Students

From NOVA to NNSA, this student is putting people first in cybersecurity

sholla4 — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:18:50 +0000

From NOVA to NNSA, this student is putting people first in cybersecurity sholla4 Fri, 08/21/2026 - 09:18

Siddartha Shakya believes that there's more to cybersecurity than just hacking. The 911�� Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's Applied Science student spent his summer interning with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and now he’s even more confident in the importance of balancing humans and machines.

Photo provided

After graduating from high school, Shakya took a two-year gap before starting his studies at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). Both financially and mentally, Shakya said he wasn't ready for college. But after working a few unfulfilling jobs, he knew it was time to go back.

"I always remember being the tech kid in my family: helping my parents set up their computers, teaching them how to navigate websites, and things like that," he said. Part of that role included protecting them from online scams. "I decided I wanted to go into a field where I could help prevent scams, so no families have to go through that."

Shakya transferred to 911�� through the ADVANCE Program after earning his associate of applied science in cybersecurity. During his time at both schools, Shakya worked to fill out his resume and develop his skills. He dove into the world of cyber competitions with the National Cyber League, U.S. Cyber Games, and PatriotHacks, among others.

He completed multiple certifications through the Computing Technology Industry Association and was named a 2025 ISACA Greater Washington DC Chapter Scholar, Cyber Ready Professionals Consortium Cohort 3 Scholar, and CrowdStrike × Cyber Skyline Mentee. And he made sure to give back through volunteering opportunities like the College of Engineering and Computing's Spring into STEM.

"I was constantly looking for ways to learn, gain experience, help other people, and get involved where I could," he said.

The one thing missing? A paid internship. Through the U.S. Cyber Games, Shakya connected with the U.S. Department of Energy Scholars Program, earning a spot in the summer 2026 cohort and an internship with the NNSA.

Shakya has worked on two main projects. The first is a full assessment of the NNSA's Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management Hub, combing through documentation for outdated policy, practice, or information. The second is piloting NetRise: a software supply chain security program. Specifically, he's cataloging what artificial intelligence (AI) systems are being used across the organization and whether they comply with the NNSA's cybersecurity policies.

"There's a big push toward AI use, and with that comes a push for transparency and making sure all software aligns with our mission and security standards," Shakya explained.

Getting hands-on with so many different AI tools is something Shakya hopes can be applied to his coursework and future career, particularly because he's planning a future in federal work. "People think cybersecurity is all about hacking," he said. "But it's also about communication. If you can't communicate clearly about the tools, what to use, and how to use them, then there are going to be mistakes and delays."

That person-first approach was a revelation for Shakya. As evidenced by his long resume of team-based cyber competitions and his enjoyment of the course IT 343 IT Project Management, "I like to work in teams, I like talking to people. I always want a balance of technical work and people-facing work."

And taking an authentic, person-first approach is also his best advice for fellow students. "Network, meet people, and be yourself," he said. "I know there's an urge to over-prepare for interviews, but people crave authenticity. Practice, but don't read off a script."

Learn more about the College of Engineering and Computing

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College of Engineering and Computing

Young engineers compete, building from the ground (and) up

Nathan Kahl — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:41:52 +0000

Young engineers compete, building from the ground (and) up Nathan Kahl Wed, 08/19/2026 - 13:41

In This Story

Ningshi Yao

Over the course of two Saturdays in August, 911�� electrical and computer engineering Assistant Professor Ningshi Yao tested the idea that competition yields strong results. She designed two very different engineering challenges for local pre-college students, one sending student-built ground vehicles racing across a soccer field and the other taking to the skies.

"We want to develop a course or training program that's more hands-on and learning through hands-on projects," Yao said.

“Whether it’s on the ground or in the air, engineering isn't just about formulas on paper—it's about learning through iteration, embracing setbacks, and building things that work in the real world," Yao said. "These programs give young minds early exposure to authentic engineering challenges, empowering them to discover their passions, build resilience, and see themselves as the next generation of roboticists and innovators.”

High school teams test autonomous blimp designs during hands-on practice sessions at MARC. Photo provided.

The first event, the NEXT Competition on August 7, capped a seven-week summer experience for 16 high school students participating in 911��'s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP). The students helped Yao pilot a new mechatronics curriculum developed through a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

The curriculum uses a flipped-classroom model. Students learn concepts outside the lab through lectures and select online videos, then spend their time together applying those concepts. Lessons cover topics ranging from sensors and mechanical drive trains to projectile motion and radio communication. "The class time will be when they come into the lab and really build a ground vehicle," Yao said.

The culminating competition tests far more than whether the vehicles move. Teams face off for 90 minutes on a soccer field scattered with 200 tennis balls. Their robots must collect the balls and shoot them into designated buckets while also contending with opposing vehicles. Teams can even fire balls at competitors to temporarily knock them out of action. That forces students to consider offense, defense, communications, vehicle maintenance and strategy while responding to problems they couldn't predict beforehand.

"They need to quickly fix things," Yao said. "They also need to think about communication, because the range is easily more than 150 meters. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may not be enough, so they need to learn radio communication."

The ASSIP students were more than participants. Because the ONR grant was awarded only in April, they served as the first test group for a curriculum ultimately intended to stand on its own.

"We're using the high school interns as a pilot to test this curriculum," Yao said. "Meanwhile, they can identify the research problems they want to work on."

Just one week later, Yao shifted from ground robots to flying ones. On Saturday, August 15, more than 100 students were at EagleBank Arena for the second annual Airborne Robotics Cup (ARCup), a competition Yao founded to engage middle and high school students in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Teams of students in grades 8 through 12 spent approximately two months designing, building, and programming lightweight robotic blimps before competing in a soccer-style game. The blimp platform introduces students to CAD, 3D printing, programming, aerodynamics, stability, buoyancy, and robotics while remaining safe enough to operate around competitors and spectators.

Reminiscent of the collegiate-level Defend the Republic competition, students use the lighter-than-air devices to play a game reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Quidditch. Students receive mentorship from members of Yao's robotics research team, and top performers may pursue research internships.

Yao's commitment to ARCup recently received another boost. Her new NSF CAREER Award includes support for continuing and expanding the competition as part of the educational component of her research.

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competitions

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

EagleBank Arena

Defense and Security

Students

Rising senior’s internship steers her in the right direction

sbrown79 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:57:33 +0000

Rising senior’s internship steers her in the right direction sbrown79 Wed, 08/19/2026 - 10:57

At first glance, it might seem usual for a graphic design major to intern at a car dealership. But for 911�� rising senior Rayna Roades, her role as a marketing operations intern at Pohanka Automotive has revealed a strong connection between the creative skills she’s learned in the classroom and the work she’s doing in the professional world.

One of her major projects with the company has been putting together Pohanka’s annual student yearbook, an assignment she said connects directly to what she learned in her AVT 313 Publication Design course.

“In my publication design course, I learned a lot about how to set up a good book. We did a cookbook and a magazine, both of which were really instrumental in preparing me to set up the yearbook,” said Roades.

Roades (second from left) and her internship colleagues. Photo provided.

At Pohanka Automotive, Roades is gaining hands-on experience in marketing, publication design, and photography. Roades said the internship has strengthened the creative and technical skills she’s developed at 911�� and reinforced one of the biggest lessons she has learned so far: Growth often comes through trial and error.

“It's a lot of hard work, but it’s fun. Now, I'm confident in my ability to do things like set up a media program, quick color grading, and artistically capture a story through a video or one still image,” she said.

Her contributions to the company’s marketing efforts include filming and editing content, auditing websites, and contacting customers.

Roades, who has a minor in studio art, also contributed to event planning for Pohanka, coordinating the company’s Fourth of July parade entry in Leesburg, Virginia. She managed details such as costumes, decorations, vehicle assignments, and communication with parade organizers.

Roades (second from left) working alongside her internship colleagues. Photo provided.

Beyond the technical work, Roades said the internship has given her a better understanding of workplace culture. She travels between dealerships to photograph and interview fellow interns for the company yearbook.

During her breaks, she visits different parts of the company and talks with employees across brands, including Acura, Lexus, and Chevrolet, to better understand the organization and create more authentic content. Interns also meet weekly at the Pohanka Automotive Operations Center to learn from one another and share updates on their work.

Roades said 911�� faculty played an important role in preparing her for the opportunity as she was recommended for the internship by a professor and advisor, who helped her build the foundation she now uses every day.

“Rayna is an exceptional and imaginative student who consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and creativity,” said School of Art adjunct faculty member Peter Kery, who taught Roades’s Publication Design course.

“She approaches every task with careful attention to craft and detail, particularly in image-making and illustration. Based on her performance in class, I believe she has the potential to become a strong leader who can think critically and take initiative,” he said.

Roades also works as a media lab specialist in Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) and hopes to expand her content creation skills by contributing to social media efforts connected to the Makerspace as well as to the Flourish and Bloom Research Lab in the College of Public Health.

“911�� and my professors have done such a great job of making sure that I can transition from college into the work industry,” Roades said.

For other students preparing for internships and careers, Roades offers simple advice: “We have a saying in sales: Selling is 90% emotion and 10% facts. Be nice to people.”

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College of Visual and Performing Arts

This business analytics major is pouring the foundation for a future in sports analytics

sholla4 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:43:49 +0000

This business analytics major is pouring the foundation for a future in sports analytics sholla4 Wed, 08/19/2026 - 09:43

When asked what advice he would give to students interested in internships, rising 911�� senior Dominic Jones said, "don't limit yourself."

Photo provided

It's advice he's already following. This summer, the business analytics major in the Costello College of Business interned for Bognet Construction, focusing on project management.

Jones wants to work in sports analytics or analytics within consulting. But much like he advises, he's approaching his studies with an open mind. "Since you can do anything with business, I didn't want to home in on one sector just yet," he said.

When he met the Bognet Construction team at one of 911��'s career fairs, he saw an opportunity to broaden his horizons. "I don't have a background in construction," he said, "but the Bognet team was excited for me to learn and try. They wanted me to grow throughout each week."

His internship responsibilities include project management, supporting engineers, architects, and other project managers to ensure the build is on track. Despite this being a new field for him, his skills from business analytics have been able to transfer. "Being detail-oriented is really important in both," he said. "Every single little detail matters, because one error can build into a much bigger problem."

And just as Jones is growing into this role, he said the best part of the internship has been watching something grow from a blank space. "Seeing all the different subcontractors come and go, how the plans are communicated to them, how they get their jobs done: There's a lot that goes into good construction, and it's cool to see."

Jones is no stranger to teamwork. A member of the intramural basketball team, he understands the importance of maximizing strengths and communicating clearly and effectively. Working in construction, he said, has helped him further develop that skill. "There's so many moving parts and people; everyone has their own viewpoint and focus area. Learning how to communicate and work with everyone's individual skills and strengths is a skill I'll take into my classes and the workforce."

As Jones prepares to start his senior year at 911��, he's coming back to campus ready to take advantage of all the possibilities. "The more things you go to, the more opportunities you have to meet people and the chance to get the career you want," he said. "Go to events, join clubs, and try new avenues. You never know what opportunities might teach you that will make you stand out."

Photo provided

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Bioengineering senior gives back through a Morocco clinic internship

sbrown79 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:17:27 +0000

Bioengineering senior gives back through a Morocco clinic internship sbrown79 Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:17

Although she was born in the United States, 911�� senior Meriam Belainass feels a special connection to Morocco thanks to extended family and friends who live there. She’s also had two summer internships there.

Belainass, who visits Morocco every year, recently interned at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field,” said Belainass, who is majoring in bioengineering in the College of Engineering and Computing. “Interning in Morocco has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I also interned at a Moroccan clinic last summer and the fact that I'm able to continue to contribute to my community in this way is really special.”

Meriam Belainass interning at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo provided.

During her visit last summer, Belainass completed a biomedical engineering internship at Sheikh Zaid Hospital in Casablanca, where she gained experience with medical equipment and hospital operations.

At the clinic, Belainass observed preventive maintenance procedures and ensured devices were safe and ready for patient care by inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting medical equipment, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scanners, ultrasound systems, patient monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, and electrocardiogram machines.

“This opportunity has strengthened my technical ability, broadened my perspective on health care, and reinforced my commitment to improving patient care through medical technology,” said Belainass, who plans to complete her master’s in 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master's Program.

In addition to working with hospital equipment, she also gained experience with beauty center technologies such as Derma View, Alma IQ, high intensity focused ultrasounds, and Pico Laser systems.

Belainass, who has a concentration in imaging and devices, said the internship has given her insight into a different health care system while strengthening both her technical and professional skills.

“During this internship, I helped ensure medical equipment is safe, accurate, and reliable, supporting health care professionals in providing effective patient care,” said Belainass. “The skills I'm developing are invaluable, and I know I’ll take them with me throughout my medical career.”

Belainass’s greatest strength is her genuine passion for learning, according to her mentor and supervisor at Clinique Al Madina, biomedical engineer Fatima Zahra Fakhrouni.

Meriam Belainass interning at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo provided.

“Meriam adapted to the clinical environment really quickly,” said Fakhrouni. “Her commitment to understanding the equipment and taking on new challenges was particularly impressive. This kind of mindset will undoubtedly serve her well throughout her career.”

Belainass continues to build an impressive academic and professional resumé outside of this internship as well.

Before transferring to 911��, she earned two associate degrees from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)—one in architecture and one in engineering. She’s currently on track to complete a third associate degree in computer science from NOVA this fall.

“I was surprised by how much biomedical engineers contribute behind the scenes to keep medical equipment functioning safely and efficiently,” she said. “I learned that attention to detail, teamwork, and preventive maintenance are essential for ensuring patient safety and reliable health care technology.”

For students interested in a similar path, Belainass encourages them to seek out as many hands-on opportunities as they can.

“Take advantage of internships and study-abroad opportunities,” she said. “Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to build technical skills, gain confidence, and prepare for a career in biomedical engineering.”

Learn about Internships at 911��

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Bioengineering

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Zaakir Khan interned with Old Glory DC on their playoff run

sbrown79 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:56:01 +0000

Zaakir Khan interned with Old Glory DC on their playoff run sbrown79 Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:56

As a defenseman on 911��’s ice hockey team, rising senior Zaakir Khan knows a thing or two about team sports. But for a recent internship, he stepped off the ice—and out of his comfort zone.

“I've never watched rugby in my entire life, but I just went in determined to learn and figure it out,” said Khan, who spent the summer as an intern for Major League Rugby (MLR) team Old Glory DC, assisting the team as they made their way to the playoffs.

Khan, who is majoring in computational and data sciences in the College of Science, learned how a professional sports organization works, attending the team’s training camps and practices, observing and organizing drills, filming and cutting clips, and breaking down analytics.

Zaakir Khan (right) with an Old Glory Rugby colleague. Photo provided.

“They introduced me to the app, Huddle Sports Code, so I would film parts of the practice, cut clips, and then organize them for the players and coaches to see where they’re succeeding and what they could work on in the future,” Khan said.

The team practiced twice a day, often on 911��’s Fairfax Campus, and was split into two groups: the forwards and the backs.

“The coaches asked me to keep track of game scores and drop balls. I was also able to fly a drone, which was awesome and gave us a nice bird's eye view of the field,” said Khan. “It was a really cool progression from just observing to reporting the whole practice on my own.”

During actual games, there was a bit more pressure.

“I helped set up a computer for our medical tent to re-watch any concussions that potentially happened,” said Khan. “The cameras covered different angles so if any MLR players are injured with a concussion, for example, they go straight to the tent, and medical personnel look on the computer and review the hit to see how egregious it was.”

But Khan’s favorite spot, by far, was the coach’s box. "It was super unbelievable being in that environment and helping to live code the game.” Live coding, Khan explained, involved creating a real-time Excel sheet with all the relevant game statistics.

“Statistics tell a story and the coaches needed those stats—penalties, drops, turnovers—on the fly. With live coding, I was able to get that information to them as quickly as possible,” Khan said. “The sooner you can get this information, the better, but it also has to be accurate because those numbers turned into halftime stats and game reports."

Khan uses the app, Huddle Sports Code, for his internship with Old Glory Rugby. Photo provided.

He credits Craig Esherick, his SPMT 201 Introduction to Sports Management professor with helping him get the internship.

“Professor Esherick was kind enough to help me get my foot into the door,” said Khan, who is working on a minor in sports management. “I got a meeting with the head of the team’s sports analytics department who invited me on for the season.”

“I was very impressed with how quickly Zaakir learned about rugby and the league. It was a lot to learn in a short amount of time,” said Esherick, a professor and the chair of the Sport Management Program in 911��’s College of Education and Human Development. “He developed great relationships with the players and the staff with Old Glory and became an important part of their team this season.”

Although Old Glory’s season ended at the playoffs, Khan didn’t let that stop his momentum. He is currently a data science intern at Peraton, a national security and technology company.

“I’m learning how data, data quality, and data hygiene work. I’m hoping to use this knowledge and transition it into sports analytics after I graduate. I’d say both internships as well as 911�� have really prepared me for that,” Khan said.

Advance your career with an internship at 911��

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College of Education and Human Development

High school students build AI solutions at College of Public Health summer camp

Heather Carroll — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:34:46 +0000

High school students build AI solutions at College of Public Health summer camp Heather Carroll Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:34

Key Takeaways

Through the AI in Health Camp, the College of Public Health helped high school students develop a practical understanding of artificial intelligence and how it can be used responsibly to improve health and health care.
Through hands-on projects, students created their own AI agents and applied what they learned to real-world challenges ranging from healthy sleep habits to athlete recovery and braces care.
The camp gave students confidence using emerging technology while introducing them to career opportunities at the intersection of health, technology, and public service.

Through hands-on projects and mentorship from experts, high school students learned how to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, create an AI agent, and explore how AI is used to improve health care.

Students attending the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

At 911��'s College of Public Health, 30 juniors and seniors spent a week doing what few adults have done: building their own AI agent. While many high schools restrict the use of AI, the AI in Health Summer Camp—hosted by the Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics—showed students how AI can be used responsibly to solve real-world problems and improve lives.

By the end of the week, students could explain how AI works, build and customize their own AI agents in Microsoft Copilot, identify health care applications of AI, and better understand careers at the intersection of technology and public health. Students reported learning about the growing role of AI in health care, the complexity of hospital systems, the importance of responsible AI design, and how to apply AI skills to healthcare and future career opportunities.

"We're not allowed to use AI in school. I haven't learned anything [about AI] in school, which is why I'm here," said a participant.

Abdul Hafeez, Assistant Professor in Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics, works with students at the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

For many students, the camp challenged their assumptions about AI.

“I learned a lot about how AI is used in health care. One of my favorite parts was programming AI agents and seeing how they could be used to solve specific healthcare problems. The camp was engaging, informative, and a great learning opportunity,” said a participant in the post-camp survey.

Others left with greater confidence in their ability to use emerging technology.

"Before, I thought AI would be complicated, but it's really simple to figure out," said a participant.

Working in teams of two, students created customized AI agents designed to address specific health-related needs. Their projects ranged from tools that encourage healthy sleep habits among students to AI assistants that support athlete nutrition and injury recovery, as well as chatbots that answer questions about braces and agents that help users learn essential cooking skills.

“Learning about chatbots and AI through the AI in Health Summer Camp was a rewarding experience and something I will carry with me as I continue exploring my interests. I am grateful to the professors and teaching assistants who made the camp such a meaningful learning experience,” said a participant in the post-camp survey.

Student learning about a chatbot during the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

In addition to working with the college's faculty, students learned directly from health care professionals who shared perspectives on AI, technology, and the changing health workforce. Guest speakers included Jim Borda, public health informatics and IT manager at the Fairfax County Health Department; Jessica Rocca Czelusniak, associate vice president of applications and CNIO at VHC Health; and College of Public Health alums Kate Rzucidlo, Claire Leonard, and Iqra Chaudhry.

For the College of Public Health, the camp represents an investment in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of health care. For students, it offered something just as valuable: the knowledge and confidence to begin imagining their place in that future.

Topics

Artificial Intelligence

Summer Camps

Health Informatics

College of Public Health

Students

Food as medicine: Six insights from a 911�� nutrition expert

Heather Carroll — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:08:52 +0000

Food as medicine: Six insights from a 911�� nutrition expert Heather Carroll Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:08

In This Story

Raedeh Basiri, PhD, RDN

Key Takeaways

911�� nutrition expert and registered dietitian Raedah Basiri shared six key lessons with Honors College students, emphasizing that personalized, gradual nutrition changes are often more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches to preventing and managing chronic disease.
Basiri highlighted the importance of nutrition in health care, noting that diet-based interventions, supported by technology and real-time feedback, can improve long-term health outcomes and encourage healthier behaviors.
She also stressed that nutrition support remains essential even when patients use weight-loss medications, and that building trust between patients and health care providers is critical.

911�� community health students share their insights from nutrition professor and registered dietitian Raedah Basiri for their Honors College project exploring nutrition interventions for chronic disease.

Community Health student Janay Hopgood

The concept of food as medicine is gaining traction as a way to prevent and manage chronic disease. During an Honors College consulting course (Honors 260), community health student Janay Hopgood and a teammate interviewed Raedeh Basiri, assistant professor of nutrition and a registered dietitian, to inform their approach.

Their project challenged them to develop an innovative solution to improve long-term health outcomes and prevent chronic disease among a health care organization partner.

"We aimed to integrate nutrition into health care by leveraging technology, community partnerships, and data-driven strategies to promote healthier lifestyles and advance health equity," Hopgood said. "Dr. Basiri helped us better understand which avenues of research and implementation were realistic, challenged common misconceptions, and provided thoughtful feedback. Most importantly, she created a space where we could openly discuss our developing concept and draw upon her knowledge and experience."

Here are six insights that Hopgood and her partner developed from their interview with Basiri:

Personalization matters.
Effective nutrition interventions start with collecting comprehensive data to understand the whole person, including their food access, finances, lifestyle, physical activity, and living environment. One-size-fits-all recommendations rarely work, Basiri said.
Start small.
Bombarding people with too much nutrition information at once isn't sustainable. Introducing small, personalized changes gradually is more likely to improve health outcomes.
Nutrition is too often overlooked in favor of medication.
Basiri highlighted a gap between nutrition research and clinical practice. When lifestyle changes don't produce immediate results, patients often get moved to medication despite strong evidence supporting the long-term benefits of dietary interventions.
Real-time feedback encourages behavior change.
Basiri said technology can help patients better understand how food affects their health, especially for those with limited access to a physician. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time feedback that can increase compliance, while artificial intelligence tools can help deliver similar personalized guidance.
Weight-loss medications still need nutritional support.
Although GLP-1 medications are effective for weight loss, Basiri noted that they can also contribute to issues such as malnutrition, hair loss, and bone density loss. Nutrition support, she said, can help ensure patients don't "solve the problem and create another one."
Trust is the foundation of lasting impact.
Basiri emphasized that successful nutrition programs are built on trust, both between nutrition practitioners and patients, and between nutrition practitioners and other health care professionals. Positive outcomes are most likely to create that trust, leading to more referrals and greater demand for nutrition-based services.

Topics

CPH Student Research

Nutrition and Weight Management

Weight Control

College of Public Health

Research

Students

Honors College

This SAIC intern Excels in and out of the classroom

sholla4 — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:08:41 +0000

This SAIC intern Excels in and out of the classroom sholla4 Thu, 08/13/2026 - 09:08

Gabriella Lemus, a sophomore accounting major, entered 911��’s Costello College of Business with a head start and no plans on stopping. Not only is she a year ahead in school thanks to college and AP credit, she’s also been building her resume as a real estate agent and vice president of Mason Consulting Group. Now, she’s tackling her first summer internship with that same determination to excel.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Lemus is a project control intern for SAIC, a major government contractor, working on cleaning up invoices, updating reports, and ensuring all the accounting is correct.

Business analytics courses prepared her well for this position. “Knowing how to navigate Excel has really helped me, and that’s thanks to Professor Michael King. I was able to say confidently that I have strong Excel skills and experience when applying. I’m actually helping other interns improve their Excel skills, and they come to me with questions.”

Lemus may be teaching her fellow interns, but she’s doing plenty of learning as well. Being open-minded is, she said, a key part of the experience. “You have to be willing to learn everything, growing your knowledge and abilities in order to complete the tasks.”

Learning how to ask questions, for example, is one skill she’s working on improving. “I used to be very shy reaching out to my managers with questions,” she said. “I’ve gotten much more comfortable by reminding myself that people are here to help, that they are investing their time into me because they saw something in me. And if I have a question, others probably do too.”

Those communication skills are one tool she hopes to use in both future courses as well as her extracurriculars. As the vice president of Mason Consulting Group, she organizes events, interviews new consultants, and works with external clients. Communicating through differences in order to solve problems is an invaluable skill, one that she’s further developing through her SAIC internship.

Working within a large company has also given her valuable insights into how to best manage the growing consulting group and her growing career. Lemus works as a real estate agent for the Piano Home Group, with dreams of growing her own agency in the future. “I really love what I’m learning at SAIC, because I can apply it at a smaller level to my own business.”

If there’s one thing Lemus hopes her fellow students will learn from her experiences, it’s the importance of getting involved. “The networking at Costello has given me so many great opportunities, including this internship,” she said. “And it helps me academically, too. I’ve become a better student by being more engaged with my classmates.”

"One of the goals of the Costello Business faculty is to support our students in being 'Career Ready.' It is an inspiration to see how Gabriella Lemus is using the knowledge and skills that she learned in my Business Analytics classes to succeed in her internship," said King. "Her commitment to hard work and positive attitude will carry her far!"

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Michael King

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From bioengineering to big bands, 911�� camps focus on well-being

sholla4 — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:12:05 +0000

From bioengineering to big bands, 911�� camps focus on well-being sholla4 Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:12

Year-round, 911��'s colleges, centers, and labs are taking a people-first integrated approach to human health and well-being that advances science, develops talent, and strengthens communities. That includes the summer, when labs and studios open their doors for the community to learn how innovations in art and science can make our world a healthier place.

From bioengineering to big bands, these summer programs are teaching all ages that 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative solution of "improving human health, well-being, and preparedness" is about more than numbers in a medical chart.

BioE Buzz summer campers learn about bioengineering by testing exoskeletons and biomechanics while interacting with 911�� faculty and students .Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

BioE Buzz

In its third year, BioE Buzz introduces high school students to the greater field of bioengineering and groundbreaking research at 911��. Rising juniors and seniors get hands-on experience with bioengineering technologies like 3D printing and ultrasound, learn about nanofabrication and tissue engineering, meet faculty and researchers from the Department of Bioengineering, and compete as a team for a one-week internship in one of 911��'s research labs.

"We love when campers connect with one another over a shared passion for solving problems in biology and medicine," said Khadija Zaidi-Rashid, assistant professor in the College of Engineering and Computing and codirector of BioE Buzz camp.

This year's 24 campers designed cardiac stents, extracted collagen and created polymers from animal tissues, and controlled a hand prothesis with bio signals. They also got a taste of college life: eating in dining halls, touring facilities, and learning team-building at The Edge on the Science and Technology Campus. Current 911�� undergraduates and graduate students serve as coordinators, counselors, and teachers for the camp as well, so campers can see a full picture of what's possible at 911��.

"Whether our campers select a path in health policy, medical sciences, academic research, or entrepreneurship, they are all united in their passion for making a true impact on humanity," said Zaidi-Rashid.

AI in Health

A new camp for 2026, the AI in Health Camp introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to how artificial intelligence is used in health care and public health and how it can be designed and evaluated responsibly.

"The camp is designed to prepare the next generation to use AI responsibly to improve patient safety, expand access to reliable health information, and make the information more accessible and understandable through inclusive design," said Maria Uriyo, an associate professor in the College of Public Health. "By reaching high school students early, the camp helps them explore emerging careers at the intersection of AI, health care, and public health while contributing to a more inclusive future health workforce."

Over the course of one week, students build foundational skills in AI literacy, practicing user-centered and inclusive design and safe and responsible AI use through daily AI Maker Labs. Graduate students in the Department of Health Administration, Policy and Informatics coach campers through designing and building community health chatbots. On the last day of camp, students present their work at a student showcase.

"We want students to understand that AI can be a powerful tool for health, but it always needs human judgment, safety checks, and inclusive design to provide meaningful and responsible benefits," said Uriyo.

911�� Jazz Camp

Human health and well-being is more than a matter of science. "Jazz music is said to 'wash away the dust of life,' improve our mental agility, and help us discover our true selves," said John Kocur, an associate professor of jazz studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

911�� Jazz Camp has existed in various forms since 2005, with its current form in its fifth year. This year, 87 students attended to learn music theory, practice improvisation, work with master musicians, and perform. Each day ends with a concert by a professional musician. The goal: developing the creative capacity of each musician and immersing them in the culture so they can experience the benefits of jazz throughout their lives.

"We hope each student remembers what it feels like to express yourself through your instrument spontaneously while jamming along with others," said Kocur.

And at 911�� Jazz Camp, these experiences are open to all. This year's cohort included 12 adult students, demonstrating how finding wellness through music can be done at any age.

"This music has served vital roles of survival for over a century, and it still has many lessons to teach us about cooperation, personal expression, and peace," said Kocur. "Whether you are an experienced improviser or just getting started, the expert faculty will help you realize your potential and grow into the musician you want to become."

Roxy Coss, the Artist-in-Residence for the 2026 911�� Jazz Camp with faculty on the Center for the Arts stage, Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

See how 911�� is improving human health, well-being, and preparedness

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