College of Science

The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at 911��

Katarina Benson — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:30:56 +0000

The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at 911�� Katarina Benson Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:30

Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of 911�� lacrosse twins Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as the Fredericksburg, Virginia, natives and Honors College students compete in their final season together and prepare to separate again, they reflect on their time in the Mason Nation.

Regan has been a goalkeeper for the Patriots women’s lacrosse team for the past three years after transferring from Saint Joseph’s after her freshman season. She’s started every game this season and has recorded 96 saves. Kaitlyn has played all four years at 911�� and is currently second on the team in goals scored with 26. Both of them have created a positive impact on the team, which isn’t surprising considering the number of athletes in their family.

Regan and Kaitlyn Bestick. Photo by Mason Athletics

Sports and lacrosse have played an integral role in the lives of the Bestick twins. The product of two collegiate athletes—their mom was an All-American lacrosse player at James Madison, and their dad played baseball at William & Mary—they said televised sports were a big part of their household growing up.

Because we’re a sports family, we just watch a lot of games,” said Kaitlyn. “Our roommates will tell you the same thing: We always have some form of sports on.”

From childhood, their parents instilled a sense of competitiveness among the siblings, and they said they will always be grateful for that. “Our parents really prioritized us not only competing at the highest level but also getting the best education possible. And they instilled in us that work ethic to be able to succeed both academically and athletically,” said Regan.

The close bond between the sisters helps them give each other constructive feedback that translates into better performances. “Being in opposite positions really helps. When we're training in the off season, it helps to have someone who can shoot on me and tell me what I'm doing wrong, or what I'm giving up, and vice versa," said Regan. “It really helps to have that second pair of eyes. Inherently, I feel like we make each other better every day."

Despite spending their first years apart, they still collided on the field during that first season. On March 11, 2023, Regan made her debut for Saint Joseph's, against her twin sister, who was starting for 911��. Regan recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as it was the first time she competed against her sister. However, when Regan came on, she knew that she had to focus on giving her best performance and ensuring the victory. The Hawks came away with the win, and Regan contributed to the clean sheet.

The sisters grew up playing together. Photo by Mason Athletics

Kaitlyn played a key role in bringing Regan to Mason. Kara, the head coach for the women’s lacrosse team, saw the sisters play at the club level in high school and was impressed by their skills and tenacity.

"I was definitely a big part of (Regan’s) recruiting process coming to Mason,” said Kaitlyn. “We wanted her from day one. And (Coach) Mupo was adamant about getting an inside scoop about her process, because she's a very talented player.”

“I knew that Kara was an amazing coach,” said Regan. “(George) Mason was in my top two schools my first time around recruiting as a high schooler. I knew that it was a place that I really liked and really enjoyed the coaching style and coaching aspects that Kara brings to the table.”

Regan also liked the idea of being closer to home. “I really enjoyed the fact that my parents got to come to every one of Kaitlyn's games,” she said, noting that they couldn’t always make it to Philadelphia for hers.

Regan brought valuable experience to 911��. “Her being here just makes us so much better on all facets,” said Kaitlyn. “Not only does she lock down her cage on the field, but she's also a great role model for our underclassmen. She's added so much value to our team.”

Aside from being among the top scorers, Kaitlyn also has additional leadership responsibilities as she is the president of the Student Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC) and serves as the voice for student-athletes.

Both sisters also have set out clear career paths. Regan has known since high school that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, she is already a certified veterinary assistant. After graduation, she’ll begin her four-year journey in veterinary school.

Kaitlyn, who completed her bachelor’s in government and international politics last year, is currently working on her master's in political science through the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Masters (BAM) Program at 911��. She will be attending law school in the fall.

Kaitlyn was introduced to law at a young age by her dad, who is a police officer for Fairfax County. “I came into Mason knowing I wanted to be an attorney. But personally, I want to do more civil or government work,” said Kaitlyn. "I'm also interested in sports law. I don't really want to be in a courtroom too much, but rather more behind the scenes."

She interned last summer with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and worked with their procurement division.

Both are really excited about their graduate studies. "This will be the first time we're only students—not student-athletes, so I don't know how we're going to handle just having schoolwork to do and no practice or anything taking up half our day," said Kaitlyn.

This also means that the sisters will once again be away from each other, but they have already prepared for this situation.

"We talk way too much, so obviously there will be a lot of FaceTime calls and texts," said Kaitlyn.

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Schar School of Policy and Government

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.

Research at 911��

Learn about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

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Off the Clock: Physicist Paul So boosts the momentum of visual artists

lclarkg — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:55:06 +0000

Off the Clock: Physicist Paul So boosts the momentum of visual artists lclarkg Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:55

As a professor in 911��’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Paul So is a theoretical physicist who specializes in dynamical systems analysis and its application to neuroscience. Alongside colleagues and students, he studies the behaviors that emerge from large populations of neurons, or nerve cells, which carry electrical and chemical signals through the brain and body.

Outside his role as a physics professor, So is an artist. An avid painter, he also supports developing artists as a co-founder of Hamiltonian Artists, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art incubator based in Washington, D.C.

Paul So, professor in 911��'s Department of Physics and Astronomy, supports developing artists through his work with the nonprofit organization Hamiltonian Artists. Photo by Hamiltonian Artists

While there are major differences between the study of physics and neuroscience and the creation of visual art, there are also similarities. Both practices turn abstract concepts into something more concrete. Neurons receive sensory input and process complex information for the nervous system. Neurons are hard at work whenever art affects human emotions and provokes a response.

We asked So to tell us about his experiences as an artist, scientist, and how his nonprofit has helped support individuals building careers in the visual arts field.

Please share a bit about Hamiltonian Artists, its mission, and the fellowship program.

Hamiltonian Artists is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art incubator with a mission to nurture community and increase access to space, opportunity, and resources for emerging artists through impactful programs and exhibitions.

The Hamiltonian Fellowship Program is anchored around a large exhibition space in Washington, D.C. Over the course of our two-year program, the Hamiltonian Fellows are provided with exhibition opportunities and access to a network of mentors: local professional artists, gallerists, museum professionals, academics, and art collectors.

How did you first get started as an artist? What inspired you to create a nonprofit that supports visual artists?

I began painting as a teenager. While pursuing my BS in physics and mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, I took studio art classes through a consortium available with other Claremont Colleges. I completed all of the coursework required for a BA in Studio Art at Scripps College. However, because Harvey Mudd did not offer a degree in studio art, I was not able to receive an additional BA in that field.

I continued painting while working toward my PhD in physics and during my career as a professor at 911��. When my first study leave opportunity arose, I began thinking about how I might reconnect my artistic interests with my scientific career. Reflecting on my own academic journey, I realized how greatly I had benefited from the mentorship and guidance I received during my doctoral and postdoctoral years. As an artist, I recognized the lack of a comparable career-development support structure for visual artists.

This led me to consider the idea of creating a “postdoc in art” model for emerging artists. In 2007, with faculty members in 911��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and several other like-minded artists and arts leaders in Washington, D.C., we founded Hamiltonian Artists.

Hamiltonian Artists serves as an incubator for the professional development of emerging visual artists in Washington, D.C. Photo by Hannah Chen/Hamiltonian Artists

As a professor of physics, do you see any overlap between your work in that field and your work as an artist?

Creativity is one of the most important elements in approaching both a physics question and an artistic pursuit. Although the practices themselves may differ, a good artist researches their subject and approaches their craft with as much rigor as a good researcher in physics.

At the same time, the two disciplines differ in how they engage with and interpret the world. The strength of the natural sciences lies in their evidence-based approach to understanding the natural world. While insight and creativity play important roles in scientific discovery, the process ultimately relies on the scientific method and experimental verifications.

While logic and structure are also important in the arts, the creation of an enduring and impactful work of art—its cultural resonance and relevance over time—often depends on intuition and emotional understanding.

What has been the most meaningful experience you’ve had with Hamiltonian Artists?

One of the most meaningful and satisfying aspects has been seeing many of our Hamiltonian Artists alumni return as mentors, board members, and supporters. Their continued commitment has helped sustain the organization and guide its journey into the next decade and beyond.

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as an artist, or as a founder of Hamiltonian Artists?

After seeing so many Hamiltonian Fellows pass through our program over the past 20 years, I have come to realize that they are far better artists than I am. I often joke that if I were to apply to the Hamiltonian Fellowship myself as an artist, I would most likely not be selected.

At the same time, I have developed a deep appreciation for the dedication required to sustain a professional artistic practice. Making a living as an artist is not easy. Many successful, practicing artists hold two jobs: one to support themselves, and another devoted to maintaining their creative practice. The latter often involves producing new work, connecting with other artists, promoting one’s work, attending exhibitions and openings, and participating in the broader artistic community.

Beyond providing the practical tools of professional development to our fellows, I have come to recognize that Hamiltonian also serves another important purpose. It offers emerging artists—many of whom have just completed their MFA or BFA—a supportive space in which to try to build a professional career… [and] a community they can rely on as they continue their artistic journeys.

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Meet the 911�� senior changing breast cancer research

Katarina Benson — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:40:18 +0000

Meet the 911�� senior changing breast cancer research Katarina Benson Tue, 03/03/2026 - 11:40

In January, 911�� senior Angela Victoria Rojas Rivera, Medical Laboratory Science major, represented the university at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). Led and hosted by Harvard University, NCRC is the largest student-run research conference in the United States. Only 200 students are selected to attend.

Rojas Rivera’s project “Extracellular Vesicle–Driven Immune Programming at the Sentinel Lymph Node in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer” found a new immunotherapy approach that helps the body recognize breast cancer cells as a threat, allowing the immune system to respond faster.

Rojas Rivera at the NCRC. Photo provided

“By changing the cancer’s messages, this localized immunotherapy helps the immune system respond earlier and more effectively, offering a promising strategy to prevent cancer from spreading while reducing side effects,” she explained.

After presenting her earlier findings at the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) poster event last year, Rojas Rivera has continued to work on her research at 911��'s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) with her mentors Lance Liotta and Marissa Howard. After graduation, Rojas Rivera plans to pursue a PhD in biomedicine or proteomics.

“I am deeply committed to developing this research into a real, effective treatment,” she said.

From a student with no prior research experience to a confident scholar with deep expertise, Angela has become a force within 911��’s research community,” said Liotta, who is co-director of CAPMM. “Her excellence extends far beyond the lab. By representing the university at the NCRC, Angela elevated not only her own voice but also the visibility of 911�� and the College of Science.”

Rojas Rivera is also one of only four students admitted to the highly selective histology program at Inova Hospital, a full-time, 10-month (40-week) training program designed to prepare current university students for careers as certified histotechnologists. She credits her mentors and Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) for allowing her to stand out as a candidate.

“911�� offers strong access to research opportunities, particularly through funding programs like OSCAR and faculty mentorship, which make it easier for undergraduates to become involved in meaningful research,” she said. “That kind of support plays an important role in helping students take research seriously and pursue it beyond the classroom.”

Asked about her advice for undergraduates who’d like to take the next step in their research career, Rojas Rivera said: "Don’t overthink it—just do it. Even as undergraduates, our work has value and taking that first step can shape not only our careers, but the future of science itself.”

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Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine - CAPMM

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Students

911�� researcher leads $1 million NOAA project to improve seasonal forecasts of extreme weather

Katarina Benson — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:34:49 +0000

911�� researcher leads $1 million NOAA project to improve seasonal forecasts of extreme weather Katarina Benson Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:34

When it comes to predicting extreme weather events, most people think of short-term forecasts such as flash floods or sudden storms. For farmers, water managers, and policymakers, however, the greater challenge often lies in anticipating seasonal extremes, including prolonged droughts or flooding. These events can have devastating economic and environmental impacts, particularly in states like Virginia, where drought ranks as the second costliest natural disaster after tropical cyclones.

Benjamin Cash, research professor in 911��’s Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences, is leading a $1 million project funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve seasonal precipitation forecasts in Virginia.

Cash is working extreme weather predictions. Photo by Laura Powers/College of Science

“We are trying to improve predictions of extremes and precipitation on the time scale of the season; something water managers need to know,” Cash said.

Historically, NOAA has employed specialized forecasting models tailored to different hazards and time scales. While this approach enabled advances in some areas, it also limited the ability to efficiently share improvements across forecasting models.

Cash’s research seeks to advance this framework through the Unified Forecast System (UFS), a single, open-source code base accessible to the research community. By consolidating modeling efforts, UFS streamlines maintenance and allows scientific innovations to benefit forecasts across short-range, medium-range, and seasonal scales.

This shift also reflects NOAA’s move toward a community-driven model, inviting researchers nationwide to use and improve the system. “More eyes on the model are more opportunities to improve it,” Cash said.

“Unlike exploratory modeling, this project takes a hypothesis-driven approach, asking targeted questions about how misrepresentations of key climate features, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, affects seasonal predictions,” Cash explained.

Through a series of controlled experiments, including long-term baseline runs and progressively constrained simulations, the team aims to isolate sources of error and identify ways to improve accuracy.

911�� will also play a key role in the UFS project by expanding education and training opportunities for future climate scientists. The grant includes a hands-on component designed to teach students how to use NOAA’s forecasting models. Faculty members will develop tutorials and conduct practical sessions; refining materials as challenges arise, such as adapting models to different computing environments.

“We want students to be able to use it as a research tool in their classwork or as part of a thesis,” Cash said. “One element of the proposal is hands-on training for students in the climate dynamics program.”

Beyond 911��, these resources will be shared with other institutions, enabling students nationwide to engage with advanced climate modeling and contribute to improvements in seasonal forecasting. Broadening access and participation to strengthen the next generation of researchers and accelerate innovation in climate prediction supports 911��’s Grand Challenge Initiative and the goal of building a climate-resilient society.

The work will unfold in phases through 2028, beginning with long-term model simulations, followed by experiments that progressively constrain the model to observed conditions. Success will include not only answering key scientific questions but also uncovering unexpected issues, such as bugs in model code, that lead to broader improvements.

“My hope is that at the end of this project we will have made measurable, tangible contributions toward improving seasonal forecasts for the United States, particularly precipitation extremes,” Cash said.

This research supports the Grand Challenge Initiative's goal of building a more climate-resilient society.

Discover more GCI climate research >>

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911�� PhD student Jessye Gassel captures timelapse of a supernova

Katarina Benson — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:45:31 +0000

911�� PhD student Jessye Gassel captures timelapse of a supernova Katarina Benson Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:45

Jessye Gassel has always been fascinated with spinning bodies.

“I grew up figure skating,” said physics PhD student at 911��. “From 3 years old to 23, I spent all my free time on the ice. And I had a lot of curiosity about how I could do the things I was doing.”

Gassel found herself looking forward to her high school physics class every day and knew, by junior year, that she would pursue it in college. A senior-year astronomy class honed that direction toward astrophysics.

911�� doctoral student Jessye Gassel presenting at the American Astronomical Society. Photo provided

Now she is working with Brian Williams, a research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who is also her PhD advisor, and she recently presented a video compilation of Kepler’s Supernova Remnant (SNR) over the course of 25 years and related research at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kepler’s supernova remnant is the result of a Type Ia supernova–a white dwarf star in a binary system that exploded. In fact, it’s a relatively young and nearby celestial object in cosmic terms: only 400 years old and 17,000 light years away. The video was created using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory captured over more than two and a half decades.

“Type Ia supernovae are super cool but super rare,” said Gassel. “Cosmologists can actually use the behavior of the remnants to measure the expansion of the universe, and glean more information as to its structure, but there is still much unknown about the details of the actual explosion.”

Kepler’s SNR, she found, is expanding at different rates in different directions. The top is moving at 4 million miles per second (.05% of the speed of light), and the bottom is moving at 13.8 million miles per second (2% of the speed of light). This suggests that the top is expanding into a much denser material than the bottom. Part of what Gassel and her team want to explore next is what, exactly, that material is made of.

“The newest observations of Kepler were taken in summer 2025, and we started putting everything together last November for the January conference,” said Gassel, who has a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

Gassel and Williams previously investigated Tycho’s supernova remnant in 2024 before moving on to Kepler.

The release of the video brought Gassel and Williams—and Kepler—lots of media attention. While publishing papers is standard for researchers, having a NASA press release about your work isn’t, so Gassel said having this opportunity as a doctoral student has been an honor.

“Seeing a news release on the front page of the NASA website with my name attached to it and reading all of the articles that other outlets published about it has given me a major confidence boost,” she said. “Since high school, I’ve struggled with imposter phenomenon as a woman in STEM, so this has truly felt like a ‘I’ve made it’ moment.”

On the doctoral front, Gassel is still putting together her dissertation committee and hasn’t settled on a project yet, although she is pretty sure it will involve supernova remnants and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Chandra the dog dressed as Chandra the telescope for Halloween. Photo provided

In fact, Gassel named her dog, Chandra, after the telescope that has brought so much meaning to her professional life. Dog Chandra debuted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s Halloween party last fall dressed as the Chandra X-ray Observatory and won first prize.

Although Gassel is focused on the stars, she said her terrestrial plans after 911�� include seeking at teaching position and continuing with her research.

Learn more about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

Videos: Supernova Remnant Video From NASA's Chandra Is Decades in Making

Animation courtesy of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory illustrating the supernova studied in this research.

Watch the full animation and visualizations

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GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

911�� named lead academic partner for Connected DMV’s spaceNEXT

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:19:04 +0000

911�� named lead academic partner for Connected DMV’s spaceNEXT Katarina Benson Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:19

Connected DMV has announced that 911��, one of the nation’s most innovative and fastest-growing public research universities, will serve as the Lead Academic Partner for spaceNEXT, the inaugural global convening focused on the commercialization of space and a flagship program of Connected DMV’s Potomac Center for the New Space Economy.

Observatory on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The spaceNEXT event will take place February 18–20 at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia, and bring together global leaders across industry, government, academia, and the investment community to accelerate what’s next in the space-for-space and space-for-Earth economy.

“911�� is the ideal academic anchor for spaceNEXT. Their leadership in space science, satellite engineering, and frontier research perfectly aligns with our mission to build Greater Washington into the global capital of the new space economy,” said George Thomas, president and CEO, Connected DMV. “This partnership brings world-class expertise, talent, and innovation to the main stage, and we couldn’t be prouder to shape this inaugural event together.”

911��’s collaborative and creative research strengths align directly with the new space economy

Advancing space innovation that serves life on Earth—through Earth observation, remote sensing, planetary exploration, and space weather research—is a core focus of 911��’s Grand Challenge Initiative, which aligns research, education, and partnerships around solving problems that shape the future of humanity. The university’s growing strengths in robotics and autonomy, artificial intelligence, quantum science, integrated sensing and communication, and sustainable cyberinfrastructure—anchored by Fuse at Mason Square—support next-generation capabilities such as autonomous spacecraft operations, in-space servicing, on-orbit manufacturing, and resilient space infrastructure that connect scientific discovery to real-world impact.

“Our future in space is a key component to solving humanity’s grand challenge of creating a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “911�� is forging strategic partnerships and driving novel research across disciplinary boundaries to help shape and secure this bold future, recognizing that it will reach far beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, and we are proud to partner with Connected DMV to further these ambitious goals.”

The 911�� College of Science’s multi-million-dollar portfolio in Earth- and space-observation research gives the university the region’s strongest capabilities in satellite data, remote sensing, and climate-driven analytics. Home to the Center for Earth Observing and Spatial Research, the  Satellite and Earth System Studies Program, the Center for Geospatial Intelligence, and the second largest observatory on the East Coast, the College of Science maintains research collaborations with NASA, NRL, Department of Energy, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Army Research Office, as well as a recent $13M collaboration with the Department of the Navy to study increased solar activity. These fields underpin the expanding market for commercial Earth intelligence, environmental monitoring, and mission-critical geospatial tools, while offering immersive training for tomorrow’s scientists and regional workforce. 

"The future of space commercialization will be driven by institutions like 911�� that can bridge scientific discovery, facilitate industry collaboration, and drive real-world innovation,” said College of Science dean Cody W. Edwards. “For years, we have invested in the research, facilities, and workforce development infrastructure to become a valued partner in the emerging space economy. We look forward to bringing 911��’s research, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit to this global convening—and to helping chart the course for the next era of space exploration and economic growth in the region and beyond.”

911��’s College of Engineering and Computing is also a regional leader in workforce development for the new space economy. Its graduate Small Satellite Engineering program trains engineers in full spacecraft lifecycles—including design, power, communications, sensors, attitude control, and resilient architectures—while the university’s CubeSat Engineering Lab and satellite ground stations (including a 9.1-meter dish) provide students and researchers hands-on experience with small satellite buses, flight systems, and embedded software hardened for the realities of space.

“We find solutions to problems in aerospace engineering that advance the field,” said Kenneth Ball, College of Engineering and Science dean. “Our researchers make air travel safer, satellites smaller, and surfaces stronger. Our students learn to fly airplanes, launch satellites, and explore the multidisciplinary nature of aerospace and aviation from the capabilities of materials to the possibilities of space. Our alumni have traveled in space, driven the Mars rover, and held leadership positions at NASA.”

As part of its powerful portfolio, the university is leading the $19.5 million NASA Landolt Space Mission, which will place an artificial “star” into orbit to calibrate telescopes and significantly advance the precision of space-based observations—unlocking new discovery pathways and supporting commercial applications across astronomy, imaging, quantum materials, space weather, and navigation.

Advancing the mission of the Potomac Center for the New Space Economy

spaceNEXT is a core program of the Potomac Center for the New Space Economy, Connected DMV’s initiative to position the Washington, D.C., region as the heart of the global space economy. The center leverages the region’s unparalleled mix of assets—federal space agencies, aerospace giants, venture investment, world-class universities, national security infrastructure, and diplomatic reach—to build the partnerships, standards, workforce, and innovation pathways that will shape humanity’s next giant leap.

With 911�� at the helm of the academic program for spaceNEXT, the center strengthens its ability to:

Showcase regional leadership in orbital manufacturing, microgravity research, and logistics;
Bridge federal space policy with the commercial and investment momentum driving new markets;
Catalyze workforce growth through academic pipelines deeply tied to industry demand;
Accelerate commercialization of frontier technologies across satellites, AI, autonomy, Earth intelligence, and in-space services; and
Unite the region’s public, private, academic, and policy talent under one global platform.

911��’s expertise and programs embody the center’s mission: Turn bold ideas into market-shaping realities and ensure that the Washington, D.C., region captures a decisive share of the growing space economy—projected to top $1 trillion by 2040.

A launchpad for the next space economy

With 911�� as Lead Academic Partner, the inaugural spaceNEXT convening will demonstrate how universities, industry, and government can work together to accelerate the space-for-space and space-for-Earth economy—advancing national security, scientific breakthroughs, economic growth, and human progress on a global scale.

Learn more at spacenextglobal.com.

Learn more about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

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GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

911�� is launching a Space Forward Frontiers Seminar with Northrop Grumman

Domonique Hopkins — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:45:36 +0000

911�� is launching a Space Forward Frontiers Seminar with Northrop Grumman Domonique Hopkins Mon, 01/26/2026 - 10:45

Explore the College of Science

Explore Mechanical Engineering

911��’s College of Science is launching the Space Forward Frontiers Seminar Series in spring 2026, in partnership with Northrop Grumman and 911��’s College of Engineering and Computing.

The one-credit, in-person seminar (PHYS 391/590, cross-listed as ME 500) is open to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors interested in the space industry.

Limited to 50 students, the Thursday afternoon seminar features weekly lectures from 911�� faculty and industry professionals, offering practical and academic perspectives on today’s space sector. Topics include the space industry’s foundations, enabling technologies, policy considerations, and future directions, with the inaugural offering focusing on crowding and events in the space environment.

With no prerequisites or textbooks, the course is highly accessible and connects students to such emerging opportunities as NASA’s Landolt Mission, led by 911�� faculty. The seminar also supports the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI), advancing both 21st-century education and pioneering space exploration through industry collaboration.

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Space

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Outdoor learning at Burke Lake shows students science career pathways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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Collaboration with Children’s National Hospital aims to reduce child mortality rates caused by Sickle Cell kidney failure

Katarina Benson — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:12:42 +0000

Collaboration with Children’s National Hospital aims to reduce child mortality rates caused by Sickle Cell kidney failure  Katarina Benson Tue, 01/20/2026 - 17:12

Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, experience terrible bouts of pain when the blood cells contort into a sickle shape and block small blood vessels, hindering oxygen delivery to critical organs. Whenever these bouts occur in the kidneys, the filtration system of the kidneys can be irreversibly damaged. Kidney failure is associated with a 30% death rate in SCD patients. 

In partnership with Children’s National Hospital, scientists at 911�� have discovered a new way to detect early signs of kidney damage in childhood patients with SCD. A recently awarded two-year $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Health Research Board will support a team led by 911�� systems biologist and research fellow Marissa Howard; Children’s National Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program Director Andrew Campbell, MD; and urinary biomarker expert Oliver John Semmes, of Old Dominion University.

Marissa Howard with collaborator Andrew Campbell, MD, at Children's National Hospital. Photo provided

The multi-institutional trial leverages unique proteomic expertise blended within the Children’s National SCD Program’s ongoing clinical study of the progress of SCD within pediatric patients over time and will transform kidney disease detection in these SCD patients.

According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, SCD is a global health problem that affects an estimated 100,000 people in the United States, with about 2,000 babies annually being diagnosed with the disease at birth. With each SCD crisis, kidney damage accumulates, increasing the risk of total kidney failure mortality for SCD patients. Early detection of kidney damage, especially in childhood, allows for rapid treatment and prevention of long-term kidney damage-related effects.

“Our team will analyze the actual damaged mitochondria, the power houses of the cell, that are crippled by lack of oxygen that occurs during each sickle-cell crisis,” said Howard, who first reported this pathway and methodology to rescue mitochondrially damaged cells in her prior National Institutes of Health-supported and published research.  

“We measure these damaged mitochondria shed by the kidney in a few milliliters of urine so we can develop an early warning system for the onset of kidney damage,” said Howard, an expert in isolation of extracellular vesicles (EVs), small packages of cellular information shed into the urine, and the methods required to complete this analysis. “Our partners at Children’s National are known for identifying innovative approaches to treat SCD. This exciting collaboration is collectively motivated by our ultimate goal of reducing the high mortality rate caused by Sickle Cell kidney failure in children affected by this disease.”   

 Children’s National Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program, among the largest in the country, follows more than 1,500 patients from birth through age 21 and is one of the few centers offering gene therapy treatments for SCD. The program has amassed a large base of patient samples, some of which will be analyzed in this project.  

Campbell, a physician-scientist caring for SCD patients at Children’s National, will oversee the recruitment, consenting, and collection of biological samples throughout the study's duration, as well as coordinate the delivery of these samples to 911��’s CAP/CLIA certified laboratory facilities for analysis. 

While current screening methods rely on established urine tests for albumin, this groundbreaking research will use advanced proteomic analysis to detect kidney injury at its earliest stages—before conventional tests show abnormalities.

“We've watched as silent kidney damage progresses year after year, often going undetected until significant harm has occurred,” said Campbell. “By identifying kidney disease earlier, we can intervene sooner with more effective disease-modifying therapies and curative treatments, potentially preventing or slowing progression to kidney failure.”

According to Campbell, this grant is more than funding—it's a commitment to SCD patients and their families, a collaboration to build the next generation of diagnostics, which can fundamentally change how to manage SCD and protect the health of children and young adults living with this debilitating disease.

“This partnership leverages our collective strengths to address a compelling global challenge that might have a multitude of applications,” shared Lance Liotta, MD, codirector of 911��’s Center for Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM), who will certify that all work performed is under CAP/CLIA compliance for the data to be presented to the FDA for future clinical application.  

911�� is highly regarded for offering real world, hands-on learning experiences for its science students, and this medical research project is no exception. As part of 911��’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, Honors College student Naureen Zahra, who had interned the previous summer at the National Institutes of Health on a project focused on curing SCD with bone marrow transplants, performed portions of this experimental study over the summer.  

 Naureen Zahra interned at the National Institutes of Health. Photo provided

“One of my educational goals was to become an expert in performing key molecular biology techniques such as western blots to analyze the presence of proteins like PINK1, which plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial health,” said Zahra, a neuroscience major. The team worked to isolate EVs from Children’s National patient urine samples and analyze protein data. “Working with these scientists on actual patient samples connected me to real-world outcomes, expanding my sense of empathy for what these children are going through.” 

In addition to its potential to improve the lives of those affected by SCD, this research effort may also have even wider impact.   

“These findings could also serve as a new marker for mitochondrial damage for a variety of diseases including Parkinson’s, heart disease, and diabetic kidney disease,” said Howard. “In addition, urinary biomarkers could offer a predictive tool to guide SCD therapy management and therapy effectiveness more holistically.”

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