Honors College

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.

Carter School News

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges
June 1, 2026
The making of a Carter School conflict coach
May 29, 2026
What’s happening at the Center for Peacemaking Practice?
April 30, 2026
Meet the Two Carter Undergraduates Who Presented at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference
April 27, 2026
Honors College student brews connections with tea talks
March 31, 2026

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Carter School Undergraduate Program

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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Younsung Kim

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This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field

Katarina Benson — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:34 +0000

This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field Katarina Benson Fri, 05/29/2026 - 11:00

As a freshman, 911�� Honors College student Marley Oare chose the Global Affairs Program because she pictured herself working for the CIA or the United Nations.

That quickly changed when she took a natural science course in her first semester.

She recalls wondering how she could incorporate her new interest in the environment into her major. Fortunately, global affairs is an interdisciplinary major offering several concentrations. Oare chose to add the environment concentration to her degree program, which allows global affairs majors to take 12 credits in environmental science and/or policy classes or take a semester at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).

Oare recently achieved her personal best of 12 feet 6 inches. Photo by 911�� Athletics

“The biggest thing I learned from that class was how interdisciplinary environmental science is,” she said. “Learning how I can contribute to conservation was cool to me because we do need more than just scientists. That’s what I have really loved about the Global Affairs Program—it provided me so much flexibility that I was able to focus on what I enjoy while still working toward my degree.”

That flexibility also helped Oare as a student-athlete. During the past four years, Oare was a pole vaulter for 911��’s indoor and outdoor women’s track and field teams. This past winter, she landed on the podium at the Atlantic 10 Indoor Track and Field Conference Championships, finishing third in the pole vault. It was the culmination of hard work for Oare, who didn’t begin pole vaulting until high school and walked on to the 911�� team.

Her freshman year in 2023, she cleared the bar at 10 feet, 6 inches. This past January, she set a personal best with a jump of 12 feet, 6 inches—a two-foot improvement over three years.

“Those kinds of margins are pretty remarkable,” George Mason track and field head coach Andrew Gerard said. “We knew that, if Oare performed at her capabilities, she'd be a very strong contender for a podium finish and that came to fruition.”

An Honors College student, Oare has balanced the heavy workload of classes, internships, and jobs, with practices, track meets, and the travel that comes with it. The hard work has come with recognition. This past spring, she was named a Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete for the third time. The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes student athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher with at least 38 credit hours.

“She’s always been good at planning her classes and her work ahead of time and charting out a plan to take high-level courses,” said Oare’s advisor Matthew West, an associate professor in the Global Affairs Program. “Her success in the classroom has made the work she’s done juggling her training and competitions as a student-athlete all the more impressive.”

Marley Oare. Photo by 911�� Athletics

Looking forward, Oare wants to work for an environmental nonprofit after graduate school. Her preferred field is marine biology, but she is also interested in wildlife conservation, grasslands, and forestry.

Her passion for nonprofits has been spurred by past internship experiences in both high school and college. She worked with the PATH Foundation, which provides grants and programs for organizations in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties.

Through the PATH Foundation, she was placed in an internship with Just Neighbors, a nonprofit that supports low-income immigrants in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties with free or reduced legal services. Oare said those relationships, along with learning in the Global Affairs Program about the importance of indigenous communities to environmental sustainability, have showed her how local progress can influence global issues.

She’s working her way toward that goal. After completing her bachelor’s degree in global affairs with a minor in Spanish in May, Oare is headed to the University of Rhode Island to work on a master of environmental science and management with a specialization in conservation biology. She will use her fifth year of NCAA eligibility to compete on the women’s track and field team at Rhode Island.

“I think community-driven solutions are the best way to solve community problems,” she said. “That’s why I really want to get into environmental nonprofit work. I think the smaller organizations, because they understand so well what the community needs, are the best way to solve those problems. Local representation is so important.”

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An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path

Katarina Benson — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:27:04 +0000

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path Katarina Benson Fri, 05/15/2026 - 13:27

Senior information technology major Crystal Forson likes to joke that her parents have been in school with her the whole time—"just without the studying.” Their support, she said, has been constant, from eighth grade when she joined the 911��’s Early Identification Program (EIP), all the way through graduation this May.

Forson and her family first learned about EIP when she was a student at Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia, and her mother’s excitement about the program was infectious. “What really pushed me to apply was knowing I wanted more for my future and for my family,” said Forson, who is a member of the Honors College. “I knew it was something worth giving my all.”

Forson completed an internship with CACI. Photo provided

EIP—which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027—supports first‑generation, college‑bound students beginning in middle school. Participants have access to academic enrichment, tutors, and mentors both in their home schools and on the 911�� campuses.

Through EIP’s STEM Fusion courses, Forson took a Python coding class that changed her trajectory. “After that class, I knew I wanted to do something related to Python,” she said. That early spark led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a concentration in web application development in 911��’s College of Engineering and Computing.

“Crystal is the kind of student who reminds us exactly why EIP exists,” said Alpachino Hogue, EIP's executive director. “She is bright, disciplined, and deeply committed to making the most of every opportunity. She has embraced EIP as both a community and a pathway to her goals.”

Family support is a cornerstone of EIP, and Forson’s parents—who immigrated from Ghana—fully embraced that role. They attended EIP’s Family Academy, ensured she had transportation to every program, and encouraged her at every step. “They were always willing to listen, always willing to show up,” Forson said. “They are one of my biggest driving forces.”

Hogue added, “Students do not sustain this kind of success without a strong foundation, and Crystal’s journey reflects that. Her family instilled in her the habits and values that matter most: perseverance, accountability, and a belief in oneself and the power of education.”

Forson’s dedication extended beyond EIP. She was selected for the inaugural cohort of CACI Scholars, a scholarship made possible by a 2023 gift from CACI International and awarded to 10 EIP alumni.

“By investing early, we’re not only developing skilled talent but shaping future leaders,” said Jeana Plews, vice president of CACI HR consulting solutions. “The program creates a strong, sustainable talent pipeline of motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and strong technical foundations.”

Forson first met the CACI team by chance while volunteering at a STEM event the company sponsored. “She stood out,” Plews said. “Not just for her initiative, but for the way she engaged with others.”

Forson credits EIP's Python course for helping her decide to pursue STEM. Photo provided

Her CACI summer internship, made possible through the scholarship, placed her on a team working to consolidate information across NASA’s many centers nationwide. The project blended her interest in technology with her passion for working with people. “I was exposed to technical solutions, including AI, while also working with the actual customer,” she said.

“Crystal’s academic background and major prepared her exceptionally well for our highly collaborative environment,” said Steve Brylski, CACI senior systems architect. “Her broad skill set aligned naturally with the way our teams work.”

The internship proved such a strong match that CACI offered Forson a full‑time business analyst position upon graduation. The job dovetails nicely with the master’s degree program she is already pursuing as a part of 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. She will earn a degree in management with a certificate in business analytics.

Forson also received the Paul and Gwen Patton Memorial Scholarship Endowment, awarded annually to an EIP alum attending 911��. The scholarship, housed in University Life, honors Paul Patton’s eight years of service on the University Life Advisory Board and is supported in part by CACI, where he served as a senior vice president for more than two decades.

During her time at 911��, Forson also served as a resident assistant for two years and was part of 911��’s chapter of Every Nation Campus, a faith-based international organization. Forson’s Patriot experience, combining her loves of Python and people, her desire for more and better, and fueled by the benefits of EIP and CACI, have already rocketed her to great heights.

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Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:36:42 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:36

When Simeon Omorodion crossed the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon this April for the first time, he wasn’t just completing a race. He was confirming something he’d been building toward for years—that running wasn’t a hobby or a side pursuit, but a core part of who he is.

At 911��, that identity never existed in isolation. An Honors College student and long-distance runner, Omorodion found the same logic threading through both pursuits: structure, persistence, and a tolerance for discomfort that eventually becomes growth.

Simeon Omorodion runs the 130th Boston Marathon. Photo provided.

This May, he earned his degree in information technology, specializing in cybersecurity with a minor in Japanese studies.

This pairing surprises people. But for Omorodion, it makes perfect sense. His interest in cybersecurity comes down to problem-solving under pressure—the same discipline that gets a runner through mile 20.

His passion for Japanese studies dates back to childhood, when anime introduced him to stories of perseverance and the impossible becoming possible. He joined the Japanese Student Association his freshman year and studied in Japan in the summer of 2024. “Why don’t I just learn this beautiful language?” he said, “this language that has allowed me to see visions of impossibles becoming possible.

Omorodion (right) with classmates at the conclusion of a Japanese language presentation during his summer 2024 study-abroad program in Japan. Photo provided.

The two halves of his life at 911�� reinforce each other in ways he didn’t anticipate. “It’s like a symbiotic relationship,” he said. “Without the athletics, it’s hard for me to engage within the academics. With the academics, it helps me to engage in athletics.”

Those connections extended beyond the classroom and the track. Through the Patriot Run Club and his role in Housing and Residence Life as a resident assistant, he found the sense of belonging that made everything else easier. “It made me feel connected,” he said, “connected to this environment, to the 911�� culture.”

Omorodion celebrates at the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon, medal in hand. Photo provided.

To students still on the fence about getting involved and pursing what they are passionate about, his advice is direct: do it, and don’t expect to regret it.

After graduation, Omorodion plans to continue merging the passions he discovered during his time at 911��. He will work for the global sportswear company ASICS in Boston as a marketplace operations coordinator, a role that would keep him rooted in the running world while building a career.

He arrived at 911�� without a clear plan. Through running and his academics, Omorodion leaves with a deeper understanding of himself and what drives him—and a conviction that not having it figured out from the start was never the problem.

“You are going to transform a lot during college,” he said, “and that could be a very positive transformation.”

Note: This article was written by Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, and edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. It was originally published on 911��'s University Life website.

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The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity

Katarina Benson — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:30:08 +0000

The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity Katarina Benson Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:30

For Honors College student and University Scholar Monica Amaya, the journey to a degree isn’t just about the final walk across the stage—it’s about a promise she made to her family and herself years ago.

Monica Amaya is an Honors College student and a University Scholar.

Amaya first got involved with 911��’s Early Identification Program (EIP) as an eighth-grader. When she graduated from Manassas Park High School in 2022, she knew she had the skills to succeed in college, and she credits EIP with giving her the support and the road map to get there.

"The program pushed me and motivated me so I could set an example for my younger siblings," she said in 2022. "We can do anything if we work hard."

When she arrived at 911��, Amaya dove into the innovation and technology of the Northern Virginia and D.C. area. Immersed in an environment that aligned with her passion for data and national security, she pursued a BS in business with a concentration in management information systems.

She also took advantage of a wide range of other opportunities at 911��. After attending an Honors College roundtable in 2024, she networked with leaders in her industry. That event was part of the Honors College Professional Development Fellows program, a series of workshops that help students in the program craft their resumes, build their LinkedIn profiles, practice interviewing, and otherwise prepare for internship and career opportunities.

“Showing up is only the first step,” Amaya said. “The most impactful step is really what you make out of the opportunity, who you get to meet, and making those connections.” 

As a recipient of scholarships from the Costello College of Business, she was able to meet and network with industry leaders at donor appreciation events. A data analytics internship at CACI International through the CACI Scholars Program in summer 2024 paved the way for the full-time role as a software developer she will begin after graduation in May.

In a full-circle moment, Amaya served as a peer mentor with EIP during her time at 911��, becoming a guide for freshmen and sophomores, helping them navigate the same academic hurdles she had once faced.

Amaya speaking at the Board of Visitors meeting. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Truly, what I’m most proud of is what I’ve made out of my experiences," Amaya said.

Her leadership also led her to the podium as a student speaker for the EIP at the recent Board of Visitors meeting, where she shared her story of resilience with the next generation of dreamers.

“For me, EIP was not just a program, it was a foundation that made my journey to and through 911�� possible,” she said. “EIP is not just about access—it helps students build confidence and the mindset to succeed, not only in college but beyond.”

For Amaya, graduation isn't the end—it’s the ultimate proof that with the right support and a relentless work ethic, any dream is within reach.

2026 Spring Graduation Information

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A future doctor finds a wider path with public health

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:52:05 +0000

A future doctor finds a wider path with public health Mary Cunningham Mon, 05/11/2026 - 13:52

Emaan Emir, Bachelor of Science in Community Health graduate in May '26. Photo provided.

Emaan Amir started at 911�� on a straightforward trajectory toward medical school, studying forensic science. Within weeks, she knew she wanted to expand that path, turning to public health to better understand the forces that influence care.

“I realized early on that medicine extends far beyond the clinical setting,” she said. “So many structural factors affect health. I really appreciated how the College of Public Health helped me better understand how policy, access to care, and broader social factors shape health outcomes and patient experiences.”

Her early shift set the tone for her four years. An Honors College student, Amir majored in community health, pairing it with a clinical science concentration that keeps her on track for medical school while also honing experience in research and clinical settings.

She’s working toward a career that knits all these pieces together, in the clinic and beyond.

Public health, applied

One experience in particular was a turning point: her work with 911��’s Learning Lab for Community Health through Mason and Partners Clinics' Empowered Communities.

The project began as a case challenge focused on chronic absenteeism in Virginia schools. Amir and her team were tasked with designing a solution with a hypothetical $1 million budget, presenting it to a panel of community leaders.

Their concept won.

“I think our team stood out because we approached the issue from a more holistic perspective,” Amir said. “We didn’t view physical health, mental health, and social support as separate issues.”

That project also led to an atypical opportunity for an undergraduate. Amir contacted her mentor in the case challenge, Lisa Gring-Pemble, associate professor in the Costello College of Business, about a graduate research assistant role connected to the Learning Lab, and Gring-Pemble welcomed Amir into the role.

Amir has worked on a case study examining Afghan refugees’ access to health care and services in Northern Virginia. The project identified gaps in insurance, housing, employment, and legal support, then translated that into a practical resource toolkit.

“One of the most meaningful aspects of the project was turning research into something practical and community-centered,” Emaan said. “We wanted the final product to be actionable and informed directly by the needs we identified through interviews with health providers and community organizations.”

Holistic prep for medical school

Alongside her pre-med requirements in biology and chemistry, Amir rounded out her public health education with classes that examine how social and historical forces shape medical care.

Outside the classroom, she’s gained hands-on experience through volunteering with pediatric patients and working as a medical assistant in urgent care settings.

The clinical work has affirmed what she sees in her research. “Seeing firsthand how financial and insurance limitations impact patients’ ability to access basic care has reinforced many of the inequities I studied in public health,” she said.

Looking ahead

This summer, Amir heads to the Mayo Clinic Summer Research Program, where she’ll study how voice-based artificial intelligence can be used to detect reflux disease.

Building on that line of interest, she next plans to complete the graduate certificate in AI and health care at 911�� while applying for medical schools.

The throughline is consistent: Amir is not choosing between public health and medicine, but blending the two.

“I hope to contribute not only through patient care, but also through research, policy, and innovation that improve health outcomes on a broader scale,” she said.

Learn more about the bachelor of science in community health.

Key Takeaways

• Graduating senior Emaan Amir combined a pre-med track with public health to better understand how policy, access, and social conditions impact patient care.

• Through 911��’s Learning Lab for Community Health, Amir worked on projects involving chronic absenteeism in Virginia schools and barriers facing Afghan refugees.

• Amir will join the Mayo Clinic to study artificial intelligence tools for detecting disease before pursuing graduate training in AI and health care and applying to medical school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She also interned with the American Chemical Society.

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Spring Graduation Dates and Information

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