College of Science

911�� launches new Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research

Katarina Benson — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:34:41 +0000

911�� launches new Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research Katarina Benson Tue, 06/23/2026 - 17:34

At a recent gathering of air quality researchers from across the Washington, D.C., region and beyond, 911�� officially launched a new center that aims to advance Earth system science in atmospheric composition and air quality.

The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER), based in 911��’s College of Science, will focus on delivering data-driven insights to support environmental resilience, improve public health outcomes, and inform decision-making at local, national, and global levels.

Daniel Tong, director of CESR. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We are excited to establish a platform for researchers to work together,” said center director Daniel Tong, a professor in the J. Shukla Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences. “By using the latest technology, including Earth system models, satellites, and artificial intelligence (AI), we can design and deploy better early warning systems for extreme weather events. Each year, thousands of people are killed by dust storms or wildfires. CSER is here to save these lives.”

In addition to Tong, the center’s leadership team includes Patrick Campbell, associate director for business development; Bok-Haeng “BH” Baek, associate director for research; Zafer Boybeyi, associate director for education; and Youhua Tang, chief scientist. Together, they will guide the center’s efforts to improve remote sensing, air quality modeling, and scientific workforce development.

“What’s most exciting is CSER’s potential to bridge research and real-world impact while training the next generation of scientists to work across disciplines and scales,” said Campbell.

The fourth annual Air Quality Research and Development Consortium (AIRDC) Workshop underscored the importance of collaboration across institutions and disciplines in tackling air quality challenges. The one-day event brought together scientists, modelers, and policy-focused experts to share emerging research and strengthen collaboration around some of the most urgent challenges in air quality and Earth system sciences.

As new technologies and analytical tools continue to evolve, researchers emphasized that partnerships like AIRDC and endeavors such as CSER will play a vital role in translating scientific advances into actionable solutions, which directly connects to university research efforts through the Grand Challenge Initiative and building a climate-resilient society.

“The greater Washington, D.C., area is like the Silicon Valley for atmospheric science,” Tong said. “We have thousands of scientists working on this topic in federal labs, universities, and industry.”

The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research team. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Throughout the day, researchers from such institutions as Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, University of Maryland, Howard University, American University, and University of Maryland Baltimore County shared new approaches to understanding air pollution sources, behavior, and impacts.

Collaborators from the Maryland Department of the Environment, DC Department of Energy and Environment, NOAA, DOE, and NASA also attended.

According to Campbell, what stood out the most was the strong integration of satellite observations, advanced monitoring and modeling, and AI-enabled data fusion. These technological improvements reflect both the field’s challenges and how rapidly it is moving toward unified, data-driven approaches.

“Collaborations like this one are so important because air quality challenges span climate, health, and environmental justice, making cross-institution collaboration essential to integrate expertise, accelerate innovation, and deliver real-world solutions,” said Campbell.

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911�� launches new MS in quantum science and engineering

ckearney — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:23:34 +0000

911�� launches new MS in quantum science and engineering ckearney Mon, 06/15/2026 - 14:23

911�� has launched a new master of science in quantum science and engineering, the first program of its kind in Virginia and one of only a handful in the United States. Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines including mathematics, physics, computing, engineering, cybersecurity, chemistry, and biology.

Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the MS program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines. Photo provided

Quantum technology is transforming industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy. As investment in quantum research and development continues to grow worldwide, so does the need for professionals who can bridge traditional STEM fields with emerging quantum technologies.

The degree was developed in direct response to industry demand for a workforce that can bridge traditional disciplines and emerging quantum technologies.

“When we talked to industry, they told us they want experts in STEM fields who also have knowledge of quantum science and engineering,” said Jessica Rosenberg, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

Reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the field, students enter the program with backgrounds in STEM disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering, and build quantum expertise alongside domain-specific knowledge. The curriculum integrates foundational training in quantum information science and engineering while allowing students to deepen their applied-area expertise through electives in external disciplines.

The master's program focuses on three key areas: quantum computing and algorithms, quantum communications and security, and quantum sensing and measurement technologies.

Rather than training students solely as quantum specialists, the program emphasizes preparing them to apply quantum tools within their primary fields.

Photo provided

“Our goal is not to train pure quantum scientists,” said Michael Jarret, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Computer Science. “We're training professionals who can operate between domains—people who can connect quantum concepts to real-world applications.”

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students complete a master's research project, often in collaboration with industry partners or research laboratories, gaining real-world experience in quantum applications and emerging technologies.

This flexible structure allows the program to evolve alongside the field itself. “As the quantum industry grows over the next decade, this degree is designed to adapt with it,” Jarret added.

Through this approach, graduates will be well-positioned to evaluate and implement quantum solutions in both academic and applied settings while also communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, from current undergraduates to working professionals.

911�� also offers a Bachelor’s-to-Accelerated Master’s (BAM) pathway, enabling qualified undergraduates at 911�� to begin working toward the degree during their junior or senior years. At the same time, the program welcomes students entering directly into the master’s, creating opportunities for both early-career and returning learners to engage with quantum technologies.

As quantum technologies continue to reshape fields from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy, programs like 911��’s MS in quantum science and engineering are critical to building the next generation of talent.

This program is jointly offered by the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computing.

Learn about the program

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Graduate student credits campus community for helping her find her course

Katarina Benson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:26:19 +0000

Graduate student credits campus community for helping her find her course Katarina Benson Thu, 06/11/2026 - 18:26

Xia Parkes did not arrive at 911�� University certain she wanted to be a scientist. Originally, she envisioned a future in dermatology after shadowing a physician in her hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. But once she began college-level coursework, lab experiences opened new interests for her.

Parkes at graduation. Photo provided

When Parkes graduated from 911�� in May, she had earned two degrees in just four years—a BS in Biology and an MS in Systems Biology through 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. For Parkes, success was not just about discipline; she also credits the support she received throughout her years as a Patriot.

One of her most meaningful moments came during the Commencement ceremony after Parkes earned her bachelor’s degree. Although her family was unable to attend, she decided to participate after encouragement from friends. When she looked into the stands and saw her friends there, cheering her on, the significance of her support system became clear. “That was when I realized how much showing up matters,” she said.

That sense of community is what she said she will miss most after graduation. Through her involvement on campus, she built a strong network of mentors and peers who helped her see possibilities beyond what she thought she was capable of.

One of the more unexpected influences came through the Honors College. As a University Scholar, she entered 911�� as part of a close-knit cohort that provided an early sense of belonging. Later, she joined the Honors College communications team as a lead intern.

“I never saw myself as a writer or communicator,” Parkes said. “But learning how to tell stories, interview people, and explain complex ideas has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve gained.”

That perspective now shapes how she approaches science.

“Communication is everything,” she said. “If you can’t explain what you’re doing, you can’t bridge the gap between science and the public.”

Parkes with the Patriot. Photo provided

In her classes, she explored genetics, biochemistry, and skincare research, including work related to hyperpigmentation, before landing on biochemistry through an internship at the University of Mississippi.

Parkes worked in Associate Professor Lee Solomon’s lab, where she contributed to research on protein synthesis and drug delivery. Her work involved developing and aerosolizing peptide-based treatments designed to track and inhibit tumor growth, with a focus on lung tumors.

She also had a 12-week internship at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis.

“Seeing drug discovery from the ground up has been transformative,” she said. “You don’t just learn about medicine. You see how it’s made, tested, and refined.”

Her academic achievements at 911�� are matched by deep campus involvement. She has served as a resident assistant, participated in Student Government, and worked as a biology peer mentor, learning assistant, and research assistant. She is also president of the 911�� chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), which sponsored her to travel to and present at conferences and helped her connect fellow students to research and internship opportunities.

“My involvement came from being pushed by professors, friends, and mentors,” she said. “They helped push me to try things even when I felt out of place.”

From a nervous first-year student navigating unfamiliar spaces to a confident leader encouraging others to step beyond self-doubt, Parkes sees her college experience as transformational.

“I came here unsure of myself,” she said. “Now, I leave knowing that what I thought were my limits weren’t limits at all.”

As she prepares for the next chapter in pharmacy school, Parkes hopes future students take one lesson from her journey: Perfection is not the goal.

“You don’t have to have everything figured out,” she said. “You just have to keep going and let yourself grow along the way.”

Learn more about Honors College

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911�� announces faculty affairs appointments in Korea and Fairfax

ckearney — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:15:34 +0000

911�� announces faculty affairs appointments in Korea and Fairfax ckearney Wed, 06/03/2026 - 13:15

Jason M. Kinser and Gesele Durham have been promoted to new roles at Mason Korea and the Provost’s Office, respectively.

Jason M. Kinser. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Kinser, interim associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science, will join Mason Korea as associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, effective July 25, 2026.

A George Mason faculty member since 1997, Kinser served as the first full-time chair of Department of Computational and Data Sciences, where he grew the department’s undergraduate enrollment from 25 to more than 400. He helped bring the computational and data sciences degree to Mason Korea, has served on the Mason Korea Executive Committee since 2023, and recently stepped in on-site during a leadership vacancy at Mason Korea.

“His expertise at the intersection of the life sciences and data sciences positions Mason Korea to deepen research and industry partnerships and expand pathways for our students into Songdo’s laboratories and companies,” said Campus Dean Joshaua Park.

Kinser has held faculty appointments across four units—bioinformatics, systems biology, physics, and computational and data sciences—and has served on university-wide bodies including the Mason Core Committee (2016 to 2024), which governs general education for every George Mason student; the Provost and Chairs Executive Committee; and Global Affairs.

Kinser will be the first natural scientist to serve in a senior leadership role at Mason Korea. His appointment aligns closely with the region’s direction: Songdo is one of the world’s leading biotechnology clusters, home to firms such as Samsung Biologics and Celltrion, and Incheon has set a course “from Smart City to AI City,” advancing artificial intelligence, data, and future industries in line with Korea’s national priorities.

Gesele Durham. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Durham will serve as interim vice provost for faculty affairs and development, beginning June 10, 2026, with a national search for permanent leadership of the office expected to begin later this academic year. Durham, who currently serves as vice provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP), joined 911�� in 2019 and has led university-wide efforts related to strategic planning, accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness. She will assume the interim role ahead of Kim Eby’s departure later this summer while continuing to lead OIEP in the Provost’s Office.

“Gesele brings colleagues together around the assessment and evaluation of teaching and administrative practices,” said interim provost and vice president Ajay Vinzé. “With more than 30 years of experience in higher education across both faculty and administrative leadership roles, she has a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing faculty today.”

Over the coming weeks, Eby and Durham will work together to support the transition in leadership of faculty affairs and development. Incoming Provost Marion Underwood, who assumes the role in July, will lead the search for a permanent vice provost.

“Faculty success is foundational to student success, research excellence, and the university’s broader mission,” said Durham. “I look forward to partnering with colleagues across 911�� to support faculty development, recognize achievement, and create the conditions that enable faculty to do their best work.”

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911�� and UVA Wise researchers use phylogenomics to identify cyanobacteria in Shenandoah River

Katarina Benson — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:15:40 +0000

911�� and UVA Wise researchers use phylogenomics to identify cyanobacteria in Shenandoah River Katarina Benson Fri, 05/29/2026 - 14:15

You’ve probably seen slimy mats of brownish green clinging to rocks in streams or on lake beds, and perhaps not given it another thought. But 911��’s Rosalina Stancheva Christova has.

Mats in the Shenandoah River. Photo provided

Christova, an assistant professor in the College of Science, has been researching Microcoleus, a common mat-forming cyanobacterium found in streams and lakes worldwide, for more than 20 years. The troublesome thing about Microcoleus is that some strains pose a risk to human, animal, and aquatic ecosystem health, but others do not.

Christova leads the Algal Ecology Lab at 911�� and wanted to learn more about Microcoleus in 911��’s backyard—the Shenandoah River. To do so, she reached out to a colleague at University of Virginia Wise, A. Bruce Cahoon, who shared her interest in the research. Together, Christova and Cahoon set out to study the species’ diversity, distribution, and toxicity in the Shenandoah.

4-VA approved their collaborative research grant proposal, “Integrative Characterization of the Anatoxin-a-Producing Benthic Cyanobacterial Genus Microcoleus in the Shenandoah River,” and Christova and Cahoon got to work. Research began with the collection of benthic mats over a two-year period from 11 sites in the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River.

It proved successful and surprising, revealing a stunning breakthrough in identification of Microcoleus collected from the river. Some of the bacteria was not actually Microcoleus after all, but a genus called Limnofasciculus that was discovered in 2023.

Cyanobacterium specimens. Photo provided

In all, the team identified six species and isolated two monoclonal Microcoleus strains, one nontoxic and one producing anatoxin-a.

“Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that both strains belong to the genus Microcoleus. The toxic strain was most closely related to M. anatoxicus from California, confirming the wide distribution of this problematic cyanobacterium,” said Christova.

Christova credits her large team for doing the good but difficult work. She was supported by her co-PI Benoit Van Aken, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Pat Gillevet, director of the Microbiome Analysis Center. Graduate students Jacob Mormando, Sydney Brown and Rwan Alsaadi also worked on the project.

Mormando collected a sample with novel Limnofasciculus species for genome analysis and conducted temperature experiments with the toxic Microcoleus strain. Brown handled molecular and morphological studies of the species, field work collecting benthic cyanobacteria from the river, molecular work and cyanobacteria culturing. Alsaadi developed distributional and ecological data and collected benthic cyanobacteria from the river.

From left, Rwan Alsaadi, Sydney Brown, Jacob Mormando, A. Bruce Cahoon, and Rosalina Christova in the lab at the Potomac Science Center. Photo provided

Undergraduate students also played a role in the effort. Biology major Armon Ghaffari did data analysis of Microcoleus distribution in the river samples, and environmental science major Emma Boyden oversaw the laboratory maintenance of cyanobacterial cultures.

Two undergrads at UVA Wise, Amelia Clark and Matthew Sullivan, prepared molecular work.

Additionally, Janice Lawrence and Cecilio Valadez-Cano of the University of New Brunswick, Canada, helped with the molecular studies. Another important collaborator on the project was Gordon M. Selckmann, associate director for Aquatic Habitats at Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). The 4-VA team used some of the field material Selckmann collected as part of an ongoing investigation of the benthic harmful algal blooms in the Shenandoah River funded by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and ICPRB.

The team is now sharing their findings and have presented at the Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, the Southeastern Phycological Colloquy, the Potomac River Conference, and the 2025 Biennial Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Meeting in Richmond, Virginia.

“The 4-VA@Mason funding was very important to me, as it supported the establishment of my research lab, fostered the development of regional and international research collaborations, and provided funding for undergraduate and graduate students interested in aquatic and cyanobacterial research,” said Christova.

Learn more about 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative

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From 911�� to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path

sbrown79 — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:49:45 +0000

From 911�� to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path sbrown79 Fri, 05/29/2026 - 13:49

During her final semester at 911��, Sophia Colby put her environmental policy training into action.

Colby traveled to Capitol Hill as part of the Rachel Carson Council's National Environmental Advocacy Day, where she met with federal lawmakers to discuss climate legislation and community resilience. For Colby, BA Environmental and Sustainability Studies '26, the experience was a direct extension of the analytical and communication skills she developed at 911��.

"When I first came to 911��, I was interested in studying law, but I decided to concentrate specifically on environmental law and policy," Colby said. "My coursework helped me understand how policy decisions affect both ecosystems and communities, and that gave me the confidence to speak about real legislation with lawmakers."

Sophia Colby on Capitol Hill. Photo provided.

From case studies to Congress

Colby credits courses such as EVPP 361 Introduction to Environmental Policy, EVPP 362 Intermediate Environmental Policy, and EVPP 432 Energy Policy with preparing her to evaluate and discuss complex legislation. Through case-study assignments and applied policy analysis, she examined existing laws, identified gaps, and proposed solutions to environmental challenges.

"My professors showed us how to examine real legislation and policy initiatives related to climate change and other environmental topics," Colby said. "The case study format made me much more comfortable articulating what policy changes are needed and explaining both the human and environmental stakes involved."

On Capitol Hill, she discussed the Opportunities in Organic Act, the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, and concerns about the wood pellet industry with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).

"It was a great [opportunity] to discuss how issues like pesticides, wood pelletization, and deforestation impact human health as well as the environment," Colby said.

Building experience beyond the classroom

Colby's preparation also included hands-on research. During an internship with the U.S. Geological Survey, she analyzed species range shifts, conducted literature reviews, and navigated scientific databases to support climate research.

"At USGS, I learned how to conduct scientific research that can be used to inform the policy decisions that shape our responses to environmental change," she said.

The interdisciplinary structure of 911��'s Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, jointly offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Science, emphasizes cross-sector collaboration—an approach Colby said mirrors the real-world complexity of environmental work.

Colby also presented her research at the 2026 Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference, held in Chicago in April.

Sophia Colby with her mentor Younsung Kim. Photo provided.

Her faculty research mentor Younsung Kim, professor of environmental science and policy, talked about the skills Colby acquired during her time at 911��. "[These skills] will help her become an environmental advocate who does not create conflicts, but instead brings peaceful and constructive resolutions to them," she said. "I believe she will be a strong force for environmental policy and sustainability, as well as a future leader in the field."

Colby, who was in the Honors College, said she found community during her time at 911�� through Alpha Kappa Chi, a fraternity focused on professional development and environmental stewardship, where she connected with peers committed to sustainability and advocacy.

Preparing for what's next

The Rachel Carson Council's Advocacy Day included policy briefings, advocacy workshops, and direct engagement with members of Congress. For Colby, the experience reinforced that the tools she developed at 911�� translate directly into public impact.

"Communication is a big part of advocacy and climate resilience," she said.

Colby hopes to pursue a career focused on how environmental policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities. "Getting involved in this kind of work is powerful and eye-opening," she said. "Knowing how environmental policy impacts communities really motivates people."

For Colby, meeting with lawmakers was more than a culminating moment of her senior year—it was a preview of how her 911�� education has prepared her to contribute to building a future in which communities are better prepared to face environmental change.

In This Story

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911�� sends record number of students to National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Katarina Benson — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:23:23 +0000

911�� sends record number of students to National Conference on Undergraduate Research Katarina Benson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 10:23

This April, 63 911�� students presented their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond. NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research across disciplines. This year marked 911��’s highest attendance to date, and many students were able to attend due to support from the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).

Students listen to a speaker at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Photo provided

For Karen T. Lee, associate director of OSCAR, accompanying the students to NCUR each year is one of her favorite parts of the job. “Sharing results is the ultimate step in completing a research or creative project, and sharing them at a national conference like NCUR allows students to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field, and to meet students and faculty working on similar projects and learn to network as professionals,” she said. “Having this experience as an undergraduate, early in their career, is a real boost in their confidence.”

Both Michael Kaleem, a junior majoring in community health with a concentration in clinical science, and Auj Atteeq, a senior majoring in computational and data science, were supported by OSCAR grants this year.

Kaleem with his research poster. Photo provided

For Kaleem, NCUR was the first time he has presented his research outside of 911��. With his project, “Rest and Results: The Relationship Between Sleep, Stress, and Grade Point Average (GPA) in Undergraduates,” Kaleem found that while sleep didn’t necessarily affect students’ GPA, students’ stress levels influenced both their sleep quality and their academic performance.

A member of the Honors College and OSCAR's Undergraduate Research Scholars program, Kaleem credits Lee and his mentor Ali A. Weinstein, a professor of global and community health, for helping him hone his research skills. He hopes to work in the health care field in the future and plans to continue his studies at 911�� and pursue an accelerated master's in public health with a concentration in health policy.

In her project, “Thermal Stress Impact on Global Bleaching Events,” Atteeq found a positive correlation between sea surface temperature and coral reef bleaching across the globe. Essentially, rising temperatures disrupt the homeostasis of coral reef systems, causing them to turn white and become vulnerable to starvation and disease. Coral reefs support at least a quarter of all marine life, making Atteeq’s research incredibly important.

Atteeq with her research. Photo provided

Atteeq originally began her research as a final project for one of her computational and data sciences classes. OSCAR staff member Kim Seligman encouraged her to continue the work and apply to attend NCUR. She received a travel grant from OSCAR to attend the conference. In the future, Atteeq wants to continue her research on climate science and plans to pursue a career in academia.

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Student speaker Saniya Darediya's remarks

ckearney — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:17:26 +0000

Student speaker Saniya Darediya's remarks ckearney Thu, 05/14/2026 - 16:17

As prepared for delivery

Good morning, President Washington, university leadership, esteemed faculty, families, friends, and most importantly, fellow Patriots.

When I first arrived in the United States, I was 17 years old, sitting alone in my room the night before my university orientation… crying.

Neuroscience major Saniya Darediya was this year's student Commencement speaker. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Not because I was unhappy, but because I was afraid. Afraid that I might not belong here.

I had just left my home in India: my family, my language, my culture. Suddenly I was in a place where everything felt unfamiliar.

My accent sounded different. My upbringing was different. My way of seeing the world was different. And quietly I wondered: Will people notice how different I am?

A few weeks ago, while writing this speech, I remembered 911��’s tagline: All Together Different.

And it made sense. Because the very first thing I noticed when I arrived here was how different I felt.

But Mason slowly taught me something deeper. Everyone here carries their own version of difference.

Some of us traveled across the world to get here. Some of us were the first in our families to attend college. Some of us were still discovering who we wanted to become.

Differences were not separating us. They were connecting us.

One of the first places I understood this was not in a classroom… but on the Metro. During my first year I spent almost six hours every day commuting. At first, it felt exhausting.

But those Metro rides slowly became part of my Mason education. I would see students reviewing notes, finishing assignments, or sprinting through the station like their lives depended on catching that train. And in those moments, you realize something simple.

Everyone on that train is chasing a future.

Different dreams. Different paths. But the same determination.

Another moment that shaped my Mason journey came through friendship.

Before enrolling at Mason, I never imagined my closest friendship would cross continents. We celebrated our cultures together. She came to EidNavratri, I went to Christmas. And I realized something powerful.

Differences do not have to divide people. By celebrating our differences together, we get closer.

This year, I had the privilege of being the emcee for the International Week dance competition. Standing there, surrounded by students from dozens of countries, I had a moment of reflection The same girl who arrived here feeling uncertain was now helping celebrate the diversity of this university.

That is the kind of transformation Mason creates.

I saw that same idea come to life again through my work as a mentor. Through the Mason Autism Support Initiative, I mentored more than 20 students. Each student experiences the world in their own way.

Working with them reminded me that differences should never become a wall between people. They should become a place of curiosity. A place where we listen more carefully, understand more deeply, and support one another with empathy.

Mason also taught me something else. Sometimes, when you cannot find the place where you belong… you build one.

So, I created the Neuroscience Club. Under Dr. Ren Guerriero ’s guidance, what began with no members has grown into a community of more than 200 students today.

I know many student leaders here today understand this feeling. You helped build the communities that make Mason feel alive.

Along this journey, Mason also gave me the opportunity to explore research. My research journey also began with difference. In science, progress often begins when something appears different. A pattern that does not quite fit. A question that challenges what we know.

I worked on a biochemistry project with the American Chemical Society, and I learned that science advances because someone is willing to think differently.

Which brings me to the world our generation is stepping into.

We are the generation that grew up alongside artificial intelligence. We learned how to use it. We adapted to it. And now, in many ways, we compete with it.

Artificial intelligence can analyze information faster than we can. And sometimes it can even do our homework better than we can, which has definitely kept faculty on their toes.

But if you ask it the same question again and again, it often gives the same answer. Because machines search for the correct answer.

Humans do something different. We think about people. We think about experiences. We think about consequences.

Sometimes the correct answer is not the best one. The best answer might require empathy,
or compassion, or understanding someone’s story.

If our generation wants to thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, we do not need to become more robotic. We need to become more human. More creative. More compassionate. More curious. More different.

And that reminds me of a poem I wrote years ago:

Would the world be as intriguing
If everyone looked the same?
Everybody is beautiful in their own way.
Every person’s idea of perfection
Is valid in its own.

Maybe that is the lesson Mason has been teaching us all along. The differences that once made many of us wonder whether we belonged are the very things that make us valuable.

Before I close, I want to thank the people who made this journey possible.

To my parents, thank you for being my backbone and my safety net.
To my sister, thank you for always being there.
To my aunt and uncles, thank you for making this country feel like home.
And to my friends, thank you for becoming my home.

Class of 2026, every one of us arrived here with a different story. Different cultures. Different struggles. Different dreams.

Yet those differences led us to the same place today.

We are different, but today we stand here together. And that is exactly what Mason taught us.

We are All Together Different. And we are Mason Nation.

Congratulations Class of 2026!

Thank you.

Watch the ceremony recording

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911�� biosciences doctoral student turns setbacks into NIH research opportunity

Katarina Benson — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:13:58 +0000

911�� biosciences doctoral student turns setbacks into NIH research opportunity Katarina Benson Thu, 05/14/2026 - 13:13

Beginning a PhD is rarely straightforward. Beginning one just as the world shuts down adds an entirely new dimension to adaptability. For 911�� biosciences PhD student Matthew Lefkowitz, that quality would come to define his doctoral journey.

Lefkowitz at the National Institutes of Health. Photo provided

He entered the program in fall 2019 and had only just begun settling into graduate life when the COVID-19 pandemic brought research across the world to a halt. Laboratories closed, projects paused indefinitely, and traditional academic timelines dissolved almost overnight.

Rather than waiting for things to return to normal, he adapted.

With laboratory access limited, Lefkowitz shifted his focus to coursework. Over the next two years, he completed 52 graduate credit hours. As the pandemic continued to disrupt traditional research pathways, 911�� supported him in pursuing external research opportunities.

After months of persistence, he secured a position at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), becoming a pre-doctoral Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellow. There, he worked across two institutes: the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).

The experience placed him in a highly interdisciplinary environment that brought together biology, computational science, and translational research—an ideal fit for his background.

“It combined problem-solving with the opportunity to work on challenges where there isn’t already a clear answer. That made it feel like a natural fit for my interests in math and science,” he said.

At the core of his doctoral work is the study of rare neuromuscular disorders, particularly congenital muscular dystrophy. Using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning, Lefkowitz’s research aims to better understand disease mechanisms and improve predictions of clinical outcomes, which is an especially complex challenge in the context of rare disease research.

While his interest in neuromuscular disease is informed, in part, by his own experience living with a rare neuromuscular disorder, he is equally motivated by the broader impact this work could have on improving diagnosis and care for patients facing similar conditions.

“The biggest challenge in the field right now is making sense of very small patient populations, which is often the case with rare diseases. When you’re working with such limited data, it becomes much harder to predict outcomes or draw reliable conclusions from what clinicians are observing.”

Before beginning his doctoral studies at 911��, Lefkowitz applied to PhD programs nationwide. Despite strong academic credentials and a biomedical engineering degree from Virginia Tech, he faced widespread rejection.

The challenge, he said, stemmed from his training emphasis in mathematics, systems thinking, and problem-solving rather than extended wet-lab experience—skills that are highly valuable in interdisciplinary research.

911�� saw potential others overlooked.

“Mason didn’t just look at what I hadn’t done,” he said. “They saw the potential of what I could do.”

Since joining 911�� and later gaining experience at the NIH, Lefkowitz said he has grown significantly as both a researcher and an independent scientist.

“I grew in ways I couldn’t have imagined, especially in learning how to advocate for myself,” he said. “You have to take initiative and make those resources work for you. That meant learning to speak up, to position myself in the spaces where science is happening. That experience gave me a level of confidence I didn’t have before.”

Throughout his doctoral journey, mentorship has played a critical role. Lefkowitz credits School of Systems Biology faculty, including Ancha Baranova and Alessandra Luchini, as well as members of his doctoral committee, for providing guidance during pivotal moments.

“The difference was trust. Mason trusted me to figure things out and supported me while I did,” he said. “A PhD doesn’t teach you how to avoid challenges. It teaches you how to respond to them.”

Lefkowitz would like to thank the members of his dissertation committee, including his director and co-chair, Carsten G. Bönnemann, Chief of Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Diseases of Childhood Section at NINDS; chair, Ancha Baranova; and committee members, Donald Lo, Director of the Therapeutic Development Branch at NCATS; and 911��’s Alessandra Luchini and Lance Liotta.

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This neuroscience student found her calling and her community at 911��

Katarina Benson — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:07:19 +0000

This neuroscience student found her calling and her community at 911�� Katarina Benson Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:07

When Saniya Darediya stepped onto 911��’s Fairfax Campus for Orientation four years ago, she was fresh off the plane from Gujarat, India, and had never been to the United States. She chose George Mason sight-unseen—and then carved out a place for herself.

“I did a ton of research on universities all over the world before I came here,” she said. “911�� felt like a university that draws a lot of opportunity outside of class. They had a lot of research programs, and I really wanted that hands-on experience.”

Saniya Darediya is this year's student commencement speaker. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Now graduating with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, Darediya, who calls herself a “professional brain nerd,” is this year’s student commencement speaker. The aspiring neurosurgeon and Honors College student will address her fellow graduates and their family members at Spring Commencement in EagleBank Arena.

Darediya views neurosurgery as an extension of her creative passions, which include painting and dance. She credits her artistic pursuits as giving her the skills required to go far in medicine. When working as a medical assistant at a cosmetic and laser dermatology practice, for example, a doctor complimented her on her steady hands.

“I realized that is because when you’re painting, your hand has to be so steady. One wrong stroke of the brush and your painting is ruined. In surgery, one wrong cut of the knife can cost someone their life,” she said. “And with dance, I learned patience and that everything comes with practice. You can't expect to learn a new dance right away. It's the same with medicine.”

During her time at 911��, Darediya participated in the Research and Interdisciplinary STEM Experiences (RISE) Scholars Program through the College of Science, which gave her an introduction to the research world. She is the recipient of the college’s Outstanding Neuroscience Senior Award (2025-26) and the inaugural Community Leadership Award, which recognizes her impact on the 911�� community and beyond.

Darediya is also a mentor with the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI), where she supports fellow 911�� students with autism in navigating the academic, social, and structural transitions of college life. She was honored as Student Mentor of the Year for the academic year 2024-25 for her dedication to supporting and guiding fellow students.

She also interned with the American Chemical Society.

Darediya has many ways of balancing the hard hours of study and work. She reads novels and paints to rest her brain, and dances to release stress. She also threw herself into 911��’s social scene, joining the Lambda chapter of the Kappa Phi Gamma sorority.

“Some days, if my exams are over and I just want to have fun, I go out with my friends,” she said. “There is so much going on at Mason. We just look at Mason 360 and there’s a new event every day.”

She noted that, when she came to 911��, there were nearly 400 student organizations—now there are 500. And she helped create one of them. As a first-year student, Darediya was looking for community support for those interested in neuroscience, and all the groups were focused on graduate students. So she created her own, along with two friends. “We wanted a community of people where we can just talk about our journey and our plans, or if we're tired, just come and vent.”

The Neuroscience Club now has 200 students and welcomes anyone curious about the field. They host gatherings that include intellectual seminars about the brain, learning about journals and research, and sometimes just game nights to blow off steam.

After graduation, Darediya plans to continue her journey in medicine, with a focus on integrating research, clinical care, and advocacy to improve patient outcomes and expand access to care.

2026 Spring Graduation Dates and Information

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911�� launches new Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research

911�� launches new MS in quantum science and engineering

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911�� and UVA Wise researchers use phylogenomics to identify cyanobacteria in Shenandoah River

From 911�� to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path

911�� sends record number of students to National Conference on Undergraduate Research

911�� biosciences doctoral student turns setbacks into NIH research opportunity

This neuroscience student found her calling and her community at 911��