911±¬ÁÏ

Neuroscience major Saniya Darediya was this year's student Commencement speaker.

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

When Saniya Darediya, this year's student commencement speaker, stepped onto 911±¬ÁÏ’s Fairfax Campus for Orientation four years ago, she was fresh off the plane from Gujarat, India. She chose 911±¬ÁÏ sight-unseen—and then carved out a place for herself.

Receiving a Goldwater Scholarship, which recognizes students with the potential to be the next generation of research leaders, is a true testament to student Sofie Strompf's dedication and perseverance.

911±¬ÁÏ graduate student Jose Meneses has built a remarkable early career in conservation science through hands‑on research with the Smithsonian and global fieldwork. His work—spanning salamander peptides, elephant viruses, and zombie crabs—has shaped his path toward a future in disease ecology.

Konrad Wessels, associate professor of geography and geoinformation science at 911±¬ÁÏ, is part of a NASA-funded team studying how ice levels and ecosystem carbon stock are changing—work that could impact climate resilience planning, disaster management, ocean navigation, and national security. 

Honors College Challenge Day brings teams of students together to solve strategic challenges for corporate and nonprofit partners.

911±¬ÁÏ adjunct professor Jennifer Lewis created two special topics courses in 911±¬ÁÏ’s Environmental Science and Policy Department (ESP)—EVPP 490 Conservation Storytelling and EVPP 490/505 Media Production for Environmental Science and Policy.

According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Program rankings, 911±¬ÁÏ placed 20 programs in the national top 50, including seven in the top 10, reflecting broad strength across business, engineering, law, nursing and public health, public policy, education, fine arts, and sciences. Regionally, seven programs ranked in the top three in the Washington, D.C., region, with 13 programs topping at No. 1 in Virginia.

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