Katarina Benson

Computer science major uses multiple internships to prep for dream career in tech

Katarina Benson — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:27:11 +0000

Computer science major uses multiple internships to prep for dream career in tech Katarina Benson Wed, 04/09/2025 - 14:27

George Mason �鶹�� computer science major Nasrin Ali has a unique accomplishment—she has completed two internships with Microsoft and begins her third this summer. She was part of the Xbox team, first as a product manager and software engineer explore intern and then as a software engineering intern. This summer she’ll be a technical program management intern.

Ali's interest in computer science began in sixth grade in Prince George’s County, Maryland, when she participated in Technovation Girls, a program that teaches girls to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders through learning to code mobile apps. She fell in love with the subject. In high school she participated in Columbia �鶹��’s Girls in STEM Initiative, Kode with Klossy, Exelon STEM Academy, Google Code Next, Jane Street Unboxed, and Google Computer Science Summer Institute. Recognizing her high level of motivation, she joined George Mason's Honors College upon admission.

When she was a freshman at George Mason, a LinkedIn recruiter found her profile and reached out to her to encourage her to apply to the Microsoft Explore internship program. The program, a 12-week summer internship designed for freshmen and sophomores that focuses on software development, changed her life.

Ali at Microsoft. Photo provided

“My internships didn’t just shape my career—they shaped me.” she said. “They gave me clarity, connections, and experiences I never would’ve gotten otherwise. I learned so much about my work style, what actually excites me, and the different types of work I can see myself doing long term. And beyond just personal growth, you get to do work that actually matters. Seeing something you worked on ship, getting feedback from real users, or just knowing you contributed to something bigger—it’s a crazy feeling.” At Microsoft, she worked on front-end development. Her teams created an AI-generated game description feature for Xbox.com and worked to improve user experiences and Xbox’s game concept submission process.

Ali is also extremely involved on campus, which she credits with improving her confidence and people skills. She has served as president of the National Society of Black Engineers, president of Minorities in Computing, vice president of the Black Student Alliance, and secretary of the Black, African, and Caribbean Heritage Coalition. She was also a student athlete, serving as coxswain of the women’s rowing team, and a Resident Assistant.

“To me, these organizations mean everything. I am very passionate about art, STEM, and community building. Being a part of them, whether as a leader or a member, has allowed me to advocate for underrepresented communities in the STEM field, build communities on campus, and bring opportunities to my peers,” she said.

Alongside her school and work commitments, she’s a part of Rewriting the Code and ColorStack, nonprofit organizations that focus on uplifting minorities in tech, is a mentor in the Head Start organization, and works as an EduTutorVA tutor. She is also a participant in Break Through Tech’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Program, where she worked on a project for Nestlé and is currently competing in the Equitable AI for Dermatology Challenge that focuses on building AI models that promote fairness in dermatology.

In the future, she hopes to find a career that combines what she loves: tech, law, creativity, and giving back. “And on a more personal note, I fully plan on having a really nice garden in my yard.”

Explore Internships at George Mason

Topics

College of Engineering and Computing

internships

Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)

Honors College

Johnnie Hall is April Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:59:41 +0000

Johnnie Hall is April Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:59

Science and Technology Campus machine shop manager Johnnie Hall embodies George Mason �鶹�� value “students come first.” The machine shop is regularly used by registered student organizations, researchers, and students alike, and Hall frequently works evenings and weekends to work with their schedules. He is also a mentor to Mechanical Engineering Department’s capstone design students, who often comment that they would not be able to complete their projects on time if not for his assistance.

Employee of the Month Johnnie Hall and President Washington. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Hall also helped facilitate the department’s move to the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building (LSEB). “It would not have been possible without Johnnie's efforts packing and labeling, disassembling equipment, fielding questions from the project team, fielding questions from faculty, students, and staff, all the while maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude and staying on top of his typical duties running the machine shop,” said Leigh McCue-Weil, professor and chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

One notable moment during the move was when the loading docks were snowed in, and he personally began clearing snow until he could flag down a snowplow to assist. “Rather than complaining, Johnnie simply grabbed a shovel and began digging out the loading dock before the movers and riggers arrived,” added McCue-Weil.

“Johnnie has been a reliable ‘jack of all trades’ for the College of Engineering and Computing always willing to step in where needed in support of our strategic goals,” said Arthur B. Pyster, professor and associate dean for research in the college. “He was one of the first technicians to lend his expertise to Mason's Nanofabrication Facility and the College of Engineering and Computing's Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).”

Joyce Rose, CEC’s operations manager, said, “Johnnie is exemplary. We wish we had more employees just like him! During Johnnie's time at Mason, he has gone above and beyond what was expected of him.”

Johnnie Hall works in the machine shop at the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“In my mind, Johnnie can be considered ‘employee of the day’ every day of the year. Whenever you ask him for a favor, you can count on him 100%,” said mechanical engineering professor Nathan Kathir.

Volgenau School of Engineering Divisional Dean Ariela Sofer said, “I constantly get comments about how great Johnnie is!”

How did you come to Mason:

I started working at Mason in August of 2018 as a part-time machine shop technician. Before working at Mason, I had gone through a trades program focused on welding at my local community college on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I jumped at the chance to apply my skills and learn more along the way. Since then, I have had the chance to be a part of some amazing student and research projects.

Best day on the job:

My favorite day has always been our Mechanical Engineering Department's senior Capstone Day. It's such a rewarding experience getting to showcase all of our students' hard work that I have had the opportunity to be a part of.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

My favorite part about working at Mason is being able to give students a chance to try new things they might have never had the chance to. It's such a great feeling seeing our students learn new skills in our workshop that they can take with them in life.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When I am not working, I enjoy playing music at home on my synthesizer. I also enjoy taking car rides in my 1985 Toyota Celica.

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

Topics

Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

Students present research at Inaugural Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:27:27 +0000

Students present research at Inaugural Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:27

In February, George Mason �鶹�� students attended the first Undergraduate Research Showcase held by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) in Richmond. The event was an opportunity for students to present their research as well as share their work with state legislators.

Undergraduates Luciano Byrd, Angela Rojas, and Fatima Majid, all researchers working with faculty through George Mason’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), were selected for the event.

“The showcase was monumental for me as a student. It was exhilarating to engage in real intellectual sparring with professionals in my field,” said Majid, a senior cyber security engineering major.

Majid worked on her project in a George Mason Summer Impact research group, “Addressing the International Artificial Intelligence Cyber Question with the United States Cyber Command,” led by Professors Brian Ngac and Nirup Menon of Costello College of Business. This was her first time presenting research.

Majid (left), Byrd (center), and Rojas Rivera (right) at the showcase. Photo provided

Working with fellow students Brian Lemus, Bella Nguyen, and MinhQuan Vo, Majid studies how countries are using artificial intelligence (AI) for national cybersecurity. “The incorporation of AI into cybersecurity is not only revolutionizing the way these countries defend against cyber threats but also serves as a catalyst for strengthening their strategic alliances with the United States,” she said.

Sophomore government and international politics major Luciano Byrd’s research focuses on presidents’ use of executive power and executive orders. His project, “The Evolution of U.S. Presidential Executive Orders from 1936 to 2024: Historical Trends and New, Modern Changes,” could have important implications for the political science field.

He credits his mentor, psychology professor Adam Winsler, for encouraging him to pursue his research. “Without him, I would not have gotten as far as I have. [This] project started off as a simple literature review for my Honors 110 [Principles of Research and Inquiry] class and has turned into a multi-year research project.”

Angela Victoria Rojas Rivera, a junior majoring in medical laboratory science, has been working on her research since she was a freshman. Her research, “Primary Breast Cancer Communication with the Sentinel Lymph Node via Extracellular Vesicles Regulates Distant Metastasis,” addresses triple-negative breast cancer. Her work with Lance Liotta, Marissa Howard, and PhD student Purva Gade in the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine could lead to new approaches to combat the disease.

For Rivera, the most meaningful part of the showcase was the confirmation that her research could help people in the future. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in proteomics or cancer biology.

During the 2023-24 academic year, 428 undergraduates were funded by several OSCAR programs, including the OSCAR Federal Work Study Research Assistant Program, the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, and the Summer Team Impact Projects.

“The importance of events like the Inaugural Showcase at the Capitol is twofold: first, for students, sharing the results of research or creative projects is part of the whole experience. Second, this particular event allowed students to show what amazing work they have done to members of the General Assembly and their staff, who might not have any other opportunity to see what undergraduates can accomplish,” said Karen T. Lee, associate director of OSCAR.

Learn more about OSCAR

Topics

Research

Schar School of Policy and Government

Schar School Student Spotlight

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Strategic Direction

Design students collaborate with Stillhouse Press to create potential covers for new novel

Katarina Benson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:52:33 +0000

Design students collaborate with Stillhouse Press to create potential covers for new novel Katarina Benson Mon, 03/10/2025 - 09:52

In February, George Mason �鶹�� students in a publication design course had the opportunity to design book covers for a novel that is being published by the university’s Stillhouse Press, an independent small publisher affiliated with the English Department.

Stillhouse Press has previously worked with School of Art professors to design covers, but this type of collaboration is new. Professor Michael McDermott has previously worked on book covers for the press and suggested turning cover creation into a class project for his AVT 313 Publication Design course. The project can potentially serve as a way to identify students who could work on a cover for this book or a different one in the future.

Students look at the proposed cover designs. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“We’re very happy to be here and see what these students have done,” said Scott W. Berg, English professor and publisher and editorial advisor for Stillhouse Press. “It’s rare that we get to see so many designs for one cover.”

Students had about a month to create covers for an upcoming Stillhouse title, Ryan Habermeyer's Necronauts. After discussing the book’s motifs and themes, students were given the actual dimensions of the book to work with. For the assignment, they were expected to create five designs and then narrow it down to just one or two. The goal was to make the project as realistic as possible.

“The exercise demonstrates cross-discipline collaboration on a real-world book project, design and marketing, and experiential learning,” said Gregg Wilhelm, director of George Mason’s Creative Writing Program and cofounder of Watershed Lit: Center for Literary Engagement and Publishing Practice. “It’s so much more than aesthetics. You have to think about design costs and selling the book as well.”

Art and visual technology major Henry Phan said he’s enjoyed working on the project. “It’s taught me a lot about cover design and made me consider things I haven’t before,” he said.

Students who enjoyed working on the covers can add a minor in dynamic publishing, which involves coursework in both the English Department in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Art. The six-course minor, which offers art and design or editorial and publishing tracks, prepares students for work in the publishing industry.

Grace Wood, a creative writing major minoring in dynamic publishing and a reader for Stillhouse Press, attended the event. “As a writer, it’s really cool to be a part of this. Seeing people work on these covers inspires me to write a book that would be worthy of a good cover,” she said.

“Stillhouse Press, like all of Watershed Lit, is deeply committed to this kind of hands-on, cross-curricular learning as a crucial component of our students' professional preparation, said Berg.

Discover more about Stillhouse Press

Topics

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

innovative classes

Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:32:03 +0000

Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:32

Bonnie Madden, a two-time George Mason �鶹�� alum, joined the Biology Department as the microbial and phage lab manager almost a decade ago while working on her bachelor's degree in biology. Since then, she has been an integral part of the College of Science department. She is known for her dedication to both the lab and fostering student success.

George Mason President Gregory Washington and March Employee of the Month Bonnie Madden. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“Bonnie is an enormous asset to the Biology Department and to George Mason �鶹��. She has a lot of great and innovative ideas that have enhanced the quality of the lab in many ways,” said Anne Scherer, term associate professor of biology.

Elisabeth Epstein, assistant professor of biology, said, “She is our go-to person to make our microbiology labs run smoothly and professionally and, importantly, on time and ready to go! Her extensive expertise is often relied on for producing high-quality lab materials. She often comes into the labs even on evenings and weekends to make sure the student experience runs smoothly.”

Along with managing the lab, Madden, who also has a master’s degree in biology from George Mason, teaches a section of the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) discovery-based research course, which teaches undergraduate students how to isolate and analyze bacteriophage. She also teaches a next gen sequencing course in the spring semester.

“Bonnie is a mentor to each and every student,” said Scherer. “She trains undergraduates, learned how to use the transmission electron microscope for the course, and she walks around the classroom and fields questions that students might have and works one-on-one with those struggling.”

How did you come to Mason:

I came to Mason as an undergraduate. My goal at the time was to set an example for my sons and show them learning is an ongoing process regardless of age. Right before graduating with my BS in Biology [in 2015], I was offered the opportunity to become part of the Biology Department by Dr. Deborah Polayes as a replacement for Jo Mose, who was the microbiology lab manager back in 2015.

Best day on the job:

My best day on the job was when I graduated [in 2023] with my master’s degree as my students and assistant lab workers were graduating with their bachelor's degrees. I was so proud of them, as I am every year.

What do you like best about working at George Mason:

The thing I like about Mason is all the opportunities it has to offer. The opportunity for growth and expanding your potential is limitless. Also, the opportunity to make lifelong connections is invaluable. It is up to the individual to decide what they are comfortable with and how far they want to expand their boundaries.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I have a broad range of activities that keep me busy throughout the year. Some hobbies tend to be seasonal. In the summer, I enjoy boating and gardening. Last summer, my husband and I were able to boat on Lake Windermere in England. In the winter, I tend to enjoy movies and painting. However, I enjoy concerts, traveling, and flameworking with glass year-round.

Topics

Costello College of Business

Student organization recovers more than 1,600 pounds of food from dining halls, campus events

Katarina Benson — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:01:11 +0000

Student organization recovers more than 1,600 pounds of food from dining halls, campus events Katarina Benson Fri, 02/21/2025 - 13:01

George Mason �鶹�� has won four consecutive Gold STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) Assessment, and it’s thanks in part to campus systems and organizations such as the Food Recovery Network (FRN).

Zero Waste Mason, a collaborative university-wide program that aims to reduce waste, has an ambitious goal of diverting 90% or more of university waste from trash disposal. The Food Recovery Network (FRN) is an important part of that equation.

The Food Recovery Network is one of the largest student-led movements against food waste and hunger in the country, focusing on diverting surplus food from college campuses and redistributing it to the local community. Student volunteers work with Mason Dining’s Food Recovery Verified staff to sort, package, and deliver food to the local community and campus partners.

“We and so many other sustainability organizations are the main impactors on Mason’s sustainability goals, as we are the individuals going out there and doing the work,” said junior Camila Rosales, president of George Mason’s chapter of FRN.

FRN’s members are committed to sustainability. Before they can volunteer, they are required to complete an online course in food safety and handling.

Camila Rosales and FRN students in action. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Rosales, a business major with a concentration in operations and supply chain management, originally joined the club to fulfill service hours but fell in love with the organization’s mission. Since the chapter began in 2018, they have recovered more than 1,600 pounds of excess food. In the Fall 2024 semester, under Rosales’s leadership, they recovered more than 750 pounds alone and are on track to reach similar numbers in Spring 2025.

The diverted food is donated to nonprofit organizations in the Northern Virginia community such as New Hope Housing’s Mondloch House, a shelter in Alexandria, and the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, an emergency family shelter in Fairfax. The club also helps combat food insecurity on campus through Swipe4Change, an end-of-semester Mason Dining initiative that allows students to donate leftover meal swipes and volunteer to collect unused food for Patriots in need.

“Food Recovery Network’s impact is definitely only something you can see behind closed doors,” said Rosales.

Rosales, who is also the events director of Her Campus at George Mason and a Costello College of Business Impact Fellow, was encouraged by previous leadership to take on the mantle of president. She fondly remembers the time she showed up to a volunteer shift, without realizing it had been rescheduled, and began processing and packing everything herself. The chapter’s leadership were so impressed by her efforts that they asked her to become their new president.

Students repackage food collected from Mason Dining. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Rosales said that one of the things that drew her to the organization was helping so many people within that supply chain, she said. “Not only are we donating to these nonprofits, but our dining staff has taken so much time to create this food that being able to make sure food continues on is rewarding. [Joining the FRN] is one of the best decisions I’ve made since entering Mason,” she said.

As president she oversees all volunteers as well as coordinates communications between FRN’s national leadership, the nonprofit organizations they donate to, and Mason Dining staff. “It’s a lot of emails and managing finances,” she said. “Everything needs to be done almost perfectly, from coordinating [food] drop off times to sanitation.”

Her main goal for the spring semester is to increase recruitment efforts to be able to make an even greater impact on campus and in the local community. She also wants to expand the chapter to include more opportunities for student connection.

Rosales highly recommends getting involved with sustainability efforts on campus. "Beyond the service hours, you get to see behind the scenes of where your food comes from (if you eat at the dining halls), and you're supporting the local community."

Learn about Sustainability at George Mason

Topics

student organizations

Mason Dining

Sustainability

Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:38:50 +0000

Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 02/03/2025 - 16:38

As the senior events manager at George Mason �鶹��’s Mason Square, Kenneth (Kenny) Darby is known as the one who can do it all. He has been a vital part of Mason Square events since 2017 and has worked as senior events manager for the past five years. In their letters of support, his colleagues emphasized his ability to seamlessly manage complex high-profile events with precision and care, and his unwavering commitment, empathy, and attention to detail.

Employee of the Month Kenny Darby with President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“As an outstanding leader and colleague, Kenny consistently enriches the Mason Square community with his positive contributions, supporting event clients to bring their vision to a reality,” said Sara Hawes, director of Operations for Mason Square administration. “His unwavering dedication to his responsibilities, coupled with the empathy and attention he extends to clients, colleagues, supervisors, and students sets a commendable example for all those who have the opportunity to interact with him.”

Mercedes Allsop, executive assistant to the Dean's Office in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School, said, “Kenny’s dedication not only enhances our campus environment but also sets a commendable standard for others to aspire to, truly making him a deserving candidate for this recognition. “His ability to manage high-profile events with a calm, professional demeanor ensures that each event is executed flawlessly.”

Alison Price, director of operations and the Law and Economics Center at Antonin Scalia Law School, highlighted Kenny’s skill with high-profile clients. “Kenny is the role model for how customer service should be provided at this university,” she said.

“Kenny is the ‘go-to’ individual when having an event at Mason Square. From beginning to end, I trust him to ensure that our events go smoothly,” said Una Murphy, director of donor relations in the Office of �鶹�� Advancement and Alumni Relations. “He is friendly, assured, professional, inquisitive, caring and incredibly intuitive. I completely trust Kenny's judgement when it comes to a successful event.”

Colleagues have come to rely on Darby for his expertise. “Kenny has become an invaluable asset at Mason Square,” said Frank Strike, vice president of Facilities. “He provides excellent customer service, and his attention to detail allows him to seamlessly integrate multiple complex tasks to deliver an exceptional experience to all stakeholders. His dedication and commitment to excellence is an inspiration to his colleagues and enhances Mason's reputation.”

How did you come to Mason:

I was hired as an event coordinator to help support events on the Arlington Campus. They were looking for a talented individual that had event experience and A/V knowledge, so I applied.

Best day on the job:

Every day is a good day on the job, but the best day was when I got hired.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The people I work with and those I collaborate with. This community is very close, and I appreciate each of the relationships that I have built.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

That's a hard question. I enjoy quiet time. My days are busy when I'm at work and when I'm not at work, so the quiet times are the best times for me.

Topics

Mason Square

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:23:42 +0000

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:23

Maria Wilkins, coordinator of Health Professions Advising in the Office of Undergraduate Education, is known for her success as “a one-woman department.” In their letters of support nominating her for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her expertise, dedication, and student-centered approach.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

As the only pre-health advisor at George Mason �鶹��, Wilkins is solely responsible for the advising and programming for all students. A large part of her role is helping students with their graduate school applications in the health care field, including medical, dental, and veterinary school, occupational and physical therapy degrees, and pharmacy school.

“Maria is one of George Mason’s many unsung heroes, and is very deserving of this recognition,” said Ryan Braun, director of undergraduate academic success in the Office of Undergraduate Education.

“Maria might be the best collaborator I have ever worked with. In addition to building excellent relationships within the Office of Undergraduate Education, she has cultivated tremendous collaboration with various colleges and units at George Mason as well as many colleagues outside of Mason,” he added.

“Maria is a wonderful colleague and an amazing professional who brings a wealth of knowledge,” said Assad Khan, director for undergraduate student affairs in the College of Science.

Keith D. Renshaw, associate provost for undergraduate education, said, “It is hard for me to imagine someone better suited for this recognition—she has my absolute, unqualified, enthusiastic support!”

Her colleagues also highlighted her outstanding work coordinating the Health Professions Program Fair during Health Professions Week, which she pioneered in 2023. This past year, she doubled the size of the fair and added a field trip to the George Washington Medical School for 30 George Mason pre-medicine students.

She also coordinates George Mason’s Early Selection Medical School partnerships with George Washington �鶹�� and Virginia Commonwealth �鶹��.

“Maria manages to fit in Mason's core values not only with her students but with faculty as well. She ensures students meet the skills needed for tomorrow and the future,” said Alexandra Masterson, an associate professor in the Biology Department of the College of Science.

Wilkins is so beloved by students that they have “created a group that has become known in our office as the ‘Maria Fan Club.’ At several events, I have even seen some of these students arguing among themselves who is the ‘president’ of the Maria Fan Club,” shared Braun.

How did you come to Mason:

I was finishing up working at the Fairfax County Health Department on the COVID-19 Response Team when I came across this position. As a first-generation student without any initial connections to the health care world, I remembered how challenging and lost I felt applying to pharmacy school in undergrad. I would have loved to have an advisor with firsthand experience navigating this process and being there just to support me. That’s what makes me feel so connected to this role, and so far, I have absolutely loved getting to know students—shoutout to my fan club!—and learning more about their motivations for pursuing health care. I’m very passionate about this role and hope to continue growing the department in the years to come.

Best day on the job:

It’s really any day I can celebrate with students. It could be getting accepted into health professional school, being the first one in their family to graduate, hearing back about a shadowing opportunity, or even getting a good grade on an exam! Whatever it is, their accomplishments always bring a smile to my face!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The best part about this role is that I’ve been able to make it my own. I’ve always been a creative individual, and I love to think outside of the box when it comes to planning events that will resonate with students. Health Professions Week was a new initiative I started in 2023, and it has grown tremendously over just one year. Hundreds of students participated and were able to gain new skills, learn more about the application process, tour a medical school, and connect with others along the way. I am also very grateful for the support from those in Undergraduate Education, as well as other campus partners who are always open to collaborating!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I love spending time with my husband, binge watching Netflix, playing with my kids, and cuddling with my two cats. I also find myself driving oddly long distances in search of delicious food!

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

Topics

Office of the Provost

Hillary Hamm is December Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:45:30 +0000

Hillary Hamm is December Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 12/03/2024 - 14:45

Hillary Hamm has been an integral part of George Mason �鶹�� operations since 2008. As the fiscal and HR technician in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS), Hamm is known for her efficiency and dedication. Her skill and knowledge were especially apparent as she smoothly provided procurement services for three departments in the College of Science at once.

President Gregory Washington with December Employee of the Month Hillary Hamm. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

When nominating her for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her efficiency and hard work to meet deadlines while managing procurement for these academic units. She also manages the employment of about 40 student teachers and research assistants as part of her role.

“Hillary has been performing duties in multiple departments and for the College of Science. These extra duties are well beyond her contractual commitments. Her performance during this period has been superb. She [has] kept a very positive attitude and encouraged an enjoyable working environment,” said Anamaria Berea, associate professor in computational and data sciences.

“CDS owes the management of its growth to its staff, of which Hillary is a major component. We wouldn't be where we are today without her, and two other academic units [she helped] would agree,” said Jason Kinser, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science.

He also emphasized her ability to work well under pressure, stating that her “overload was always met with a smile and a positive attitude to accomplish that which needed to be done.”

Sharmin Abdullah, assistant professor of computational and data sciences, agreed. “Ms. Hamm's responsiveness to issues is noteworthy. She tackles challenges with a sense of urgency and a remarkable ability to devise effective solutions promptly,” Abdullah said. “This proactive approach has not only mitigated potential problems but has also fostered a positive and productive working environment within our department.”

How did you come to Mason:

My journey at George Mason began in 2008, when I started as a part-time front desk receptionist at the Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities within the College of Education and Human Development. During my interview, my soon-to-be supervisor, Kim Kalthoff, asked me why I wanted to work at George Mason. Honestly, I had applied to every job I thought I was qualified for—just to get my foot in the door. I’d heard George Mason was a fantastic place to work, with great benefits, and the bonus of tuition assistance if I ever decided to go back to school once I became a classified employee. I remember being nervous that my honest answer might hurt my chances, but to my surprise, it didn’t!

Best day on the job:

One of the most memorable days in my career at George Mason came just last year. A group of us from the College of Science had been working for over a year to establish the first College of Science Staff Advisory Committee. We connected with other staff advisory committees across the university, took our time to plan, and really wanted to do it right. In October, we finally presented it to the rest of the College of Science staff. It was one of the proudest moments of my professional life—I couldn’t have been prouder of what we accomplished together.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

What truly stands out for me after 16 years at George Mason is the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with. The wonderful women in the Department of Special Education in CEHD mentored and guided me in ways I will forever be grateful for, shaping me into the “Patriot” I am today. More recently, the amazing people in the College of Science have helped me find my voice and believe in myself. I honestly wouldn’t be the woman I am today without their support, and I’ve been fortunate to form lifelong friendships and a true sense of family here at George Mason.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my husband, Josh, and my daughter, Zoey. When I’m not with my family, you can often find me crafting, curled up with a good book by the fire with my dog, or exploring new adventures with friends and loved ones.

Topics