Schar School Featured Stories

Biodefense Graduate Programs

Science, Service, and Strategy: How One Soldier Is Shaping the Future of Biodefense

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:55:13 +0000

Science, Service, and Strategy: How One Soldier Is Shaping the Future of Biodefense Andrew J Schappert Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:55

In This Story

Gregory Koblentz

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For Army Major Geoffrey Mattoon, the path to and through higher education wasn’t a straight line; it was a deliberate decision shaped by years of military service, a background in science, and a desire to meet the rising challenges of national security in a tense world.

Army Major Geoffry Mattoon: ‘I knew I wanted something focused on biodefense and policy—not just technical STEM training. The Schar School offered that balance.’ Photos provided.

“I’ve always had an interest in chemistry,” he said. “But once I realized that the math side wasn’t where I wanted to focus, I started looking at how science could be applied more practically. I eventually found that the military and higher education could give me that path.”

Mattoon started his career through a four-year Army scholarship and earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His first 10 years of service saw him take on various roles, such as logistics, until he found his way to a field that was both intellectually challenging and urgently relevant: the Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) functional area and its Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense and response efforts.

“CBRN really caught my attention because it requires a different level of critical thinking,” he said. “It’s science through the lens of national security, and that intersection has always fascinated me.”

After a decade of field experience, he was selected for Advanced Civil Schooling, an Army program that allows officers to pursue graduate education in specialized fields aligned with military needs. George Mason �鶹��’s Schar School of Policy and Government stood out when choosing where to study.

“I knew I wanted something focused on biodefense and policy—not just technical STEM training,” Mattoon said. “The Schar School offered that balance.”

Mattoon received his diploma at the 2024 Schar School Degree Celebration.

Unlike other programs in the area he considered, the Schar School’s master of biodefense program provided a curriculum that combined the technical depth of biodefense with the broader strategy of international security. It wasn’t just about how biological threats work; it was about how governments respond, how policy is made, and what happens when things go wrong.

“The reality is, biological defense is one of the hardest CBRN domains to detect and respond to,” Mattoon said. “It’s ambiguous. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And that makes it both incredibly challenging and incredibly important.”

The transition from full-time service to graduate school could have been jarring, but for Mattoon, it was energizing. He credits the Schar School with providing an environment where real-world experience wasn’t just welcomed but essential.

“I didn’t come in with a deep academic background in policy,” he said. “But I found a program that helped me bridge my experience in the armed services with deeper insight.”

That bridge started with foundational courses in nonproliferation and strategy, taught by faculty with both academic and operational experience. Professors including Master of Biodefense graduate program Director Gregory Koblentz helped frame current and future biological threats within a historical and geopolitical context, giving Mattoon tools he could immediately apply—not just in theory but in future roles that directly impact national readiness.

“I remember working on a literature review about postattack biodetection systems,” Mattoon said. “It was my first time looking at open-source analysis from a policy angle. That process helped me get back into academic writing, and more importantly, it grounded me in how programs work—or don’t work—at the federal level.”

The Schar School’s location in Northern Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., was another key advantage. Evening classes and hybrid course options allowed Mattoon to balance academic demands with ongoing professional development. Being close to federal agencies, think tanks, and laboratories gave him a clearer sense of how policy is made, debated, and implemented.

“You’re not just studying theory,” he said. “You’re meeting people who are doing the work.”

Mattoon received his master’s degree in May 2024. He is now serving as an Army CBRN plans officer for the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is in a position where everything he has studied will translate directly into the defense of the homeland through management of the CBRN Response Enterprise (CRE).

“We talk a lot in this field about preparedness—about saving lives, minimizing human suffering, and ensuring our forces are ready for what comes next,” he said.

He also pointed out that the journey isn’t only for those already in uniform. One of the things he hopes prospective students take away from his story is that there’s no wrong time—or background—to pursue occupations in CBRN defense or response or for the military.

Topics

Master of Biodefense

Military

Government and International Politics

A Passion for the Past Pays Off: History Buff Christine Peretik's Timeless Internship

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:28:40 +0000

A Passion for the Past Pays Off: History Buff Christine Peretik's Timeless Internship Andrew J Schappert Wed, 04/09/2025 - 08:28

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Christine Peretik is no stranger to hard work and unexpected opportunities. A senior at George Mason �鶹�� in the Schar School of Policy and Government, she is majoring in government and international politics with minors in both history and criminology, law and society.

Christine Peretik: ‘You never know where an email or a small decision might lead you.’ Photos provided.

But it was her passion for the past that landed her a fascinating internship at the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center in Fairfax, Virginia, a role she initially applied for on a whim.

“I had applied for it, not expecting much,” Peretik said. “I was very interested in it, but I didn’t know if it was going to turn up. And lo and behold, I ended up getting this internship.” (Let that be a lesson to all students considering internships. Help is here.)

Peretik’s work at the Historical Records Center placed her directly in the midst of history—literally. Housed in what was once the clerk’s office, the center holds an extensive archive of documents, from land records to court proceedings, and even a Fairfax Court Slavery Index compiled by a former George Mason �鶹�� student.

“We have obituaries and just about every court proceeding you can think of,” Peretik said. “Even crimes that were committed back in the day, just about everything people went through.”

One of her main tasks was analyzing old court cases, which appealed to her higher ed interests, from government to history to law.

“My manager asked me to identify who was the victim in these cases,” she said, explaining how she often had to interpret the documents handwritten in the 1800s on the fly. “I had to go back over each letter, like, ‘Okay, this is how they write an A. This is how they write a T.’”

Beyond deciphering faded vintage calligraphy and researching legal documents, Peretik also contributed to the center’s public exhibits, which are displayed around the historic courthouse and judicial center. She helped create content for a walking tour that takes visitors through key sites, such as the Legato School, one of Virginia’s early schools, now a museum. Students attended the school between the 1870s and 1930 and is now furnished to mimic the look and feel of an 1870s schoolhouse.

“We also have a little stone slab from the Spanish-American War era,” Peretik said. “People believe it marks a grave, but neighbors say it was actually a cat named Clem.”

Peretik’s enthusiasm for learning and history is palpable.

“I am a huge, huge history nerd, for lack of a better word,” she admits. “I watch documentaries for fun. That’s one of my things.”

Christine Peretik: ‘And lo and behold, I ended up getting this internship.’

Despite her love of history, Peretik’s academic focus remains on government and law.

“I want to work in the government someday,” she said. “Maybe the Department of Justice, or Homeland Security. I’m keeping my options open.”

Among her outside-the-classroom experiences at George Mason include working as a telecounselor for the Admissions Office. She’s also been an active member for three years of the International Buddy Program, which pairs domestic students with international students “with the whole purpose of forming connections between the two.”

Peretik’s decision to attend George Mason was an intentional one. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her family relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina, over a decade ago. She considered other universities but ultimately chose George Mason for its unique balance.

“It’s the hub for government,” she says. “You’re right near D.C., but also far enough away to have a real college experience.”

As she prepares to graduate in May, Peretik reflects on her time at the Schar School and the internship that deepened her appreciation for history.

“It was an incredible opportunity,” she says. “You never know where an email or a small decision might lead you.”

Topics

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Master of Public Administration

internships

Examining Transnational Security Issues: A Schar School Study-Abroad Experience in Costa Rica

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:48:17 +0000

Examining Transnational Security Issues: A Schar School Study-Abroad Experience in Costa Rica Andrew J Schappert Mon, 04/07/2025 - 15:48

Schar School students visit Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest to assess the impact of illegal deforestation and wildlife trafficking. Photos provided.

During this year’s spring break in March, 25 George Mason �鶹�� students, many of them graduate students at the Schar School of Policy and Government, traveled to Costa Rica for an immersive study-abroad program focused on transnational security—tackling complex issues such as human trafficking, migration, environmental crimes, and the illicit drug trade.

From left, student Hannah Townley, Salazar, and Pardo-Herrera.

Led by international development scholar Camilo Pardo-Herrera, PhD Public Policy ’19, and in partnership with Costa Rica’s Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO) �鶹��, a network of social sciences academics founded in 1957 by UNESCO, the program combined academic coursework with real-world exposure to transnational security challenges affecting Latin America and the United States.

The program began in the Costa Rican capital of San José, where students attended sessions analyzing the role of globalization in transnational crime, the economics of illicit markets, and the regional security policies shaping migration patterns. A key theme was the link between organized crime, corruption, and governance, with case studies illustrating how illicit financial flows sustain criminal enterprises.

After traveling to Monteverde, students explored environmental crime and conservation policy, visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Selvatura Park to assess the impact of illegal deforestation and wildlife trafficking. Discussions focused on how environmental degradation fuels security threats, from resource conflicts to displacement. These site visits reinforced classroom discussions on how governments and nongovernment organizations combat illegal environmental activities while balancing economic development.

From left, international development scholar Camilo Pardo-Herrera, PhD Public Policy ’19, who led the trip, FLACSO Costa Rica Director Karla Salazar, and student Sarah Bissell holding her FLACsO certification of completion.

The journey continued to Arenal, where students examined the relationship between ecotourism and security policies. Through group discussions, they assessed how tourism can be leveraged to prevent illicit activities while promoting sustainable development.

Reflecting on the program, tour leader Pardo-Herrera praised the students’ engagement and enthusiasm.

“Students approached each topic with curiosity and dedication,” he said. “Seeing them connect academic theory with field observations was exciting. This experience not only deepened their understanding of transnational security but also prepared them to think critically about global solutions.”

Morian Bailey, a student in the Schar School’s master of public administration program, highlighted the value of diverse perspectives within the traveling cohort.

“The best part of this study abroad was how culturally diverse my classmates were,” she said. “Everyone had different viewpoints from their respective programs, and it was great to engage with them.”

Kayla Maxey, a senior from George Mason’s School of Integrative Studies, shared that the trip was academically stimulating. “We physically went to see where the things we learned took place,” she said. “I can't wait to apply what I learned to my degree and career.”

With the support of FLACSO Costa Rica, this study-abroad experience provided a unique opportunity for students to analyze security challenges from multiple perspectives. By the end of the course, participants left with a deeper understanding of policy responses to transnational security issues—knowledge that will shape their future academic and professional pursuits.

Author Sarah Bassil is an international securities master’s student at the Schar School of Policy and Government.

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study abroad

City of Fairfax Mayor, ’83 Alum Catherine S. Read to Deliver Degree Celebration Keynote

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:21:13 +0000

City of Fairfax Mayor, ’83 Alum Catherine S. Read to Deliver Degree Celebration Keynote Andrew J Schappert Thu, 04/03/2025 - 11:21

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In an ironic turn of events, the 2025 Schar School of Policy and Government Degree Celebration keynote speaker did not attend her own graduation from George Mason �鶹��.

Mayor Catherine S. Read: ‘The university mailed me my diploma which I didn’t have framed until I was elected mayor. It has a place of prominence in my office at City Hall now.’ Photo by Sarah Heaton (BA Film and Video Studies ’24)

“I finished in December 1983,” said City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read. “There were no December ceremonies back then. The university mailed me my diploma which I didn’t have framed until I was elected mayor. It has a place of prominence in my office at City Hall now.”

Read, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in government and politics (the degree was conferred with the Class of ’84), will address some 400 graduating Schar School students across all disciplines and degree programs on Wednesday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus.

Read was elected as the first women and the first George Mason graduate to lead the university’s hometown of more than 24,000 residents in 2022. She won reelection last year.

Originally a theater major, she nurtured and expanded her interest in legislative advocacy work at George Mason, eventually finding leadership roles in nonprofit organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. She has worked for many years on public policies such as the Breastfeeding Bill (2015), the Virginia Values Act (2020), and the abolition of the death penalty in Virginia (2021). Her advocacy focuses on issues that impact the quality of life in Fairfax City and across the commonwealth.

Last year, Read was elected to serve on the Alumni Chapter Board of George Mason’s Schar School of Public Policy and Government for 2024-26.

She currently serves on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), and Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Additionally, she serves on the Virginia Poverty Law Center Advisory Board and the Equality Virginia PAC Board.

A city resident since 2000 in the Daniels Run Woods, Providence Square, and Fairchester Woods neighborhoods, Read has most recently worked with local nonprofits on legislative advocacy and messaging and continues to occasionally host shows for Fairfax Public Access.

She is the mother of three adult children and resides with her husband, Tom Greeson, and their dog, Reggie.

Topics

Government and International Politics

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Degree Celebration

Change in Plans: Federal Workers, Government Students Find Opportunities in Local Government

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:10:14 +0000

Change in Plans: Federal Workers, Government Students Find Opportunities in Local Government Andrew J Schappert Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:10

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First of a series

Federal workers who have lost their jobs and graduating government students would do well to consider state and local government positions. That’s the assessment of John P. Stinner, a 2009 graduate of George Mason �鶹��'s master of public policy program.

John P. Stinner: ‘If you’re really looking to make a difference, you can make a difference every day in local government.’ Photo provided

Stinner is now the borough manager of Dormont, a municipality of some 8,000 residents bordering Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

For Stinner, 46, working in local government wasn’t part of the plan. With a master’s degree from Schar School of Policy and Government and considerable, career-oriented experience on Capitol Hill and in international development, the registered Independent imagined his career unfolding in Washington, D.C., or abroad.

But when life led him to Pittsburgh, he discovered something surprising: the immense opportunity and fulfillment of working at the local level.

“I thought it wasn’t sexy. I thought it wasn’t interesting,” Stinner said. “I came to find out that it’s an incredibly engaging job.”

Now Stinner, the borough manager, is a passionate advocate for careers in local government. He believes that many professionals and students of government overlook these positions despite their impact, stability, and competitive compensation.

“There’s a huge need right now in my industry,” said Stinner, who became Dormont’s manager six months ago. “Public service just doesn’t get the same [application] numbers it used to.”

Local government jobs offer attractive salaries, pensions, and excellent benefits, he said. “It’s a six-figure job with great benefits. I have better health insurance than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Stinner’s journey into local government began unexpectedly. After moving to Pittsburgh due to his wife’s career, he found himself exploring new opportunities. A connection at a �鶹�� of Pittsburgh think tank led him to work in municipal management, and the rest is history.

“If you had asked me as an undergrad [at the �鶹�� of Wyoming] if I’d be working in local government, I would have told you you’re crazy,” he said.

But as it happened, the skills he developed in international development translated seamlessly into his work with local communities. From economic development to budgeting, transportation to collective bargaining, his leadership role touches a variety of critical issues.

Stinner recalled that a classmate from George Mason landed a position in nuclear nonproliferation policy in Washington, “really big, high-level stuff,” he said. Impressive, yes, but a mentor put things in perspective when he asked, “How many times do you think your friend will actually affect public policy in their career? We affect public policy every day.”

“And I see that as a very rewarding part of my job,” Stinner said. “If you’re really looking to make a difference, you can make a difference every day in local government.”

As for compensation, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) recently signed an executive order making the local officials’ pay equivalent to that of positions in the state government. He also signed an order to bring fired federal workers to Pennsylvania to fill some 5,600 openings in state and local roles.

Additionally, he said, “There’s a ‘gray tsunami’ of all the Baby Boomer retirees, and early Gen Xers are starting to retire as well. We just don’t have the ranks coming in behind to fill those jobs.

“Engage with local government. See what’s available,” he said. “There’s so much work to be done.”

The Schar School is working to assist those considering careers in government, nonprofit, and government-adjacent organizations by offering application fee waivers, discount pricing, flexible and customizable courses, and other programs. Find out more about “upskill” and retooling certificate and degree programs here.

Topics

Master of Public Policy

Global Commerce and Policy

Michelle Lammers, ‘05: From Master’s Student to a ‘Woman to Watch’ in National Security

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:18:01 +0000

Michelle Lammers, ‘05: From Master’s Student to a ‘Woman to Watch’ in National Security Andrew J Schappert Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:18

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Named in February as one of Colorado’s “50 Top Women to Watch,” George Mason �鶹�� alum Michelle Lammers has carved out an impressive career in national security, bringing strategic communications expertise to a field where precision and discretion are paramount.

Michelle Lammers on her Schar School master’s degree: “I think it brought the ability to step back and look at the picture and ask, ‘How do we fit into what’s going on today, and why does it matter?’”

As vice president of communications at Nightwing, a cutting-edge intelligence and cybersecurity firm, Lammers is at the forefront of safeguarding clients’ most sensitive data while shaping the company’s public presence.

She earned her master's degree in International Commerce and Policy—now called Global Commerce and Policy—in 2005 from the Schar School of Policy and Government. The program, known for its rigorous curriculum and distinguished faculty—including professionals with high-ranking intelligence backgrounds—laid the groundwork for her career.

“I had some amazing professors who were full time at the CIA in senior roles,” Lammers recalled in a Zoom call from Denver. “That exposure really helped me understand the intelligence landscape.”

After graduating from the Schar School she worked in strategy, mergers, and acquisitions before pivoting into business development and communications. While her path has been dynamic, she credits her degree with teaching her how to analyze complex policy issues and apply them to real-world business challenges.

“It’s about understanding context,” she said. “I think it brought the ability to step back and look at the picture and ask, ‘How do we fit into what’s going on today, and why does it matter?’”

Those skills, she said, “were what my master’s [degree] was focused on, and it’s really helpful.”

A longtime Denver resident, Lammers has spent years actively engaging with the local community, which has earned her multiple industry recognitions, including a spot on Denver Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list and the current “50 Top Women to Watch” by Women We Admire, a nonprofit providing news and information about women executives and leaders in major U.S. industries.

Closer to home, Lammers was named a “Top MarCom Exec to Watch in 2024” by Washington Executive magazine.

Though she’s based in Colorado, her work at Nightwing keeps her connected to national security hubs across the country. The company, headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, has a presence in 46 states, employing more than 2,200 professionals. Lammers oversees the company’s external and internal messaging, ensuring that its cybersecurity and intelligence missions are clearly communicated to employees, stakeholders, and the public.

“We’re heavily focused on cybersecurity and other intelligence and national security missions,” she said, highlighting the importance of aligning public messaging with the ever-evolving security landscape.

For Schar School students looking to follow in her footsteps, Nightwing presents opportunities. The company actively recruits from George Mason’s highly regarded computer science and cybersecurity programs, offering positions that cater to those with security clearances or aspirations of obtaining them.

“We have some really cool missions,” she said. “If you have a clearance or are interested in national security work, we have jobs in the D.C. metro area and beyond.”

One of her transformative experiences at George Mason was a three-week summer study-abroad program at the �鶹�� of Oxford’s Mansfield College in the United Kingdom, made possible by George Mason’s Global Education Office’s Mason Oxford Programs. At Oxford, she developed lifetime friendships with classmates, so much so she was in the wedding of one and has attended family Thanksgiving holidays with others.

From her studies in international policy to her leadership role in a major intelligence firm, Lammers’s career highlights the value of combining strategy, policy expertise, and business skills. For Schar School students interested in cybersecurity and intelligence, her message is straightforward: opportunities exist—you just need to pursue them.

Topics

Master of Global Commerce and Policy

Democracy Lab Learning Community

Internships and Influence: Schar School Senior Dylan Morse Reflects on His College Career

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:58:22 +0000

Internships and Influence: Schar School Senior Dylan Morse Reflects on His College Career Andrew J Schappert Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:58

In This Story

Sita Nataraj Slavov

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Vermont native Dylan Morse didn’t get to tour his future college campus before enrolling. The pandemic had shut the world down during his senior year of high school, leaving him to rely on virtual research from his home in Hartland.

Dylan Morse, left, and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont): ‘Join Democracy Lab if you can,’ Morse said. ‘It’s an immediate community source for friends and can help navigate the ropes of college when you first come here.’ Photos provided.

But he knew what he was looking for, and he found it at George Mason �鶹��’s Schar School of Policy and Government.

With its proximity to Washington, D.C., its impressive national rankings, and a news-making faculty, the Schar School seemed like the right fit for a student drawn to politics and public service. Now, as he approaches graduation, Morse reflects on the experiences that have shaped his path and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

A public administration major, Morse quickly immersed himself in government work, in and out of the classroom. His first taste of the political world came during back-to-back summer internships in Vermont’s centrist Republican Governor Phil Scott’s Montpelier office, where he assisted with constituent services and research for the State Workforce Development Board. The position called for Morse to respond to calls from Vermonters and connect them with government resources; he also recorded citizens’ opinions. The experience helped him see firsthand the impact of local governance.

Last spring, he interned on Capitol Hill for Vermont’s Democratic Senator Peter Welch. The role was similar in some ways—fielding constituent calls and drafting correspondence—but it also introduced him to the complexities of federal policymaking. He gave tours of the Capitol and contributed to policy work, particularly in the area of agriculture.

The contrast between state and federal government became clear to him. While they occasionally intersected—such as in Vermont’s response to last summer’s devastating floods—he realized they serve distinct roles, and he found himself drawn to the immediacy of state-level governance.

“The state and federal governments generally serve very different purposes, which was a very helpful insight into Federalism,” he said. “I think my long-term goal is to become involved in state government. I find it to be more hands-on and more personal. And you can be a bit closer to real change and making a difference.”

Dylan Morse: ‘I think my long-term goal is to become involved in state government. I find it to be more hands-on and more personal.’

Since his freshman year, Morse has been a part of the Democracy Lab Learning Community, first as a participant and later as a resident assistant (RA) of the Democracy Lab residence hall for three years. His leadership there reinforced the importance of civic engagement and professional development, while also providing him with a tight-knit community of like-minded students.

Beyond government, Morse has sought a well-rounded education. This semester he stepped into the world of lobbying, interning at Mehlman Consulting in Washington, D.C. The experience allows him to see how outside groups influence policymaking.

“It’s a little more corporate than my other internships,” he said. “I’m seeing the other side of the Hill from that perspective.”

His primary responsibility has been gathering information on newly elected representatives and their staffs, a crucial task in shaping legislative strategy for clients.

Academically, Morse is completing a capstone research project on the impact of pandemic-era migration to Vermont on housing prices. Working with Professor Sita Slavov, he hopes to contribute meaningful insights into a growing concern in his home state.

As graduation in May approaches, Morse hopes to gain direct experience with how policy affects constituents before returning to Vermont to work in state government.

While his ultimate goal remains public service, he values the diverse experiences he’s accumulated—from answering calls in a governor’s office to analyzing policy in a senator’s office to now observing the influence of lobbying.

For incoming students looking to study government at George Mason, Morse’s advice is simple: “Join Democracy Lab if you can,” he said. “It’s an immediate community source for friends and can help navigate the ropes of college when you first come here. And you’re getting extra content about professional development, career development, and how to best use your time at George Mason.

“All of that has been super valuable to me.”

Topics

Democracy Lab

Learning Communities

First-Year Democracy Lab

BS in Public Administration

Schar School BS in Public Administration

internships

Government and International Politics

A New Voice in Congress: Meet Schar School Grad U.S. Rep. Riley Moore

Andrew J Schappert — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:54:34 +0000

A New Voice in Congress: Meet Schar School Grad U.S. Rep. Riley Moore Andrew J Schappert Fri, 03/14/2025 - 10:54

The halls of Congress are filled with career politicians, lawyers, and policy experts, but U.S. Rep. Riley M. Moore (R), BA Government and International Politics ‘05, the newly elected congressman from West Virginia, brings something different to the table: experience with a welding torch and a deep-seated commitment to public service that he discovered as a student at George Mason �鶹��.

U.S. Rep. Riley Moore. Photo provided

Moore is the third George Mason alumnus to be elected to Congress. U.S. Rep. David Jolly (R-FL), JD ‘01, was the first, serving from 2014 to 2017. He has since retired. Following Jolly was U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) who graduated with a degree in government and international politics. He held office from 2019 to his death in February 2022.

Moore’s journey, from working in Herndon, Virginia, machine shops as a college student to walking the corridors of power on Capitol Hill as an elected official, is an inspiring one.

Fresh off his first few months in office, the congressman sat down for an interview in his Longworth House Office Building office, reflecting on his path from trade school to politics.

“I’ve worked here before,” he said, referencing his time as a congressional staffer. “But it’s a little different when you’re wearing this [Congressional lapel] pin and casting votes than recommending to somebody how they might want to think about voting.”

Moore’s story starts in Virginia, where he graduated from high school before heading to George Mason.

“I wanted to do something different,” he recalled, explaining his decision to forgo West Virginia �鶹��, where many of his family members had studied. “I wanted to be close to the Washington, D.C., metro area.”

His academic journey wasn’t straightforward—he had already gone through trade school and spent time working as a welder, a job that helped shape his understanding of skilled labor and industry. His major at that time was a vague idea of “computer science or something like that,” he said. “I was a welder, so I’m looking for an applied skill and was thinking computers.”

Then came 9/11.

“I was at George Mason that day,” he said, recounting the moment that changed the trajectory of his career. “I didn’t think a lot of Americans really understood how this happened, why this happened, who these people were,” including himself.

Soon Moore found himself obsessed with all the details surrounding the tragic event and changed his major to government and international politics.

His passion for politics was deeply influenced by some of the finest educators in the Schar School of Policy and Government. Among them, one professor who left a lasting impression is Mark N. Katz, now a professor emeritus.

“I still have one of his books on my shelf,” Moore said.

U.S. Rep. Riley Moore

Katz recalls Moore “as an active and effective contributor to classroom discussion,” he said. “I am not surprised that he went on to a successful political career.”

Public service, it seems, runs in Moore’s blood. His grandfather was the governor of West Virginia, though he was too young to fully grasp the significance at the time. “He stopped being governor when I was eight years old,” he said. “To me, he was just my grandpa in a big house.” His aunt, Shelly Moore Capito (R), is the senior U.S. Senator from West Virginia.

But his family influence wasn’t solely political as his other relatives were union laborers, a connection that led him to welding, a trade he continued as a student at George Mason.

“We were building torpedo clamps and all kinds of different things,” he said, adding that the hands-on experience helped him bring a unique perspective to the legislative process.

After graduating from George Mason, he interned on Capitol Hill while bartending at night, eventually securing a job in public service. He worked on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, spent time in the defense industry, and, despite never expecting to run for office, took the plunge.

“I ran for the [West Virginia] House of Delegates and won by a hundred votes,” he said. “Then I ran for state treasurer and won that. And now I’m here.”

As a newly minted congressman, he acknowledges there is hard work ahead, but he remains optimistic. “So far, so good. I’m loving it.”

In This Story

Mark N. Katz

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Schar School BA in Government and International Politics