Margot Harris

OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact highlights undergraduate research and creative pursuits

Susan Martonik — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:31:00 +0000

OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact highlights undergraduate research and creative pursuits Susan Martonik Mon, 09/28/2026 - 11:31

Every year, hundreds of 911�� students step beyond the role of learner and into the role of researcher, creator, and scholar. Some spend months in laboratories running experiments and poring over data. Others conduct interviews, create original works of art, analyze public policy, or tackle complex questions facing their communities. The culmination of those efforts was on full display this spring at the OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact, an annual showcase of undergraduate research and creative projects from across the university.

Hosted by the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)—which supports undergraduate research through funding, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for students to present their work—the spring 2026 celebration featured the scholarship of 165 undergraduate students from every 911�� school and college that enrolls undergraduates. Together, they presented 91 research posters and projects spanning the sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts, education, business, and public policy.

“This event represents the essence of what 911�� is about,” said Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education. “It’s making sure each and every student has the opportunity to go beyond the classroom and engage in the hands-on work that applies what [they’ve] learned.”

911�� students present research at the OSCAR Celebration. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

The posters showcased projects ranging from designing an intake and exhaust system for a Formula race car engine to developing predictive models for personalized breast cancer treatment and examining the effects of Botox on the immune system, offering a glimpse into the breadth of questions 911�� students are exploring through undergraduate research.

Much of the work celebrated at the event was a direct result of encouragement, planning, and funding from OSCAR. Among the many presenters who worked with OSCAR was Amaiyahmonet Parker, a student in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences majoring in English and minoring in international and comparative studies and African American studies.

Inspired by the work of we.REIGN, The Roots Policy Lab, and the Education Law Center, Parker’s research examined how policies intended to support Black communities affect Black women and girls in Philadelphia, her hometown. After receiving funding through OSCAR’s Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, Parker traveled throughout Philadelphia, meeting with participants and conducting fieldwork. OSCAR also connected her with 911�� faculty member Wendi Manuel-Scott as a project mentor, whom Parker described as an invaluable asset to her research.

“It pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Parker said of the work conducting ethnographic interviews and thinking critically about policymaking.

For Jesse Guessford, director of curriculum and initiatives in Undergraduate Education, that transformation is among the greatest benefits of undergraduate research.

“OSCAR connects students to research and faculty mentorship, and this connection changes how the students view themselves,” Guessford said. “Their thinking shifts from just working in their future field to becoming someone who is transforming their field.”

The celebration also recognized members of the 911�� community whose mentorship and scholarship have helped advance undergraduate research. The 2026 OSCAR Excellence Awards were presented to six students and three faculty members:

Students

Mehmood Ul Hassan Shajih, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Kiersten Jewell, Environmental Science, College of Science
Alexia De Costa, Applied Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing
David Lancaster, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing
Ava Brumfield, Environmental Science, College of Science
Angela Victoria Rojas Rivera, Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science

Faculty

Lee A. Solomon, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science
Sabine Doebel, Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Eileen Roesler, Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Kim Eby, a member of the team that helped shape the university’s infrastructure for undergraduate research as vice provost for faculty affairs and development, congratulated the award recipients and all student presenters, recognizing the dedication and persistence required to pursue original scholarship.

“These experiences have prepared you for whatever your next steps and journeys are,” she said. “This work requires diligence and persistence, and I hope you see yourselves as the scholars and creators you are. You have earned that identity.”

Learn more about OSCAR

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Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

Research

Students

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community

Susan Martonik — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:32:44 +0000

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community Susan Martonik Mon, 07/20/2026 - 09:32

Academic advisors are among the first people students turn to when making decisions about courses, careers, research opportunities, study-abroad experiences, and campus resources. This wide-ranging role requires advisors to understand the university’s academic offerings, student support services, and the pathways students use to navigate them.

Reflecting the breadth of topics academic advisors address, the 2026 911�� Advising Symposium brought nearly 100 advisors, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants to the Johnson Center on May 21 for a day of professional development, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributions. The symposium helped attendees better understand the programs, services, and experiences shaping student life.

“At its best, advising helps students recognize possibilities--not just how to complete college, but how to experience it,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in Undergraduate Education. “That’s our goal with the Mason Advising Symposium—to empower advisors to help students see new possibilities.”

Supporting the whole student

Carrie Ann Delaney (center) and other advising community members listen intently during the awards ceremony presentations. Photo by John Boal Photography.

Because advisors help students navigate far more than degree requirements, staying informed about the opportunities and challenges students encounter across the university is an essential part of the role.

With that in mind, symposium sessions explored the many facets of the student experience at 911��. Participants learned about opportunities for students to study at Mason Korea, explored ways to introduce undergraduates to research and creative activities through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), and discussed strategies for helping students build a stronger sense of belonging, including connecting students with campus communities and sharing ways to get involved beyond the classroom.

Other presentations focused on student-athletes, international students, the changing job market, and trauma-informed approaches to student success. Advisors also learned about resources available through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and discussed how to support both student and advisor wellness.

Taken together, the sessions underscored how advising intersects with many aspects of university life, from research and global education to well-being and career preparation.

Connecting advisors across 911��

The symposium also provided an opportunity for advisors to connect with one another.

“Academic advising at 911�� is decentralized, and the profession is one where we mostly work independently,” said Sylvia Lee, academic advisor coordinator in Undergraduate Education, who founded and chairs the symposium. “The Mason Advising Symposium is a great way to help build community among our advisors.”

The program included updates from colleges, schools, and programs across the university, along with networking activities designed to help participants learn more about each other’s work and identify opportunities for collaboration.

“The 911�� advising community is so supportive and eager to learn,” said Collin Arthur, senior academic advisor in the Costello College of Business. “[The symposium] allowed us to have quality conversations among attendees regarding best practices in advising at 911��.”

For Amy Vaillancourt Mandt, an academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, those conversations provided an opportunity to focus on the rewards of the profession. “One of the main things that stood out to me was the chance to reflect on all the joy that can be found in advising and from being a part of our community,” she said.

Honoring outstanding work

The symposium also served as an opportunity to recognize advisors whose work has made a meaningful impact across the university.

From L-R: Julio Diaz-Carroll and Joshua Fletcher, co-chairs of the Advisor Mentorship Program (AMP), present certificates to this year's AMP program participants. Photo by John Boal Photography.

During the event, Undergraduate Education presented advising awards and introduced the inaugural Nessad Awards, a series of peer-nominated superlatives created to celebrate the advising community.

By recognizing both formal achievements and the everyday contributions that support students and colleagues, the awards ceremony offered a moment to celebrate the people behind academic advising and their role in student success.

Ultimately, the event highlighted the wide range of expertise advisors bring to their work—and the important role they play in helping students make the most of their 911�� experience.

Topics

Academic Advising

Faculty and Staff News

Academic Advising Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate advisors

ckearney — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:56:51 +0000

Academic Advising Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate advisors ckearney Tue, 06/02/2026 - 11:56

The Office of Academic Advising has announced the recipients of the 2026 Academic Advising Awards, recognizing undergraduate advisors who have made a meaningful impact on student success across 911��.

This year, the awards drew 376 nominations representing 97 individuals from across the university, highlighting the important role advisors play in helping students navigate their academic journeys and build a sense of belonging at 911��.

“Advising touches the entirety of the community in such positive ways, and that becomes even more clear when you read award nominations,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in the Office of Academic Advising. “It is deeply personal work with a direct impact on student success.”

This year’s nominations came from a broad range of units and advising roles across the university, reflecting growing awareness of the awards process across campus.

“This is my fourth year coordinating the awards, and one thing that stood out to me this year is the number of new names being recognized for the great work they are doing,” said academic advisor coordinator Sylvia Lee.

The 2026 selection committee included representatives from Undergraduate Education, the Mason Academic Advisor Network, Student Success Coaching, and a previous award recipient.

Academic Advisor of the Year

Rebecca Lane. Photo by John Boal Photography

Rebecca Lane of the College of Engineering and Computing has been named the 2026 V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year.

Now in its 22nd year, the award is selected exclusively from student nominations and recognizes an advisor who demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting undergraduate students. Named in honor of Lewis, a longtime 911�� advisor, the award reflects a legacy of student-centered advising.

Students described Lane as someone who listens carefully, creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, and goes above and beyond to support their success. One student wrote that Lane “always makes time to listen,” adding that she creates “a safe space for students from all backgrounds.”

Patriot Inspiration Award

Sofia Quiroga Paz. Photo by John Boal Photography

Sofia Quiroga Paz of the Costello College of Business received the Patriot Inspiration Award, which recognizes advisors who demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work with students.

Now in its fifth year, the award is based on nominations from students, faculty, and staff, and highlights efforts to support a wide range of student experiences.

One nominator described Quiroga Paz as someone who “creates a strong sense of belonging for every student she works with,” highlighting her ability to connect students to resources and opportunities across campus. Nominations also noted her work supporting military-affiliated students, first-generation students, and multilingual students, as well as her efforts to foster collaboration across the university community.

Unsung Hero Award

Joshua Fletcher. Photo by John Boal Photography

Joshua Fletcher of the College of Engineering and Computing received the Unsung Hero Award, which honors advisors whose work has a significant impact behind the scenes.

Also in its fifth year, the award recognizes contributions that strengthen advising operations and enhance the student experience.

Fletcher was spotlighted for his leadership in undergraduate advising and his behind-the-scenes contributions to supporting students and advising operations. Nomination materials highlighted his commitment to a student-first approach and his efforts to strengthen advising practices within his unit.

Top 10 Advisors

From left, Martin Abruzzo, Robert Yi, Jana Biever, Jordan Emely, Collin Arthur, William Hanauer, and Claudia Borke. Photo by John Boal Photography

In addition to the award recipients, 10 advisors were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

Martin Abruzzo, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Elli Ambros, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Collin Arthur, Costello College of Business
Jana Biever, Schar School of Policy and Government
Claudia Borke, College of Engineering and Computing
Jordan Emely, Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
William Hanauer, Costello College of Business
Troy Lowery, College of Public Health
Allison Winters, Bachelor of Applied Science Program
Robert Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Awards were open to faculty and staff who provide academic advising to undergraduate students at 911��. Nominations were submitted by students, faculty, and staff, and reviewed anonymously by a selection committee to ensure a fair and equitable process.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Office of the Provost

Academic Advising

Margot Harris

OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact highlights undergraduate research and creative pursuits

Latest News

Topics

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community

Supporting the whole student

Connecting advisors across 911��

Honoring outstanding work

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Topics

Academic Advising Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate advisors

Academic Advisor of the Year

Patriot Inspiration Award

Unsung Hero Award

Top 10 Advisors

Related News

Topics

Margot Harris

OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact highlights undergraduate research and creative pursuits

Latest News

Topics

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community

Supporting the whole student

Connecting advisors across 911����

Honoring outstanding work

Related Stories

Topics

Academic Advising Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate advisors

Academic Advisor of the Year

Patriot Inspiration Award

Unsung Hero Award

Top 10 Advisors

Related News

Topics

Connecting advisors across 911��