911����

911���� students, staff and faculty got their first looks at the newly renovated greenhouse that’s part of the school’s push toward improved sustainability.

Since Michael Riggi was about six years old, his father and brother would take him to a “Cars and Coffee” show in Great Falls, Virginia, on weekends. Being around classic automobiles and luxury vehicles, Riggi said he developed an appreciation for cars, and other machines that go fast, including planes, boats, and rockets.

Now, as a junior at 911����, his career path has also been racing forward.

Meet the MPA student who works to keep space sustainable—outer space, that is.

Mason senior Eva Noroski spent a month assisting alumna and Elephant Trails keeper Ashley Fortner at the National Zoo, researching elephant sleep patterns.

Solving climate change is a grand challenge facing the planet. As more individuals and leaders are recognizing the need to switch to environmentally friendly practices, 911����’s Local Climate Change Planning Initiative (LCCPI) is helping make that a reality for counties across Virginia.

“Our vision is to have Mason be the lead university in helping counties that lack the resources and expertise in [addressing climate change] get this done,” said Paul Bubbosh, a 1988 Mason alumnus and adjunct professor at the Schar School and College of Science.

Kirin Furst believes a systems approach is the best way to solve the world’s safe water problems. Her research lab is primarily focused on removing organic contaminants in drinking water systems and potable reuse systems.

Most people with access to a 3D printer find themselves creating small objects or gadgets. But one student group working at the MIX at 911���� each Friday is driven by a different dream.

“We build, design, test and plan to compete in solar-powered car competitions,” said Michael Riggi, president of Mason’s solar car team, HyperNova Solar. “[We believe] our car, when complete, will be the world’s first and only 3D-printed solar car.”

Mason’s 17 Rooms-U Initiative brought together Mason faculty, staff and students, along with community members, stakeholders and other external partners, in a virtual format to discuss sustainability goals.

The installation of the first Bigbelly zero waste station on 911����’s Fairfax Campus aligns with the university’s waste reduction commitment and draws attention to how single-use consumption and disposal is connected to negative environmental outcomes.