911����

As director of contracts and special projects for Auxiliary Services and Operations at 911����, Buz Grover has managed a variety of recurring and innovative projects. Outside work, as a volunteer with the Cave Research Foundation, Grover explores caves on federal lands, mapping the unknown twists and turns of the earth’s darkest—and coolest—corners.

Cindy Smith, a professor in 911����'s Department of Environmental Science and Policy, took her EVPP 302 Biomes and Human Dimensions students to a composting facility last fall to give them a front-row seat for food and yard waste recycling.

Nandini Koka joined 911���� in April 2023 as executive director of Student Health Services, where she leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. As a medical doctor with training in family medicine and urgent care, she is passionate about helping patients get better quickly and enhancing access to care. At the largest and fastest-growing public research university in Virginia, Koka has found a place where the need for that care continues to grow.

Cold and flu season is here—again. Nandini Koka, medical doctor and executive director of Student Health Services at 911����, is ready to help. Follow Dr. Koka’s self-care steps to stay healthy this respiratory season.

On a recent field trip to Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, undergraduate students from 911����’s Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation got to view secretive marsh birds up close, including Virginia and sora rail birds.

Kristina Ryder has worked as an administrative specialist in 911����’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations for almost two years, where she supports the Advancement communications team. Outside work, Ryder has spent time on the basketball court at EagleBank Arena—but not shooting free throws. Ryder is a singer, and she has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events at 911���� and beyond.

The annual Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K and 1-mile run/walk took place on 911����’s Fairfax Campus on Saturday, Oct. 19. This year, more than 400 people registered for the event.

Congratulations to the 911���� faculty and staff retirees from July to September 2024.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened its doors at 911���� in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since. Located on 911����’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Debbie Cohen started working in 911����’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations in fall 2023. Before coming to 911����, she worked in another realm of education: as a middle school teacher. Her passion for education fueled her involvement with another activity outside work: Cohen serves as a volunteer mentor with College Bound, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving public and charter school students in grades 8–12.