to MIT Press for including Peace Infrastructures in its open-access program, making it freely available worldwide, including in places that experience the spatial footprint of peace operations. More broadly, I hope the book encourages readers to think about reconstruction not as a technical task, but as a deeply political part of building a durable peace.

What are you working on now?

I’m continuing to think about conflict risk through material and spatial lenses, particularly in relation to environmental hazards and urbanization. I’m interested in how infrastructure interventions designed to mitigate risk can create conflicts but also offer opportunities for dialogue and social cohesion. My current work explores what responsible infrastructure planning might look like in contexts marked by compounding environmental and conflict risk.

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911�� career fair helps create accessible pathways to employment

ckearney — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:04:30 +0000

911�� career fair helps create accessible pathways to employment ckearney Thu, 07/09/2026 - 14:04

Many of 911��’s career fairs are large multi-day events, hosting hundreds of employers and capping the number of students in attendance each day. On a Friday in April, there was a smaller version of a career fair, hosted in the Johnson Center Bistro, for participants in the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI) and the Executive Functioning Program (EFP). Both fee-based programs are offered through Disability Services for degree-seeking students.

Fairfax County Government was among the employers meeting with students at the MASI/EFP Career Fair. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

The MASI/EFP Career Fair is intentionally small—no more than 15 employers, said EFP’s Assistant Director Sharon Toda, who started the event. It is designed to create a more accessible, lower-pressure environment for neurodivergent students who may encounter barriers (e.g., social interaction, new environments) when accessing traditional career fairs.

Prior to the event, students participated in a career readiness workshop conducted in partnership with University Career Services. The workshop helped students build confidence, prepare questions, and develop strategies for navigating and communicating with employers during the fair.

What started as a small project collaborating with local employers who had neurodiversity programs has evolved into a larger event. The MASI/EFP Career Fair now brings various partner organizations to campus, enhancing student engagement and networking opportunities. Prominent organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Fairfax County government are among the participants.

At the spring 2026 career fair, for the first time, participating students were provided with the opportunity to have headshots taken for professional purposes. Additionally, Fairfax County’s Community Services Board and Supported Employment program, which assists county residents with disabilities, participated by offering information and resources on health and wellness. They also provided support in accessing resources to navigate employment opportunities and job coaching support.

USGS geologist Mercer Parker talks with a student. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

This year 10 employers participated either in-person or virtually. One employer that has been involved from the beginning is Melwood. Elizabeth A. Foster, Melwood’s director of career exploration and development, said this event is a perfect fit for the organization. “My big thing is to try to get people who are neurodivergent, jobs or training or whatever supports they need to be successful,” said Foster. “I love that I have seen amazing growth [at 911��]. I just saw a fantastic resume. It's the kind of resume that I would expect from somebody who's been out in the field for years.”

The USGS had a table to promote its work transition program, Secondary Transition to Employment Program (STEP-UP). “What we do is we find their skill sets and their passions, and we figure out how they fit into the USGS,” said geologist Mercer Parker. “I tell students: Whether you are a creative designer, an economist, or a musician, there's a place for you in the federal government.”

Christann Chanell, a visitor experience coordinator at the National Postal Museum who is neurodivergent herself, said participating in the career fair is a way for her to give back to this community. “It's a way to let people know that companies and organizations are aware and will support their journey and their career. For me, that’s the main inspiration.”

Her colleague MaryBeth Wagner, adult programs manager for the National Postal Museum, concurs. “The Smithsonian Institution is very passionate about accessibility,” said Wagner. “We have staff members who need a little bit more support in their roles and letting more students know that these opportunities are available is very rewarding.”

The Johnson Center Bistro was the setting for the MASI/EFP Career Fair. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

This was the second MASI/EFP career fair that computer game design major Danish Parvez has attended. Parvez has been involved in MASI since his sophomore year. He came with a list of questions he planned to ask the employers, such as, “What makes someone a good candidate for a job with their company?” He also said he practiced how to present himself and his experience—these skills have already served him well when looking for a summer job.

“MASI’s really helped me navigate [the university environment],” Parvez said. “It's given me more skills to adapt. I feel like I was a bit lost my first year. I've come a long way since then.”

According to Toda, the career fair is one of the initiatives that MASI/EFP aims to support and prepare students for post-graduation and their transitions into the workforce. The goal in creating a smaller scaled career fair is to provide students in the programs with a platform to build confidence and practice in networking and expand their understanding of various career opportunities.

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Smithsonian connections helped shape this conservation scientist’s academic path

ckearney — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:05:51 +0000

Smithsonian connections helped shape this conservation scientist’s academic path ckearney Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:05

911�� graduate student Jose Meneses has always been fascinated by the natural world. Like many future scientists, he spent hours as a child watching nature documentaries.

“I grew up watching National Geographic and the Smithsonian Channel,” said the Falls Church, Virginia, native. “I’ve always been interested in nature, biology, ecology—anything related to wildlife.”

During the pandemic, Meneses transferred to 911�� from Radford University to be closer to home. That decision that would ultimately reshape his future.

One opportunity in particular at his new university caught Meneses’s attention: the Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) and its Smithsonian–Mason Semester, which allows students to spend a semester at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, conducting research alongside Smithsonian scientists.

“When I heard you could spend an entire semester there doing fieldwork and getting lab experience, I thought that was amazing,” he said.

Meneses enrolled and the experience confirmed that he had found his calling. “It was probably the best semester I’ve had in college.”

In 2023, Meneses graduated from 911�� with his bachelor’s degree in environmental science but stayed on for his graduate studies as part of 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. He will graduate with a master of science in environmental science and policy this May.

911�� graduate student Jose Meneses doing field work in Florida. Photo provided

And he has continued his relationship with the Smithsonian Institution throughout his time at 911��, working with different animals.

During his Smithsonian–Mason Semester, Meneses worked on a five-week research project studying salamander skin peptides—natural compounds produced by salamanders that help defend against deadly fungal infections—in the Smithsonian’s Center for Conservation Genomics.

After graduation, he took an internship in National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory at the National Zoo, where he helped analyze blood and trunk wash samples to detect the deadly virus affecting elephants. Later, he joined the zoo’s Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, assisting researchers studying new methods for preserving reproductive cells from endangered feline species.

These experiences gave Meneses exposure to a wide range of conservation research and strengthened his interest in the complex relationships between organisms. Eventually, that interest led him to zombie crabs.

Before beginning his master’s program, Meneses searched for a faculty advisor whose research matched his growing curiosity about ecological relationships. One scientist stood out to him— Amy Fowler, an associate professor who leads the Aquatic Ecology Lab at 911��’s Potomac Science Center.

Fowler studies parasitic barnacles that infect the tiny mud crabs of the Chesapeake Bay, manipulating the animals’ biology and behavior, making them zombie crabs. Meneses soon joined Fowler’s lab as a graduate research assistant and began designing the research that would become his master’s thesis.

Meneses in the lab at Fort Pierce. Photo provided

This academic year Meneses was a Smithsonian Link Foundation Fellow and spent 12 weeks in Florida collecting mud crabs from traps he placed earlier in the summer and studying them at the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce. Meneses’s project looked at parasite local adaptation—how parasites are better at infecting local host populations than foreign host populations. Every two weeks, he drove hundreds of miles along Florida’s East and West coastlines, pulling the traps from marina docks and transporting their tiny occupants back to the lab for infection trials to measure susceptibility across different populations.

During his time at 911��, Meneses also participated in three study-abroad trips that had a profound effect on his studies.

The first took him to Indonesia, where he studied marine mammal conservation and visited a dolphin sanctuary where he helped collect behavioral data on dolphins and other marine species. The program also included a journey up the Mahakam River in Borneo to search for the endangered Irrawaddy river dolphin. “We found a small group of them, which was really exciting,” Meneses recalls. “There aren’t many left in the wild.”

Another study-abroad course took him to Kenya, where 911�� students explored the country’s biodiversity, visiting the Maasai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. For his project there, Meneses studied a classic example of mutualism—the partnership between acacia trees and the ants that defend them from browsing animals like giraffes and elephants.

“The ants get food and housing from the plant. And in return, they protect the tree,” he said. “I think Kenya is my favorite of all the places that I've visited.”

Jose Meneses mentoring students in the Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

His third trip came when he enrolled in a SCUBA certification course at 911�� this spring. As part of the program, Meneses and other students traveled to Roatán, Honduras, where they completed their open-water certification while diving along coral reefs. The trip included multiple dives each day and a reef shark dive he won’t soon forget.

“It was incredible. We saw so much marine life,” he said. “I actually found a shark tooth. Apparently, that’s pretty rare.”

As for what’s next in his career, Meneses said he is still interested in disease ecology but would like to transition to studying bats. He is applying to technician and research assistant positions in bat disease and behavioral ecology with the aim of getting more experience before applying to PhD programs.

To students interested in pursuing research while at 911��, Meneses advises them to go out and explore. “There are a lot of opportunities on campus, a lot of clubs, and a lot of cool people. It was through participating in programs and organizations that I really gained that new perspective on the environment and research and ecology.”

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From the Classroom to the Front Lines of Counterterrorism

Katarina Benson — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:18:56 +0000

From the Classroom to the Front Lines of Counterterrorism Katarina Benson Wed, 04/08/2026 - 08:18

Mahmut Cengiz, PhD Public Policy ’10, of 911��'s Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center, is a seasoned expert in terrorism, organized crime, and illicit economies.

Mahmut Cengiz. Photo provided

His work focuses on the dynamics of terrorism, smuggling, and criminal networks and contributes significantly to understanding and combating these global challenges. His latest book, Typologies of Terrorist Organizations: Conceptual Lenses and Counterterrorism Measures (Carolina Academic Press, September 2025), was cowritten with Mitchel Roth and Huseyin Cinoglu.

What inspired you to write this book?

When most people think of terrorism, they picture headline-grabbing attacks by well-known extremist groups. What they rarely see is the vast and complex web of organizations operating in the shadows, each with its own tactics, motivations, and impacts. That realization came to me while teaching BIOD 722 Examining Terrorist Organizations at the Schar School of Policy and Government, and it became the spark for Typologies of Terrorist Organizations.

My perspective was shaped by seven years working on the U.S. State Department’s Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center project at the Schar School, where I served as the project’s principal investigator and incident validator. Between 2018 and 2024, I validated more than 50,000 terrorist incidents worldwide. That work gave me a front-row view of how terrorist organizations operate, from their targets and weapons to their organizational structures.

How do you anticipate people using this book?

Combining this experience with my classroom teaching, I set out to create a textbook that bridges theory and practice, designed to serve students, policymakers, and practitioners alike. The book spans 14 chapters, analyzing terrorist groups using the latest conceptual frameworks and classifications. My hope is that readers will not only understand how these organizations function but also develop the analytical skills necessary to design effective counterterrorism strategies.

Was there anything that surprised you while working on this book?

What surprised me most during the writing process was realizing how broad and evolving the landscape of terrorism has become. While jihadist groups continue to dominate headlines, the growing influence of right-wing extremists, insurgent networks, and other politically motivated organizations demands equal attention. Connecting incident-level data to broader organizational behavior revealed hidden patterns and trends that are often missing from policy discussions, showing the importance of a truly holistic approach to understanding terrorism.

What are you working on now?

Since the closure of the State Department project in August 2025, I have continued my work as instructional faculty at the Schar School, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. I also write op-eds on terrorism, cartels, and security issues, bringing real-world insights into the classroom to spark discussion. Meanwhile, I am working on a new book examining the impacts of coups on democratic regimes, expanding my research into the broader dynamics of political instability worldwide.

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911�� makes the National Academy of Inventors Top 100

ckearney — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:04:53 +0000

911�� makes the National Academy of Inventors Top 100 ckearney Thu, 03/19/2026 - 14:04

911��, a university that has been recognized consistently for its innovation and entrepreneurship, has been named to the top 100 U.S. universities for patents. This spring, the National Academy of Inventors ranked 911�� No. 92 on its list for patents granted during 2025.

Utility patents cover the creation of a new or improved product, process, or machine. In 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued 14 utility patents to 911�� inventors for methods to improve virtual reality (VR) navigation, traffic congestion, and wound healing.

Craig Yu with VP Andre Marshall. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“This recognition from the National Academy of Inventors signals more than a ranking—it reflects 911��’s vision for how research can shape the future,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “Each of the 14 patents granted in 2025 represents an idea with the potential to improve lives, strengthen industries, and fuel economic growth. Our place among the nation’s top 100 universities affirms our commitment to turning bold research into meaningful solutions, expanding our global impact, and creating an environment where innovation thrives and talent is drawn to make a difference.”

Scene-aware teleportation, developed by 911�� researcher Craig Yu of the College of Engineering and Computing and his former doctoral student Changyang Li, PhD Computer Science ’24, gives VR users a significantly smoother navigation experience in virtual environments. The technique improves the navigation through teleportation by determining the most suitable teleport positions for the user. This invention may be used in a wide range of applications, such as gaming, virtual touring, and VR-assisted navigation of hazardous and military environments.

Brian Mark of the College of Engineering and Computing and Melvin Friedman, a retired physicist from the Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, developed a method for coordinating traffic lights and reducing traffic congestion. In 2023, Mark worked with three senior design teams on the traffic light control methodology, road geometry design, and hardware, which enables motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to make every traffic light with a suitable road geometry. This invention can eliminate or minimize traffic congestion by substantially reducing red light wait time while maximizing traffic flow.

Monique van Hoek (right) in her lab on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

911�� researchers Monique L. van Hoek and Barney M. Bishop of the College of Science were awarded an additional patent for their work with antimicrobial peptides inspired by the Komodo dragon’s natural defenses. The duo has been collaborating since 2009 to study the peptides and their activity against important bacterial pathogens. These synthetic peptides represent a breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant infections.

Also among the patents awarded in 2025 was the GMU Dynamic Low Visibility Pneumatic Cofferdam, invented by George L. Donohue, professor emeritus and founding director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at the College of Engineering and Computing, and a team of students, now alumni. The coastal resilience system designed to protect against flooding was licensed by serial entrepreneur Anthony Fung and his company Valorlox LLC earlier this year and is the first commercial product to move forward under the state’s new Lab-to-Launch initiative, marking an early milestone in the commonwealth’s push to accelerate university research into the market.

“We are incredibly proud of the innovative work coming out of 911��’s research community,” said David Grossman, senior director of technology transfer and industry collaboration. “Our role is to help move these ideas beyond the lab and into real‑world applications. By working closely with industry partners, we reaffirm our commitment to translating research into solutions that benefit society.”

The academy’s Top 100 lists are created using data provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The last time 911�� made the list was in 2022. Other Virginia universities in the top 100 included University of Virginia ranked at 38 and Virginia Commonwealth University at 88.

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Senior of the Year works to create opportunities for all

Katarina Benson — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:30:10 +0000

Senior of the Year works to create opportunities for all Katarina Benson Thu, 11/13/2025 - 15:30

There are few 911�� students as busy as senior Rakibul Alam. A senior majoring in business and concentrating on management and marketing, Alam has become one of the most visible student leaders in the Costello College of Business, where he works as a marketing and communications intern. Recently he was named 2026 Senior of the Year by the university's Alumni Association.

But when you hear Alam talk about his campus experiences, it is surprising to learn that his first week of college was rocky. As a first-generation student commuting to campus from Centreville, Virginia, Alam said wasn’t he sure how he would fit in.

“I remember thinking, I need to get involved if I want to have the best 911�� experience,” Alam said, and that he did.

Within weeks, Alam joined Student Government and soon co-founded the student organization Collective Organization of South Asia. A semester later, he joined another student organization, Mason Consulting Group. As vice president of the Mason Consulting Group, he has worked to ensure that other students have access to experiential learning opportunities.

Alam spoke at the Fuse’s grand celebration in September. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“911�� has such unique individuals with so much talent,” said Alam, who is also a member of the Honors College. “We need to go out into the community and show what we can do. My goal has been to create those opportunities for others.”

Mason Consulting Group is open to 911�� students of all majors. Alam said about 210 students are registered, but there is a core group of about 70+ who are the most active members.

Under his leadership—he is now president of the group, the Mason Consulting Group has grown into more than just a student organization. Over the past few semesters, the organization has brought in representatives from Northern Virginia companies, such as KPMG, one of the area’s top four accounting firms, to talk to students about careers.

And those connections are paying off. He said seven of the group’s members secured high-profile internships in consulting this past summer, including Alam himself who served as a human resources and change management advisory intern at KPMG.

“That says a lot about the kind of pipeline we’re building,” Alam said. “911�� students are competing head-to-head with students from Stanford, Cornell, and Harvard—and we’re ending up in the same places.”

That pipeline is expanding beyond the corporate world. Through a formal partnership with the Mason Consulting Group, Fairfax City Economic Development supports experiential learning opportunities for 911�� students who consult with local businesses. Program funding is provided to 911��, which administers the initiative, ensuring students benefit from real-world experience while businesses gain strategic insights.

“These are the ripple effects,” Alam said. “We’re being recognized not just as students, but as professionals making an impact.”

Rakibul Alam presenting at the 2024 Patriot Pitch competition. Photo by Office of University Branding

Alam himself has a résumé that reflects both ambition and a deep commitment to service. Last year, his summer internship with the U.S. Navy reinforced his interest in government consulting.

“After my Navy internship, I realized how much I wanted to serve the public sector,” he explained. “Administrations change, but the government will always be here. Consulting allows me to use my skills to support the American people.”

That sense of purpose also extends globally. Alam was the recipient of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship, which allowed him to study international development in Morocco in January 2025. He also represented 911�� at a United Nations Cooperatives Youth conference in India, where he worked alongside students from across disciplines, including public health and business.

“It was incredible to see 911�� represented on the world stage,” he says. “These experiences showed me how interconnected business, policy, and global development really are.”

Alam’s drive has earned him recognition closer to home as well. Early in his 911�� career, he won Costello’s Patriot Pitch competition with a social entrepreneurship project. He has since served as a mentor to other entrepreneurs in the annual competition, paying forward the guidance he received from faculty mentors.

“Every opportunity I’ve had, I had to pitch myself for it,” Alam said. “But when I get to the top, I want to throw the rope back down for others. Because there’s always room at the top.”

That mindset—paired with his relentless schedule—has required discipline. Between taking 18 credits, leading a student organization, and juggling multiple internships, Alam relies on strict time management.

“I learned early on that I needed structure,” he said. “I use calendars, I set boundaries, and I make sure to take mental breaks. And I also have mentors—some older, some younger—who keep me grounded.”

In turn, he also mentors undergraduate business students.

Despite his packed calendar, Alam said he finds balance through pickleball, which he plays religiously, and painting, which fills his home with his own watercolor and mixed-media creations. “Sports and arts keep me well-rounded,” he said with a smile.

In Spring 2026, Alam was named the 2026 Senior of the Year, presented by the Alumni Association recognition of the outstanding achievements and contributions to the university and community by a 911�� senior.

"Being named Senior of the Year honors not only my work, but the mentors who believed in me, the peers who built alongside me, and the communities that trusted me to help amplify their voices. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder that one student's commitment can shape the experiences of many," he said. "To me, Senior of the Year means representing the spirit of 911��: a university defined by possibility, inclusion, and students who refuse to accept limits on what they can create for themselves and for others."

Looking ahead, Alam will remain in Northern Virginia after graduation, contributing to the same business and government ecosystems that shaped his education through a full-time position with KPGM as a consultant.

“Businesses in Northern Virginia should know they don’t need to look far for talent,” he said. “We’re right here, and we’re ready to make an impact.”

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911�� joins arts research alliance

ckearney — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:38:14 +0000

911�� joins arts research alliance ckearney Mon, 06/24/2024 - 09:38

911�� has joined the Alliance of Art Research Universities (a2ru) as an institutional member through a concerted effort by multiple colleges and the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact (ORIEI). This action uniquely positions 911�� among other R1 institutions to support an emerging research culture in the arts.

911��'s Center for Live Interactive Virtual Education uses the Window Wall™ system to connect leading artists with students from multiple institutions. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Justin Sutters, assistant dean of research and assessment in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), is taking the lead on the membership and has already attended one of the alliance’s conferences.

Sutters sees participation in the alliance as generative in that it provides insight into other research universities and some of the challenges that they're encountering. “I think this also gives us a framework to share best practices to see how other colleges are navigating the current fiscal and political climate,” he said.

In this role, Sutters will also be working to elevate the research and collaborations already taking place in CVPA with a longer-term goal of “a vibrant and rigorous supported arts-based research structure at 911��.”

“I think a lot of the arts-based research isn't fully visible across the university,” Sutters said. “And there are a lot of researchers in our university who are seeking interdisciplinary opportunities with units such as CVPA.”

CVPA Dean Rick Davis was one of the 911�� administrators championing this move. “Joining a2ru represents a pivotal moment for 911��'s profile as a major participant in the national conversation,” he said. “We've already both benefited from and contributed to the dialogue around the fast-changing world of research and creative production in the arts.”

Among the other universities participating in the a2ru are Dartmouth, Stanford and Georgia Tech. Other alliance members in Virginia are Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Mason named to top 100 list for patents awarded in 2022

ckearney — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:30:11 +0000

Mason named to top 100 list for patents awarded in 2022 ckearney Thu, 10/12/2023 - 09:30

It isn’t surprising that 911��, a university that has been recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, would be among the top 100 universities in United States for patents. This fall, the National Academy of Inventors ranked Mason No. 91 in its list of the top 100 universities granted patents during 2022.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Mason is in the business of discovery,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “Our researchers are curiosity-driven. As such, we don't always know where our research will lead or what impact it may have. I am absolutely delighted that the Mason Enterprise tech transfer team is working with our researchers on inventions and patents to transform our discoveries into impact.”

In 2022, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued 15 utility patents to Mason inventors including a method to monitor physical cues for people in recovery, a wearable device for knee injuries, a system for detecting power grid states and determining appropriate actions, and therapeutics for dealing with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to name a few. Utility patents cover the creation of a new or improved—and useful—product, process, or machine.

Mason professors Padmanabhan Seshaiyer of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Holly Matto, Department of Social Work, share a patent for systems and methods for biobehavioral-regulation treatments. Their invention provides recovery support for users by monitoring their biobehavioral state and strategically delivers, in real time, personalized recovery cues to treat and prevent relapse. It is the first patent for the Department of Social Work.

Researchers Marissa Howard and Lance Liotta at Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine patented a wearable device that measures, tracks, and monitors a wearer's physical physiological conditions during a rehabilitation period. The device collects metrics, such as temperature, patellar shifting, limb circumference, and acceleration, and communicates them through a networked communication system so medical personnel and patients can stay updated with the patient’s rehabilitation progress and make adjustments.

Mason alum Eniye Tebekaemi, PhD Information Technology ’18, and Duminda Wijesekera of the College of Engineering and Computing were awarded a patent for a secure overlay communication model for decentralized autonomous power grids. The model is a logic-based system deployed onto computing devices in power grid stations and substations. In response to detecting various power grid faults, such as line failures and over-current states, the system can automatically rearrange power line configurations.

Researcher Yuntao Wu, a professor in Mason’s School of Systems Biology and the Center for Infectious Disease Research, was awarded two patents in 2022 for his work on HIV: “Targeting the Cofilin Pathway” and “Method and System for Inactivating Virus Infectivity for Producing Live-Attenuated Vaccines.” Wu has devoted his career to HIV research. In 2013, he founded the biotech company Virongy after licensing an HIV drug-screening technology that was developed in his Mason lab.

“The Office of Technology Transfer takes great pride in the quality of patented innovations brought forth by our dedicated researchers,” said David Grossman, senior director of Technology Transfer and Industry Collaboration at Mason. “We are honored to help these innovators transition their groundbreaking concepts from the laboratory to the marketplace. This collaboration between academia and industry underscores our unwavering commitment to harness the full potential of research for the betterment of society.”

The academy’s Top 100 lists are created using data provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Other Virginia universities in the top 100 included University of Virginia at 52 and Virginia Commonwealth University at 86.

According to the National Academy of Inventors press release, “This new list was created to highlight and celebrate American innovation and to showcase the universities that play a large role in advancing the innovation ecosystem within the U.S. and beyond.”

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Andre Marshall, PhD

Holly Matto, PhD, LCSW-C

Lance A. Liotta

Duminda Wijesekera

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