Honors College

Student and faculty researchers team up to drive societal change

Susan Martonik — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:47:47 +0000

Student and faculty researchers team up to drive societal change Susan Martonik Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:47

This summer, classrooms gave way to labs, field sites, and data sets as 911�� faculty and students partnered to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges. The research teams explored complex issues—many aligned with the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative—examining them from multiple perspectives and generating new insights to help shape future solutions.

These Summer Team Impact Projects, supported by grants from Mason Impact, were led by faculty members who assembled teams of undergraduate and graduate students from across disciplines. Students—who received stipends to support their participation—took part in a one-week boot camp to begin the 10-week program, along with various enrichment activities throughout the summer. The students shared their findings at the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research Summer Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact.

Summer Team Impact Project researchers Abigail Naidoo (left) and Katelyn Mckee present at the OSCAR Summer 2026 Celebration. Photo by Susan Lawrence.

The research spanned a wide range of topics, including homelessness and climate-related challenges, using virtual reality to support health, changes in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to better understand how people move through cities, and the impact of generative AI on student writing.

Susan Lawrence and Courtney Massie, director and assistant director, respectively, of the Writing Center, led a project titled “Student Writers and Generative AI: Investigating Practices, Knowledge, and Critical Literacies.” Working with a team of six undergraduate students and one graduate mentor, their research examined how 911�� students are integrating generative AI into their writing processes in realistic academic settings. It also explored the extent to which writers saw themselves thinking critically and the ownership they felt over their work.

While Lawrence and Massie oversaw the project, their team of students led the research-- interviewing participants, coding results, and analyzing data to generate findings.

“I conducted qualitative research using in-depth interviews and coding to determine insights about how 911�� students use generative AI in their writing,” said Marisa Parikh, an Honors College student majoring in public administration in the Schar School of Policy and Government. “One of the most valuable things I learned was how new developments in technology are impacting students today. This helped me look more long term at how institutions can promote accessibility to education for all students and use this technology as a tool to increase student success outcomes.”

Lawrence spoke highly of the student researchers’ work. “Having a multidisciplinary team of student researchers was a major asset for this project,” she said. “They connected easily with participants during interviews, and their diverse perspectives on generative AI helped shape how we ultimately interpreted the data.”

The team has submitted their project for presentation at the International Writing Centers Association conference in October and are moving toward publishing a manuscript. Beyond its scholarly contributions, the project also highlighted the Writing Center as a valuable setting for research on writing and literacy.

Jenna Krall, associate professor of global and community health, and Marybeth Mitcham, assistant professor of global and community health, both in the College of Public Health, along with Fengxiu Zhang, assistant professor in the Schar School, led another Summer Team Impact Project on “Supportive Housing as Climate Resiliency: Resident, Community, and Government Perspectives.” Working with a team of nine student researchers, the project sought to understand the challenges of homelessness and environmental hazards using community health, environmental science, and policy frameworks.

“There are huge knowledge gaps in this space, so we split our researchers into three groups to gather multiple perspectives,” said Krall. “Our team meetings became a space where the students could experiment and sandbox ideas for how to analyze the data they collected. They weren’t just checking boxes; they were helping build a knowledge base to inform future research and practice.”

Professor Krall's Summer Team Impact Project members take a field trip to the Lamb Center. Photo by Jenna Krall.

The research team presented their findings to local partners, including the Lamb Center and the City of Fairfax. Efforts are also underway to publish the research.

“The project provided me with real-life experience of how it is to work on a team, in particular building my skill of patience through the research process, understanding the reason for the project, working with colleagues, and letting creative ideas flow,” said student researcher Alex Romero Valenzuela, a community health major in the College of Public Health who is pursuing a master's degree in public health through 911��'s bachelor’s-to-accelerated master's (BAM) program.

For Krall, the experience was rewarding both professionally and personally. A 911�� alum, she participated in a summer research project as an undergraduate. “I’ve wanted to apply for this grant since I started teaching at 911��,” she said. “It’s especially meaningful to come full circle and introduce current students to research as a potential career path.”

“The Summer Team Impact Projects provide valuable experience for all involved. Faculty can pursue research in areas of personal and professional interest, while students gain hands-on experience with research design, implementation, and analysis,” said Jesse Guessford, director of curriculum and initiatives in the Office of Undergraduate Education. “This program brings together two of 911��’s key priorities: supporting student success and creating opportunities for faculty scholarship and innovation.”

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Honors College

One mission, many paths: 911�� senior advances youth mental health through research and outreach

sbrown79 — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:36:02 +0000

One mission, many paths: 911�� senior advances youth mental health through research and outreach sbrown79 Tue, 10/06/2026 - 15:36

911�� senior Mehmood Shajih has built his college experience around one goal: creating better mental health outcomes for young people.

That mission has shaped both his academic path as a psychology major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and his long-running internship with Prince William County (Virginia) Schools (PWCS)—a unique opportunity that was created specifically for him.

Mehmood Shajih. Photo provided.

Shajih, who is also part of 911��’s Honors in Psychology program, first became interested in developmental psychology in high school. As a student in the biomedical science program at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Virginia, he completed a year-long research project on how parents influence children’s behavior. He also worked with AlphaBEST, a before- and after-school care program, where he saw firsthand how early mental health and education challenges can affect children.

And when he wasn’t studying students’ behavior, he was advocating on behalf of it. As a member of his high school student senate, Shajih represented his peers to county leaders and built relationships with school system officials. That’s how he met Anaid Shaver, former PWCS administrative supervisor of career counseling.

“When he reached out to inquire about an internship, his background and clear interest in child psychology and youth development aligned directly with the office’s mission,” Shaver said.

There was only one problem.

“There were no internship positions in her office; she had never had an intern before,” said Shajih. “But we spoke about my interests and career goals and basically developed the role that I eventually took on together.”

That initiative made an impression on Shaver.

“Rather than taking on pre-defined tasks, Mehmood actively developed and implemented the College and Career Student and Alumni Ambassador Program from the ground up,” Shaver said.

For Shajih, who immigrated to the United States in 2016, the work is personal. He said he faced challenges navigating the college application and financial aid processes.

“My parents and I were unfamiliar with the post-high school graduation processes in America, so I was learning about that process all on my own,” he said. “Now, I really want to help students facing the same issues that I faced before.”

Shajih and psychology professor Sabine Doebel at the 2026 OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact. Photo provided.

As an intern with PWCS, Shajih supports initiatives designed to help students think about their futures early and often. “There is a level of preparation that can be instilled no matter where you are in life,” he said.

Shajih has assisted with college and career fairs, helped develop school-based college and career clubs, and created systems to support long-term program success. He also developed a standard operating guide for the clubs and introduced pre- and post-surveys so school staff could better assess student outcomes and program effectiveness.

He also helped organize PWCS’s broader focus on career exploration. The district offers specialty programs in areas such as nursing, biotechnical, biomedical, firefighting, and auto tech, among others.

“They’re a great way to get students interested in these fields early on and keep them on track,” said Shajih. “Students can change their mind at any point, but at least they are gaining knowledge about different fields.”

Shajih said the work he does for his internship, which was funded by the Honoring Our Community Fellowship Program, a paid fellowship program for Honors College students, was heavily reinforced by his academic experience at 911��, where he worked on child developmental research with his mentors—911�� psychology professors Jennifer Brielmaier and Sabine Doebel.

Mehmood's intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning stood out early on during his time in the Honors program,” said Brielmaier. “I saw tremendous growth in Mehmood. Not only did he improve his analytical, writing, and oral presentation skills, but he became a leader within his Honors cohort.”

Shajih’s research focused on the marshmallow test, an assessment of children’s ability to delay gratification. Over three semesters, he worked closely with his mentors to complete and defend his honors thesis. He later developed that meta-analysis into a research paper, Why Wait? A Meta-Analysis of Task and Sample Moderators of Children’s Performance on the Marshmallow Test, which was published in the Journal of Cognition and Development.

Shajih presents his research: "Why Wait? A Meta-Analysis of Task and Sample Moderators of Children’s Performance on the Marshmallow Test." Photo provided.

“Meta-analyses are much more methodologically sophisticated and labor-intensive than the projects undertaken by most of our Honors students,” Brielmaier said. “Mehmood was involved each step of the way, from designing the study to screening abstracts for inclusion to developing the code for data analysis.”

At the spring Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact, Shajih was one of six students recognized with a 2026 OSCAR Excellence Award for his research.

Looking ahead, Shajih said he plans to attend medical school and hopes to build a career that combines clinical care with research, particularly in work involving children and adolescent mental health. He sees his research and internship experiences as a foundation for that future.

“The research and internship experiences that came from my time at 911�� were priceless,” Shajih said. “They’ve helped me start a dedicated career to do more for the children in my community.”

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Helping City of Fairfax respond to Beech Leaf Disease on the 9/11 Day of Service

Serena Iyinbor — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:06:10 +0000

Helping City of Fairfax respond to Beech Leaf Disease on the 9/11 Day of Service Serena Iyinbor Mon, 09/21/2026 - 14:06

Before September 11, 2026, first-year Honors College student Talia Marziale did not know what beech leaf disease was. But on the Honors College Day of Service, Marziale helped the City of Fairfax tackle the disease.

Honors College students mapped beech trees and disease symptoms in Daniels Run Park in Fairfax. Photo provided by Ian Candy/Honors College

Beech leaf disease is a threat to the Fairfax area’s estimated 4.2 million beech trees. A group of first-year 911�� Honors College students, including Marziale, got involved by mapping beech trees and symptoms in Daniels Run Park in Fairfax, which will help the City of Fairfax manage the disease.

A separate group went to local neighborhoods and noted yards with beech trees, so the City of Fairfax can target specific houses with resources to prevent and treat beech leaf disease.

Beech leaf disease is caused by a nematode infestation and is characterized by dark stripes in the leaves when they are held up to light. Without a treatment available for forested areas, beech leaf disease will kill many mature beech trees within the next decade. Beech trees provide canopy and food for local ecosystems, as well as stormwater control with their roots.

“What we're worried about is within 10 years seeing a real decline of our beech forests,” Honors College alum Sophia Chapin, BS Environmental Science '21, told the group.

For some local homeowners, treating beech trees every year is financially inaccessible. Fairfax City received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in 2024 to promote “tree equity,” which will give Fairfax residents who cannot treat their trees annually the materials to keep their source of canopy and environmental stability. By giving resources to homeowners to either replace or expand their tree canopy, the city is hoping to offset “an inevitable loss” of tree canopy in local forests, Chapin said.

Chapin is spearheading the community forestry effort for Fairfax City as its stewardship coordinator. Part of that effort is series of guest lectures and collaborative partnerships with Honors College classes. She previously guest lectured in Professor Julie Minde’s Honors 260 Public Participation in Environmental Governance class about the city’s Urban Forest master plan.

Photo by Ian Candy/Honors College

In Honors College Connects, Chapin is partnering with a group of Honors College students who are tasked with creating a communication plan to inform residents about beech leaf disease and how best to treat it.

Beech leaf disease is a tremendous task, but Chapin’s Honors College education gave her some of the tools she needs to take it on.

“This is another of what we would call a ‘wicked problem,’ kind of how climate change is a wicked problem. Beech leaf disease, there's not an easy one-stop solution to fix it,” she said. “It's going to take a multifaceted approach involving both private and public sectors. And those are the kind of issues that you take on in the Honors College.”

911�� alumna Sophia Chapin (right) is spearheading the community forestry effort for Fairfax City as its stewardship coordinator. Photo by Grace Miller/Honors College

A challenge to combating the disease is simply that it is not well-known.

“I think a lot of us, there's basically a green wall outside of our dwellings that we live in and we're not super aware that there's actually a bunch of organisms that have relationships out there that can be more or less in balance,” Richard Todd Stafford, the communications director for the Honors College and an Honors College Connects professor, said. “They can be more or less facing challenge, and humans play a role in the active management of those landscapes in making sure that we have a flourishing environment to live in.”

The Honors College Day of Service taught volunteers how to be good stewards of the environment and community.

Marziale said, “It’s making me learn more about nature and the different diseases that can spread."

The 9/11 Day of Service tradition at 911�� was founded in 2012 by then Honors College Living Learning Community coordinator Kevin Stoy. His hope was that students would “do something for someone or something that’s bigger than yourself.”

Stoy had been in New York on the day of the attacks, and "after seeing that, the way that the community came together, I wanted to make sure that was something that college students understood,” he said. “It was what can and should be a result of when something terrible like that happens.”

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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.

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Case study winners share how the competition prepares students for public health careers

Heather Carroll — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:32:58 +0000

Case study winners share how the competition prepares students for public health careers Heather Carroll Tue, 08/04/2026 - 10:32

Key Takeaways

Three 911�� College of Public Health interdisciplinary teams earned national recognition in the 2026 National Case Study Competition in Health Education, winning two gold awards and one bronze for developing evidence-based mental health interventions.
Students said the competition provided valuable hands-on experience in public health program planning, while strengthening their professional skills, confidence, and ability to solve complex health challenges.
Participants emphasized that working across disciplines was one of the most important lessons, showing how diverse perspectives and expertise lead to stronger public health solutions and better career preparation.

In This Story

Michelle S. Williams, PhD, MSPH

Three 911�� interdisciplinary teams placed in the 2026 National Case Study Competition in Health Education. Students share what they learned from the experience and why they recommend it to others.

Three 911�� interdisciplinary teams placed in the 2026 National Case Study Competition in Health Education. Students say the experience strengthened their public health skills, expanded their professional networks, and reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ananya Edupuganti

Through the competition, students gained hands-on experience in public health program planning, built confidence in addressing complex health challenges, and learned how professionals from different disciplines work together to develop effective solutions. Three College of Public Health teams earned national recognition, including two gold awards and one bronze. Graduate teams Manisha Jagdesh Leemani, and Isela Caballero and Jessica Hively and Ananya Edupuganti each earned gold awards, while undergraduate students Michael Kaleem and Ava Parker earned bronze. Associate Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health Michelle Williams advised all three teams.

The annual competition challenges undergraduate and graduate students to develop evidence-based solutions to real-world public health problems. This year's participants were tasked with designing culturally responsive mental health interventions for youth and their families.

"This is a unique opportunity for a nursing student [to be able to participate in a public health case competition] due to the nursing school’s location within the College of Public Health. As an undergraduate and master’s student at a different university, I was not aware of similar opportunities and have found it to be a really valuable learning experience,” said Hively, who is working on a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and graduate certificate in public health.

All of the participants described the competition as both challenging and rewarding. Their experiences highlighted three key takeaways: gaining real-world intervention planning experience, building professional skills and confidence, and learning the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

What did students gain from participating in the case competition?

Real-world intervention planning experience

Beyond designing interventions, participants said the competition helped them develop practical workplace skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.

Ava Parker

“I thought that this would be an incredible opportunity to gain skills necessary for successful public health program planning, it would open doors to network with like-minded faculty and students, and I could contribute to something that I am passionate about. I knew that this experience was going to be so much fun, and I was right: This was amazing!” said student Ava Parker, who is working on a bachelor's degree in community health.

The undergraduate team explored how district-wide partnerships with local schools and community organizations in Portland, Oregon, could support culturally relevant mental health awareness, early intervention, and peer support programs to better serve students.

“I saw it as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside another graduate student. It ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my graduate program and reinforced my passion for public health,” said Caballero, a MPH student.

Building skills and confidence

“This case competition was incredibly helpful in building skills and confidence needed to create targeted public health programs. I learned how to effectively and efficiently work as a team, where each person is able to contribute their own sets of skills to find solutions to public health problems,” said Parker, who would like to pursue a career in infectious disease surveillance at the local, state, or federal level.

Michael Kaleem

“I learned that program implementation takes time and careful planning. Additionally, you have to be as realistic as possible and think a lot about the what ifs because there could be a lot of holes poked in your methodology if you do not think about these things,” said Honors College student Michael Kaleem, who has completed a BS in Community Health and also pursuing an accelerated master's in public health.

“This case competition was much more public health-focused, which challenged me to rethink how I approached problems as an administrator. I had to look beyond financial sustainability and operational considerations and think more deeply about community impact, health equity, and population health outcomes. It was a great opportunity to challenge myself, learn from a different perspective, and grow both personally and professionally,” said Ananya Edupuganti, Master of Health Administration ’26.

The graduate teams developed a culturally responsive mental health intervention that partnered with a local Native American organization to deliver CBT-based programming for youth and their caregivers.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Perhaps the most significant takeaway was learning how professionals from different disciplines can work together to address complex public health challenges. Case competitions provide students the opportunity to work with students and faculty in other disciplines they may not interact with in their classes. Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to public health.

Jessica Hively

“I participated in the case competition because I was interested in the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team. I am an MSN to DNP and graduate certificate in public health student, and Ananya was a Master of Health Administration student. These types of interdisciplinary opportunities mimic the ‘real-world’ public health and health care environments and are great opportunities for learning,” said Hively.

“The most valuable lesson I learned was how much we can learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences. Our collaboration reminded me that the strongest solutions are rarely developed in isolation; they come from bringing together different areas of expertise, listening to one another, and working toward a shared goal. That experience is something I will carry with me throughout my career in health care,” said Edupuganti, who recently accepted a position with UF Health Shands Hospital in health care operations and analytics.

Advice for students considering participating in a case competition

Jagdesh Leemani and Isela Caballero

“Go for it, even if it's your first one. It's a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and apply what you've learned to real-world challenges. Don't worry about having all the answers. Focus on learning from the experience, trust your teammates, and enjoy the process,” said Caballero.

"Treat the competition as an opportunity to learn rather than as a test of what you already know. Some of the most valuable lessons come from discussing different ideas, receiving feedback, and refining your thinking along the way. You don't need to have all the answers, you just need to stay curious, contribute your perspective, and be open to learning from others," said Manisha Jagdesh Leemani, MS Health Informatics '26.

Students say the experience offers an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world public health challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and build skills that translate directly to future careers.

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911�� students earn prestigious fellowships across disciplines

Susan Martonik — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:04:49 +0000

911�� students earn prestigious fellowships across disciplines Susan Martonik Thu, 07/02/2026 - 11:04

This past spring, nearly a dozen 911�� students received nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships, supporting work across a wide range of fields. Addressing topics from artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom to air pollution to the history of musical instruments, these honors highlight the breadth of student achievement and underscore that funding awards are within reach for students in any field.

“This year alone, 911�� students have benefited from more than $168,000 in funding to further their education, study abroad, engage in meaningful research, and more,” said Megan Bruening, director in the Office of Fellowships. “These prestigious grants and awards open the door to unique opportunities that foster personal growth and build valuable academic and professional skills.”

Several of this year's award recipients were recognized at the May Board of Visitors meeting. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Recent fellowship recipients include:

Ashleigh Williams, Fulbright Award and Berlin Program Dissertation Fellowship
In September 2026, Williams, a historian of race, visual culture, and socialist internationalism, will travel to Germany to conduct research for her dissertation on the racial politics of the German Democratic Republic between 1961 and 1996. Williams is pursuing a doctorate in history in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Cora Sula, Fulbright Award
Sula, a third-year PhD student in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology in the College of Engineering and Computing, will study the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms in Estonia. As one of the few countries with a national rollout of AI-assisted classrooms, Sula will investigate how this initiative is shaping Estonian teachers’ professional practices and classroom pedagogy.

Lina Bondesson, Critical Language Scholarship
Selected from a competitive pool of more than 4,500 applicants nationwide, Bondesson, a conflict analysis and resolution major in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, will study Korean language and culture. The opportunity is part of a U.S. State Department program that provides immersive experiences in languages critical to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity.

Xavier Isaac, Boren Fellowship
An international security major in the Schar School of Policy and Government, Isaac’s fellowship will allow him to travel to Japan. The Boren award provides funding for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study critical languages abroad while committing to future public service to enhance U.S. capabilities, deterrence, and readiness.

Sofie Strompf, Goldwater Scholarship
Strompf, an Honors College student and neuroscience major in the College of Science, has received funding to continue her education at 911��. Created to support future leaders in the STEM field, the scholarship was awarded for Strompf’s curiosity, discipline, and vision to become a research leader.

Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan, COVES Policy Fellowship
Shan, a Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship recipient, will spend her summer serving as an advisor at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. In this role, she will work on environmental justice-related initiatives, including updates to the environmental justice guidance in the permitting process and supporting community engagement efforts. Shan is a civil and infrastructure engineering major the College of Engineering and Computing.

Yingjie Zhang, COVES Policy Fellowship
A PhD candidate in bioinformatics and computational biology in the College of Science, Zhang will complete his COVES fellowship with Virginia Bio, a statewide nonprofit trade association representing the life sciences industry in the commonwealth. He will bring his research experience in AI-driven drug discovery and development to the fellowship while expanding his understanding of the intersection between science, artificial intelligence, and state-level policy.

Jayme Kurland, Smithsonian Institution Fellowship
Kurland, a PhD candidate in history in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, will conduct research at the Smithsonian Museum of American History as part of her predoctoral fellowship. Her dissertation research investigates the roles women have played in the early history of the Fender Electric Instruments Company.

Alexandra Miller, Urban Communication Foundation Research Assistance Grant
Miller received a grant to support her project, “You Can’t Do That Here: Misuse of Space in New York at the Turn of the Twentieth Century.” A doctoral student in history in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Miller researches green spaces, most recently urban parks and playgrounds in the American Progressive Era.

Ali Kothawala, COMTO DC Scholarship
Kothawala, an earth systems and geoinformation sciences major in the College of Science, received an inaugural Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) DC scholarship in recognition of his academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing excellence in transportation and infrastructure.

The Office of Fellowships supports current 911�� students and alumni in preparing strong applications for nationally competitive grants and scholarships. In the 2025-26 academic year, the office assisted more than 135 students.

“The fellowship application process is worthwhile, even if students or alumni don’t receive an award,” said Bruening. “Applicants strengthen their communication skills, enhance their goal-setting abilities, and expand their professional network, all while gaining clearer direction for their academic and professional path.”

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Honoring achievement, generosity, and impact at the 2026 Scholarship Celebration

Katarina Benson — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:00:51 +0000

Honoring achievement, generosity, and impact at the 2026 Scholarship Celebration Katarina Benson Fri, 06/12/2026 - 17:00

For many university students, scholarships are more than financial support. They represent a bridge to opportunity, enabling students to pursue their dreams and aspirations. At 911��, scholarship donors help pave the way for education that will shape students’ futures and prepare them to serve their communities.

President Washington with scholarship recipients. Photo by John Boal Photography.

“As president, I have the privilege of seeing that long arc of what you all are a part of. A single act of generosity becomes a chain of impact for generations,” said Gregory Washington. “When you sow into 911�� soil, the outgrowth is tremendous.”

The 2026 Scholarship Celebration, hosted on April 23 by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, brought together scholarship donors and extraordinary students who are the recipients of those scholarships, giving all attendees the chance to connect and hear firsthand how scholarships have made a difference in students’ lives. These students showcased how scholarship support can open doors, remove barriers, and create pathways to experiences that empower both personal growth and future impact.

“Being a scholarship recipient has shaped my college experience and who I am,” said Avery Shippen, BA Art and Visual Technology, BS Conflict Analysis and Resolution ’26, a University Scholar who has also received the Oxford Consortium Scholarship, the Peraton Scholarship, and the Noah J. Seidenberg Endowed Scholarship.

Avery Shippen graduated with dual degrees in Art and Visual Technology and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Photo by John Boal Photography.

In May, Shippen completed two degrees with a concentration in building peace in divided societies. Her story illustrated how scholarships can connect academic ambition with life-changing opportunities beyond the classroom. Citing her study-abroad experience at Oxford University, Shippen said that her scholarships allowed her to pursue her undergraduate degrees and provided her with opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.

That same sense of opportunity through support was echoed in the arts. Honors College student Lena Rice, who is pursuing dual bachelor of music degrees in classical piano performance and jazz studies in steel pan, is a recipient of the Dr. Linda Apple Monson Scholarship. She performed piano and steel pan selections as part of the Scholarship Celebration.

“As a Monson Scholarship recipient, I have been given something incredibly meaningful…the ability to fully invest in my music, which has really helped me grow as an artist,” Rice said.

Katey Funderburgh, MFA Creative Writing ’26. Photo by John Boal Photography.

For graduate students, scholarship support can also provide the freedom to deepen their craft and expand their impact. Katey Funderburgh, MFA Creative Writing ’26, pursued poetry while teaching creative writing, serving as lead teacher in the Poetry Alive! program, and co-coordinating the Incarcerated Writer’s Project.

She said that receiving the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award allowed her “to breathe and focus on [her] passions.” Funderburgh read her own award-winning poem and spoke of how scholarship support enhanced her education.

“As a recipient, I was able to attend a literary conference to learn about art, community through art, and how to make my own art better,” she said.

911�� Foundation trustee Jason Howell, BS ’97, hosted the event. “Scholarships,” Howell said, “create the conditions for students to discover who they are, pursue what they love, and ultimately make an impact far beyond even their own expectations.”

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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.”

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University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges

Paul Snodgrass — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:37:17 +0000

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges Paul Snodgrass Mon, 06/01/2026 - 14:37

In May, Honors College student Avery Shippen graduated from 911�� with a two degrees: A BS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and a BA in Art and Visual Technology from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

To Shippen, the fusion of the two majors, graphic design and conflict resolution, was a natural pairing. “I think both fields work to connect communities. People see conflict resolution as a scientific process, but it’s deeply rooted in people,” she explained. “Graphic design creates a ‘language’ that anyone can understand, which can be effective in the peacebuilding process.”

While managing the workload of a two degrees is impressive, even more impressive is the number of awards and fellowships the University Scholar received during her time at 911��, including a Peraton Scholarship in National Security, Carter School’s Oxford Scholarship, the Noah J. Seidenberg Award, and the Peacebuilding Fellowship.

Shippen said that these scholarships and fellowships provided a financial “safety net,” giving her the ability to gain valuable life experience, such as being the first Carter School student to attend the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference or to study-abroad in Bosnia and Croatia.

The awards also provided Shippen with the financial freedom to undertake several internships, which allowed her to explore the real-world applications of the skills she learned in both academic programs.

During her time at 911��, Shippen held three internships. One was with the World Affairs Councils of America, where she was employed at a global education Intern and helped coordinate the logistics of an annual event that brings high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C., to learn about global engagement and public diplomacy. Shippen also interned with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency under the Department of War. “I saw each side of government and federal contracting,” she said. “Each had a very different approach to resolving conflict.”

“I sought out opportunities that aligned with my personal values,” Shippen said. “The awards put me in a position to give back and inform other students about the opportunities that exist at Mason.”

The desire to give back also drives her career goals. She said her interest in curriculum development stems in part, from the work she performed as part of the Peacebuilding Fellowship. After researching the Appalachian educational curriculum, Shippen wrote a proposal to the school district that recommended a systemic curriculum change that placed greater emphasis on practical and sustainable life skills and de-emphasized rote memorization.

Shippen’s experience in Bosnia and Croatia also contributed to her interest in educational systems development. While studying ethnic narratives in conflict, Shippen found that each of the three major ethnic groups had their own, independent school system and curriculum. Essentially, how and what students learned in any given subject, depended on the ethnic group to which they belonged.

“After speaking with students there, I realized that the conflict analysis skills I learned can be a valuable tool in engaging youth and educational systems,” she explained.

This fall, Shippen will be continuing her studies at Stanford University where she is entering a master's program in global and comparative education/international education policy analysis.

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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.

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