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Graduate student uses the healing power of art to help other veterans

Katarina Benson — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:59:31 +0000

Graduate student uses the healing power of art to help other veterans Katarina Benson Mon, 04/28/2025 - 11:59

Death has been the constant companion in Steven Luu’s life—from war-torn Vietnam to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. But through art, Luu, now a master of fine arts (MFA) student at George Mason �鶹��’s School of Art, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has discovered peace, purpose, and a path to healing.

“All of my artwork is about revisiting,” said Luu. “Art is not to forget, but to express.”

Luu wasn’t yet born when his unlikely odyssey began 50 years ago this month, following the fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese Army in April 1975. Nearly a year later, he came into the world as his family’s life was upended by war and political upheaval. His father, a South Vietnamese government official, along with his grandfather and uncle, were lost in the war, and the family home was confiscated. When Luu was just a year old, he and his family were sent to a re-education camp, where they endured harsh poverty and uncertainty.

When he was 7, Luu and his family managed to escape Vietnam by sea, in search of freedom in a small boat packed with refugees. Their harrowing journey lasted more than two months; by the time of their rescue by the British Royal Navy, nearly half of the passengers perished from starvation. Luu was just shy of his 8th birthday when he was forced to help push lifeless bodies overboard—a memory that has haunted him since.

After years of adversity in trying conditions in refugee camps in Hong Kong, Luu and his family made their way to the United States in 1991. Following his high school graduation in 1995, he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and became a medic, driven by a desire to save lives after witnessing so much suffering, and determined to do everything he could to prevent others from enduring the same fate. His 20-year career in the U.S. military included deployments to the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, often alongside special operations units.

Luu with one of his works. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“I have seen the worst part of humanity,” said Luu, who will turn 48 later this year. “And it stays with you.”

In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, Luu was severely wounded. His lengthy convalescence at Walter Reed Medical Center, then located in Washington, D.C., marked a turning point. There, a hospital official introduced him to the healing power of art by providing him a canvas and drawing utensils.

“In that moment, I saw art as a way to let something inside me out, without having to say it,” said Luu, who while working on his degree also serves as documentarian for Mason Exhibitions.

He found making art incredibly therapeutic. Sculpture, especially using raw and rigid materials like concrete and epoxy resin, has become a personal healing ritual.

Although he had no formal art background, Luu knew he had found his voice. After earning a BA in theology from Catholic Distance �鶹�� in 2010, he applied to George Mason’s School of Art, earning his BFA in sculpture in 2022. He recognized that art was more than a way to help himself, it also allowed him reach other veterans grappling with the same guilt and isolation he felt after leaving the military. He’s on track to complete his MFA in 2026.

All of his sculptures are made with recycled materials. “Like me, these materials have been given a second chance at life,” Luu said.

Artist Peter Winant was the director of George Mason’s School of Art when he first saw Luu’s early drawings in 2017.

“There was something really deep in them,” Winant said. “Some form of truth that few of us could approach.”

That truth now fuels Luu’s mission to help other veterans navigate their own trauma—a mission he pursues with deep purpose and gratitude for the opportunity. He creates art with a focus on mental health and uses his story to encourage others to find their own form of expression.

In 2024, the U.S. Air Force invited Luu to work with Wounded Warriors, teaching recovering airmen about the healing power of art, and how to channel their experiences into creative expression. He’ll do the same this November, during a weeklong George Mason conference for 400 recovering veterans spanning all military branches. The week will conclude with a public art exhibit featuring the veterans’ creations.

His solo exhibition Steven Luu: A Path to Healing & Transformation is on display through May at the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago. It is a powerful testament to one man’s journey through unimaginable pain and his unwavering pursuit of peace.

“Art is the one universal language—it’s always been the language of humanity,” said Luu. “I cannot physically fix what happened in the past, but at least I have closure. Like life as a whole, you adapt in art to survive.”

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George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high

Colleen Rich — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:17:25 +0000

George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high Colleen Rich Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:17

It’s March Madness again, and it’s made for some heady times for the George Mason �鶹�� basketball program. The Patriots women’s and men’s basketball teams are the talk of Mason Nation and elsewhere after reaching new heights with their play this past weekend.

And both teams could ascend higher still.

“It’s a great time to be a Patriot,” men’s basketball head coach Tony Skinn said.

The second-seeded women’s team made history at the Atlantic 10 Tournament on Sunday, downing Saint Joseph’s 73-58 in the championship game at the Henrico Sports & �鶹�� Center to claim the first NCAA Tournament berth in program history.

Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

Senior guard Paula Suárez scored 23 points and redshirt sophomore forward and A-10 Rookie of the Year Zahirah Walton added 19 as George Mason (27-5) launched itself into the Big Dance in style with its first conference tournament title.

Now in her fourth year at the helm after inheriting a program with no conference game wins and just three overall in the season before her arrival, Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis and team will now await Sunday evening’s televised NCAA Tournament Selection Show in EagleBank Arena to see where they will be paired.

“I’m really excited about how this team has come together,” Blair-Lewis said. “It speaks volumes to the camaraderie and the dedication they have to each other to come together and do something good.”

The victory is just the latest milestone for a surging Patriots’ women’s basketball team that had already set new school records this season for the most wins in the regular season (24), the longest winning streak (11 games), and for the first consecutive 20-win seasons. The team also matched a year-old mark for conference victories in a season (14) to earn its highest A-10 Tournament seeding ever.

The preseason pick to finish sixth in the conference, the George Mason men’s team did team its part in helping to make a magical basketball weekend that Patriot fans won’t soon forget. A 64-60 win at �鶹�� of Richmond on Saturday gave the Patriots a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title for the first time ever.

Photo by Athletics

Senior guard Darius Maddox tallied 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half to pace George Mason (24-7).

“This is truly a blessing,” Skinn said following the game. “I said when I got this job that I was going to work my butt off to get us back where we belong. It starts with our leadership. [George Mason President Gregory] Washington boldly chose to give an opportunity to a guy who had never been a head coach. His faith and support, along with [Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics] Marvin Lewis, are a big part of how we were able to build this roster. This is what can happen when you approach things the right way. I’m so proud of our team.”

This week Skinn was named A-10 basketball coach of the year and senior Jared Billups was named defensive player of the year.

George Mason enters this week’s Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena in nearby Washington, D.C., as the No. 2 seed with its first game at 5 p.m. in Friday’s quarterfinal round. VCU will be the tournament’s No. 1 seed by virtue of its regular season win over George Mason on Feb. 22.

There’s a chance that the Patriots men’s team could also reach the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s really amazing,” Blair-Lewis said of the success both George Mason programs have enjoyed this season, “and I’m just really proud of both programs. The men’s success is success for us, and vice versa. It’s been really good for the entire university.”

Blair-Lewis was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award.

Until recently, the two George Mason basketball teams had the best combined record of any program in the country, and that success hasn’t gone unnoticed, with various players and both head coaches receiving accolades of all kinds.

But neither Blair-Lewis or Skinn are putting much stock in the outside noise, especially with so much basketball still to be played.

“We haven’t been a household name in the league,” Skinn said. “We’re trying to change that narrative.”

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George Mason alumna and trailblazer Callie Brownson making her mark in the male-dominated world of professional football

Colleen Rich — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:12:01 +0000

George Mason alumna and trailblazer Callie Brownson making her mark in the male-dominated world of professional football Colleen Rich Wed, 02/05/2025 - 16:12

She’s already made history in the NFL, and now George Mason alumna Callie Brownson has her sights set on international football competition, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

George Mason alumna Callie Brownson (center). Photo provided

As USA Football’s senior director of high performance and national team operations, Brownson will be a key member of the staff charged with selecting and leading the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams that represent North America on the global stage, including flag football’s upcoming Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

“It’s kind of an over-arching job, but it’s exciting,” said Brownson. “It’s really about evolving every year, continuing to build, and evaluating our processes and how we’re doing things so that we’re giving our coaches and players everything they need to be successful.”

Brownson joined the Cleveland Browns in 2020, making history by becoming the first female chief of staff in NFL history when coach Kevin Stefanski appointed her to that role. Later that same year, she made history again by becoming the first female position coach to oversee tight ends during an NFL game. In 2022, she added assistant wide receivers coach to her duties, and in 2023, she transitioned into a full-time role as assistant wide receivers’ coach.

The decision to leave after spending five years on the Cleveland Browns staff was the culmination of Brownson’s decade-long relationship with USA Football, dating back to her own playing days as a two-time gold medalist with Team USA Women’s Football. Brownson served as the head coach of the 2022 Women’s U.S. Tackle National Team that claimed the program’s fourth consecutive world championship.

“I’ve had this ongoing relationship with USA Football because I’ve played and coached for the national team,” said Brownson, 35, who arrived in New Orleans earlier this week to attend Super Bowl LIX, “and I know what it means to represent your country internationally.”

The Alexandria native credited her sport management program within George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development for preparing her and making her success possible. Brownson, in particular, cited professors Charley Casserly, Craig Esherick, and the now retired and former interim College of Education and Human Development dean Robert Baker for their counsel and valuable insights into the sports world.

Casserly, a former NFL general manager with both the then Washington Redskins and the Houston Texans, remembered Brownson as a very bright and driven student who was already coaching high school football while attending college. “She never stopped pursuing it,” Casserly said. “She never stopped pursuing her dream.”

Brownson credited the many coaches and organizations who have been supportive in giving her an opportunity. “I know it’s a male-dominated arena,” she said, “but there are so many great people in the NFL who just want the best people and the best for their organizations–I was so lucky to work for a bunch of them.”

Brownson said she took great pride in knowing that’s she’s possibly played a role in creating opportunities for women coming behind her, and pledged to continuing advocating for others.

She offered this simple advice for those considering following her footsteps: just keep going.

“It’s not easy,” Brownson said. “There are really, really good moments, and there are really, really hard moments. If you’re ready and you stay dedicated, when those doors open, you’ll sprint through them. It’s not going to always be easy, but you can’t expect it to be. It’s worth it—you just have to stick with it.”

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George Mason �鶹�� leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings

Colleen Rich — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:53:30 +0000

George Mason �鶹�� leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings Colleen Rich Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:53

George Mason �鶹�� continues to distinguish itself as a top academic institution and a top 50 public university. Today, U.S. News & World Report released their 2025 Best Online Programs rankings, highlighting the university’s exceptional offerings across several disciplines, especially for veterans.

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

George Mason advanced its rankings in nearly every online master’s degree program where it was included. The university is one of just five institutions in Virginia ranked in at least nine of the 13 categories where it is included, earning No. 1 rankings in four of those categories, more than any other university in the state for these categories.

“These rankings affirm that George Mason is a leader in Virginia in producing graduates for high-demand industries critical to the growth and prosperity of the commonwealth,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “We achieve these outcomes by partnering with industry leaders to develop academic programs that prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.”

A Leader for Military-Affiliated Students

With more than 4,700 students identifying as active-duty service members, veterans, or dependents, George Mason remains a vital resource for Virginia’s largest military-connected community. This year, approximately 20% of the university’s incoming freshman, transfer, and graduate cohorts have military connections, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a top destination for military-affiliated students.

George Mason earned the top spot in Virginia and nationally among public universities for its MBA program for veterans, and was first in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for its master’s in nursing for veterans.

In September 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked George Mason as one of the state’s best colleges for veterans. The university was also recognized with “Gold” status as a top Military Friendly �鶹��, underscoring its commitment to supporting those who have served.

“We are proud to serve a region that is home to a significant number of military members, veterans, and their families,” said Jennifer Connors, George Mason’s director of Office of Military Services. “At George Mason, we are committed to providing resources to support their unique needs. It is our duty to honor their service to our nation by empowering them to excel academically and professionally.”

Strong Performances Across Disciplines

In addition to its programs for veterans, George Mason’s online master’s programs excelled in several other areas: education, nursing, business, and engineering.

Northern Virginia boasts some of the nation’s top public school systems, and George Mason playing a significant role in that success. Approximately half of the region’s K-12 school administrators and an estimated one third of its teachers hold degrees or certificates from George Mason.

In the face of a national shortage of special education teachers, the university’s master’s in special education program stands out, ranking No. 1 in both Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and 5th nationally.

“We are thrilled to see our special education program recognized among the top five in the country,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “This achievement is a reflection of our faculty’s remarkable expertise, dedication, and innovative approaches to preparing graduates to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.”

The School of Nursing within George Mason’s College of Public Health saw significant advancements in its rankings. The master’s in nursing program ranked No. 1 in Virginia, climbing up eight spots to 41st nationally (34th among public universities). Additionally, the Master’s in Nursing for Veterans program rose to 14th nationally (up from 18th), and 9th among public universities (up from 11th).

“Through hands-on clinical training and cutting-edge simulation technologies, our students are equipped with unmatched knowledge and cultural competencies,” said College of Public Health dean Melissa J. Perry. “�鶹�� graduates are among the most well-prepared nurses in the country.”

The Costello College of Business earned significant accolades, with its MBA for veterans program climbing to 30th (up from 41st) among public universities and 34th nationally (up from 50th). The MBA program also rose to 41st among public universities (up from 54th), 55th nationally (up from 74th), while its non-MBA program ranked 39th among public universities (up from 44th) and 56th nationally (up from 62nd).

George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing saw two of its newest programs make strong debuts. The master’s in industrial engineering is best in Virginia and 10th nationally. The master’s in engineering for veterans’ program ranked 29th nationally. The master’s in engineering program climbed 22 spots to 45th nationally, and 38th among public universities (up from 51st).

The new master’s in IT for veterans program also made a strong first impression, ranking 21st nationally and 13th among public universities.

A Commitment to Excellence in Online Education

The strong performance of George Mason’s online programs aligns with the university’s mission to support students where they are. The flexible class offerings are a welcome boon to the university’s large number of post-traditional students, many of whom are professionals who continue to work full-time jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing academic goals to enhance their careers.

Check out the full list of George Mason rankings at gmu.edu/rankings.

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Turning skeletal remains into hope as forensic art professor and students help to solve a 50-year-old cold case

Colleen Rich — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:54:15 +0000

Turning skeletal remains into hope as forensic art professor and students help to solve a 50-year-old cold case Colleen Rich Wed, 12/18/2024 - 13:54

George Mason �鶹��’s Joe Mullins thinks he has the coolest job in the world, and calls what he does ‘art with a purpose.’

The field of forensic art is no longer limited to sketches—it has evolved into a powerful tool that helps bring closure to unsolved cases and missing persons investigations. Combining cutting-edge technology with artistic skill, forensic artists can reconstruct faces and features from skeletal remains, often providing vital clues law enforcement needs to solve cold cases.

Mullins (center) with Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Mullins, a forensic artist and adjunct professor, exemplifies this new era of forensic art. Most recently, detectives from nearby Loudoun County, Virginia, turned to him to help on one of their oldest cold cases. He collaborated with students in his AVT 496 Forensic Figure Sculpture class, in the School of Art within George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, to create a lifelike, three-dimensional clay reconstruction of a woman known only as “Jane Doe,” whose remains were discovered on May 28, 1973. Advancements in forensic science and technology reopened the case after decades without a lead.

Using a 3D scan of the victim’s skull and DNA data, revealing traits such as eye color, hair type, and body composition, Mullins and his students sculpted a bust that depicts the features of an African American woman believed to have been in her 20s or 30s. She had been shot, carried no identification, and local law enforcement had no reports of anyone missing who fit that description at the time. Loudoun County detectives hope that this lifelike construction will lead to someone finally recognizing her.

“Forensic artists are often the last hope for these cases,” he said. “So, with that comes a lot of responsibility to get it right. The only way these reconstructions work is if the right person sees it. With nearly 8 billion people on the planet, we just need one, and one person to say, ‘I think I know who that is.’”

That happened in 2015, when a clay bust he created helped identify a John Doe in New York City when a family member recognized the face. He hopes for a similar outcome with Jane Doe.

Mullins, who also serves as a senior forensic imaging specialist at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), incorporates real cases into his teaching.

“Watching a face come to life gives students a deeper connection to their work,” he said. “They became just as emotionally invested in this case as I did.”  

George Mason’s Forensic Science Program within the College of Science played a critical role in reopening the investigation. Assistant professor Steven Burmeister used on ground-penetrating radar to guide Loudoun County investigators to locate Jane Doe’s remains in 2023, which were exhumed from an unmarked grave in Lincoln, Virginia. The remains were analyzed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where a DNA profile was created.

For students like senior communication major Marie Elizabeth Seagraves, the class was transformative.

“I originally took this class because it seemed fun and super-interesting, as I’ve never done sculpture work before,” Seagraves said. “But learning how this work can help so many people find closure made it so much more meaningful.”

The work has already garnered significant media attention, and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office hopes the renewed interest will lead to a breakthrough of this case and at long last bring some measure of peace to Jane Doe’s family.

According to Mullins, there are more than 2,000 unidentified sets of remains in offices of local medical examiners across the country. Having grown up in Loudoun County, he was moved by the opportunity to contribute to a case so close to home.

“I’ve never been able to fully articulate the feeling when one of these reconstructions is successful,” he said. “Helping these families get the answers they have been searching for is all the satisfaction I need.”

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At 15, Yevin Nikhel Goonatilake set to make history as George Mason’s youngest graduate with a 4.0 GPA

Colleen Rich — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:51:29 +0000

At 15, Yevin Nikhel Goonatilake set to make history as George Mason’s youngest graduate with a 4.0 GPA Colleen Rich Tue, 12/17/2024 - 10:51

You’ll forgive Yevin Nikhel Goonatilake for the lack of perspective on his self-confessed habit of procrastination.

Yevin Goonatilake. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

If only we could all have such flaws.

At 15 years old, Goonatilake is poised to become the youngest graduate in George Mason �鶹�� history with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA). This computer science prodigy from Leesburg, Virginia, is doing things at his own speed and far outpacing societal norms.

His achievements likely won’t stop at his bachelor’s degree. Goonatilake is also enrolled in a Bachelors/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program in the College of Engineering and Computing, putting him on track to earn his master’s, also in computer science, in May 2025. When he does, he would become the university’s youngest-ever master’s degree recipient.

And all of this from someone who has yet to turn 16 or get a driver’s license.

“I’m kind of used to it,” Goonatilake said of his many accomplishments at such a young age. “Doing things earlier than other people is what I’ve been doing my entire life. Personally, I think more people could do it if they want to. You don’t have to follow the general trend. That’s not necessarily for everybody.”

Goonatilake’s father, Shirley Goonatilake, credited his son’s success to his steady focus. “My wife, Llana, and I are so very proud of him,” he said. “He’s very disciplined in everything he does.”

That discipline became clear early. When Goonatilake was 3 years old, his parents, both computer science engineers, recognized his gift and his father began homeschooling him.

By age 11, Goonatilake had already accrued enough academic credits to apply to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), but he first needed to take the SAT. No problem as he scored 790 out of a possible 800 points on the math portion of the standardized test, and had totaled a robust 1530 overall score out of a possible 1600 on the test by the time he was 13.

At 13, he also graduated from NOVA with his associate’s degree in computer science, with a perfect 4.0 GPA, becoming the youngest known NOVA graduate since the school began keeping electronic records in 1975.

While George Mason has had young graduates before, both female—including a 13-year old who earned a bachelor of arts (BA) degree in 1972 and a math major who completed both a BA and MA by 17 in 2017—neither graduated with a 4.0 GPA, according to �鶹�� Registrar Doug McKenna.

Goonatilake arrived at George Mason during the COVID-19 pandemic, when classes were primarily online and masks were the norm on campus. This low-profile start suited him, as most of his friends and classmates had no clue about his age.

“I don’t think I told anybody my age,” he said.

Now 5-foot-10, Goonatilake blends in easily with his peers, enjoying sports and cherishing time with his friends. But his life is anything but typical.

In addition to his studies, Goonatilake plays professional cricket for the Baltimore Royals Sunny Sohail (BRSS) Cricket Academy, which competes in Minor League Cricket. Likely the youngest player in league annals, he practices several times per week and has traveled to Texas and North Carolina for matches this semester. True to form, Goonatilake balances it all, studying on planes and in hotel rooms to keep up with his coursework.

Cricket, introduced to him by his father, a native of Sri Lanka, where it is the most popular sport, has become a vital part of Goonatilake’s life.

His coaches at BRSS have been extremely supportive of Goonatilake’s delicate balance between his cricket and academic pursuits, allowing him to manage his workload on his own.

“I need both,” he said, alluding to the social and athletic balance the two endeavors provide him.

Looking ahead, Goonatilake isn’t sure what’s next. Pursuing a PhD to teach and conduct research is certainly a possibility, though he’s also considering roles in the tech sector or federal government.

If he takes the PhD route, Goonatilake hopes to live on campus, get a roommate, and experience a more traditional college life.

“By then,” he said with a smile, “I’ll finally be able to drive.”

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George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch

Colleen Rich — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:25:07 +0000

George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch Colleen Rich Mon, 12/09/2024 - 15:25

George Mason �鶹�� gave the public its first look at Fuse at Mason Square and what’s in store for the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region with the building’s Dec. 6 commercial launch.

From left, President Gregory Washington with speakers from the event Ryan Touhill, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, Brian Naumick, and Liza Wilson Durant. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

A state-of-the-art tech research hub intended to be a beacon for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to come together and collaborate, Fuse will serve as the center for technological advances in the region, fostering innovation in various sectors while adding to the tech talent pipeline necessary to help fuel the economies of the region and the commonwealth of Virginia.

“The most surefire way to strengthen an innovation ecosystem is for a top-tier research university, local industry, and the community to join together in partnership,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington.

The 345,000-square-foot-building, which will welcome students in Fall 2025, features specialized labs for robotics and virtual reality and data visualization, as well as office spaces, retail, and co-working areas and classrooms.

Rep. Don Beyer, who is working toward a master’s degree in computer science at George Mason, was among the speakers to laud the project at the brief ceremony in Arlington. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Fuse cost roughly $254 million to construct, with $90 million each contributed by George Mason and the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, as well as $78 million from Edgemoor Infrastructure and Real Estate.

George Mason announced in October that the building’s first tenant, Cybastion, a cybersecurity and digital IT company focused on emerging markets, would move into Fuse in spring 2025. The restaurant Wood & Iron will be located on the ground floor. About 75% of the building’s commercial space has been committed.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is enrolled at George Mason and working toward a master’s degree in computer science with a concentration in machine learning, was among the speakers to laud the project at the brief ceremony in Arlington, joining Washington; Liza Wilson Durant, George Mason’s associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement who is also the associate dean of George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing and director of the Northern Virginia node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative; Ryan Touhill, director of Arlington Economic Development; and Brian Naumick, vice president and managing director of Edgemoor.

George Mason's Liza Wilson Durant took questions from the media about the new building. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Fuse at Mason Square supports the Tech Talent Investment Program, a 20-year initiative aimed at producing 25,000 additional tech graduates in Virginia. The building will house George Mason’s Institute for Digital Innovation and the new School of Computing, part of the College of Engineering and Computing, and will offer courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

Washington expects the new building to be a catalyst for economic growth. “When we started the Fuse project in April of 2022, I said then that we’re not just breaking ground on a building—we’re breaking ground on Virginia’s future,” he said. “That future begins in earnest today with the Fuse leasing grand opening.”

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George Mason’s outdoor forensic research lab hosts guest researchers from Louisiana HBCU

Colleen Rich — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:23:31 +0000

George Mason’s outdoor forensic research lab hosts guest researchers from Louisiana HBCU Colleen Rich Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:23

It wasn’t the glut of unsightly maggots blanketing every inch of the large pig’s carcass from head to toe, but the combination of that and the unforgiving smell amid the stifling heat that initially gave student Brittney Sylvester reason for pause.

SUNO students Brittney Sylvester and LaTavia Williams examine the burial site of the decomposing pig they buried earlier this summer. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of �鶹�� Branding

A senior forensic science and mathematics double major, Sylvester was part of a team from Southern �鶹�� at New Orleans (SUNO), who came to Northern Virginia this past summer for a program that paired aspiring scientists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions with George Mason experts in Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis (CINA) Center.

This 10-week program, DHS Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions, ran from June through August and was funded by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant to meet critical research needs in the national security realm, while also diversifying the criminal justice system.

Sylvester, an aspiring pathologist, was eager to gain hands-on experience in forensic science and was drawn by the chance to engage in the kind of experiential learning that no textbook could provide. The experience included the opportunity to engage in research with some of the nation’s most renowned forensic scientists and work in George Mason’s five-acre Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory on the Science and Technology Campus, one of just 10 locations in the world capable of performing transformative outdoor research in forensic science using human donors.

More popularly known as the “body farm,” and the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region, the lab opened its doors in Spring 2021 and received its first human donors this past May.

It was the kind of opportunity Sylvester had always dreamed of.

SUNO Associate Professor Meiko Thompson discusses the significance of the forensic research opportunities for HBCUs, while students LaTavia Williams and Brittney Sylvester listen in the background. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“My work on George Mason’s body farm allowed me to see firsthand how a body decomposes based on the environment, as well as the effects of nudity, clothing, or other covering,” Sylvester said. “This unique research experience has given me the confidence to push past my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in forensics.”

LaTavia Williams, a SUNO senior double majoring in forensic science and biology, also came to George Mason to deepen her knowledge and hands-on experience in forensic science.

“We are actively learning to build skills and learn more—not only about forensics and decomposition, but the environmental, entomological, microbiological, and anthropological aspects, which are crucial to our research,” added Williams, who wants to become a forensic pathologist.

Joining Sylvester and Williams was SUNO Associate Professor of Forensic Science Meiko Thompson, who served as the principal investigator (PI) on the research assisted by George Mason’s Georgia Williams, an assistant professor in the Forensic Science Program who served as the project’s science mentor.

Thompson said SUNO is one of just seven HBCUs with forensic science programs. She finds collaborations with lab sites like the one at George Mason are valuable for HBCU students, not only for educational purposes, but also for networking, as they worked alongside George Mason students and faculty members who are highly regarded and experienced professionals in forensic science.

The SUNO contingent and George Mason's forensic science team—Georgia Williams, Mary Ellen O'Toole, Emily Rancourt, and Molly Kilcarr—stand in front of the Forensic Science Research Training Laboratory. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“This was an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of scientific research, especially for minority researchers,” Thompson said.

Throughout their weeks working on the body farm the SUNO students were assisted by George Mason Forensic Science Associate Professor Emily Rancourt and two of her students, Nickolyn Jackson and Molly Kilcarr, who were also conducting research on human and pig decomposition. While their projects were different, these students’ collaborative spirits and shared efforts enhanced both projects, providing them with an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind research experience.

During the program, the aspiring scientists took daily samples, measurements, and pictures. Each visit brought more anticipation than the last as they discovered new smells, new organisms, and new plant growth, all the collective result of the decomposing body becoming part of the soil. Each day’s data was recorded and samples immediately frozen to accurately record the decomposition.

Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI agent profiler and director of the Forensic Science Program at George Mason, often visited the students onsite.

“[LaTavia and Brittney] had no idea they would be transformed after a few weeks at the body farm,” O’Toole said. “They seemed more confident, sure of themselves, and absolutely fearless of the work they were doing. As time passed, they showed no hesitation about being around the wild assortment of bugs they had to touch and move, or the pig they buried and had to swab every day. Their curiosity and excitement about everything they were doing was infectious.”

The SUNO students presented their research findings, and their collaboration with George Mason will continue. Thompson and Williams submitted a follow-on proposal to CINA to complete their analysis and submit their research findings, and they are hopeful the future of this research will assist DHS in its national and transnational work to combat crime and terrorism.

Led by George Mason, the CINA Center is funded by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Office of �鶹�� Programs to unite leading experts and researchers to pursue multidisciplinary approaches to disrupt criminal activities across both physical and cyber spaces. George Mason is one of nine within the DHS Centers of Excellence, making it a perfect fit for the SUNO contingent because of its commitment to the advancement of science with cutting-edge solutions.

“This experience has shown me that I’m capable and stronger than I believed before I arrived,” Sylvester said. “As Professor Rancourt told me, ‘As long as your curiosity outweighs your fears, you can accomplish anything.’ I will carry this wisdom with me from now on.”

Want to learn more about the "body farm" and crime scene research? Listen to Mary Ellen O'Toole on the Access to Excellence podcast.

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Marine veteran changed his life and seeks to reach others in need of positive direction

Colleen Rich — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:33:35 +0000

Marine veteran changed his life and seeks to reach others in need of positive direction Colleen Rich Wed, 11/06/2024 - 14:33

It was an epiphany of sorts, in the most unlikely time and place, but it changed the course of George Mason �鶹�� veteran Abidail “Abi” Estrada’s life—and the many lives he’s touched since.

Abidail “Abi” Estrada. Photo provided

At 19, after making “a lot of bad choices,” Estrada found himself sitting by a Northern Virginia road next to his broken-down car, reflecting on his future. This pivotal moment motivated him to leave behind his troubled past, join the U.S. Marine Corps, and eventually find his true calling in helping fellow veterans and others in need.

“I went off on myself,” recalled Estrada, now a proud husband, father, and U.S. Marine veteran of two tours in Afghanistan who is pursuing a master’s degree in social work. He asked himself what was wrong, wondering if this was truly the life he wanted, and whether he would continue down the same path forever.

This was just the impetus Estrada needed to break free from an unstable home environment that had him headed nowhere good. As a Guatemalan native, who was just 11 years old when his family arrived in the United States in 1998, Estrada longed for a better life, and after that moment of self-realization, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, which allowed him to alter his own personal narrative.

Estrada’s first tour of duty in Afghanistan began with a stay in the volatile Helmand Province in May 2010, followed by another stint in the war-worn nation from 2013-14. It was extremely dangerous, but as a Marine sergeant and infantry squad leader, he took great pride in serving alongside his new brothers in arms. “I was doing something with purpose, something that was meaningful to me,” he said. “If I was going to die, I was going to die with a purpose.”

After eight years of service, Estrada left the Marine Corps in 2015. Hoping to get a higher-paying job to take care of his family, he enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), with the goal of transferring to George Mason to earn a four-year college degree. Hardly a great student while in high school, Estrada quickly found that he was no longer that same guy—he had matured through his military experiences.

He thrived academically, making the Dean’s List at NOVA before transferring to George Mason in 2017 and graduating from the College of Public Health with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2019. His wife, Maritza, also a George Mason graduate, strongly encouraged her husband through it all.

When beginning his academic career, Estrada found that he had an innate desire to help others. He soon discovered his niche in assisting veterans and their dependents navigate the often-complicated GI Bill process, enabling them to receive the benefits were entitled to. Whether at NOVA or George Mason, Estrada supported fellow veterans by providing them opportunities to connect and share their military experiences with someone who truly understands.

Estrada’s dedication for helping others did not go unnoticed. Ryan Barnett, associate director of George Mason’s Office of Military Services, recognized Estrada’s potential and encouraged him to pursue social work.

“Abi has a heart of gold and a passion to help people and connect with them,” said Barnett, a fellow Marine veteran.

“The more I learn about the profession, the more I love it,” Estrada said.

Following his graduation, Estrada spent several years helping local youth, first as a youth counselor for Northern Virginia Family Services and then as an investigator of child abuse and neglect cases for Prince William County. Now as a 37-year-old father of three, he returned to George Mason this fall to pursue his master’s degree in social work, continuing his mission to serve his fellow veterans and others in need.

Estrada is grateful for the opportunities the United States has provided him. He said giving back is the least that he can do. “I’ve always loved and respected this nation,” he said. “It fed me and clothed me. What my birth nation couldn’t do for me, America did. That’s why I want to give back.”

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George Mason �鶹�� recognized for supporting military families through collaboration

Colleen Rich — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:17:27 +0000

George Mason �鶹�� recognized for supporting military families through collaboration Colleen Rich Mon, 11/04/2024 - 09:17

George Mason �鶹�� was recently recognized as a member of the Northern Virginia team that earned one of the four national Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Awards for 2024 from the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC).

Now in its 20th year, the award recognizes and celebrates partnerships between military installations and nearby school districts that support K-12 children from military and veteran families, addressing their unique challenges that come from frequent relocations. There are approximately 1.6 million military-connected children in the United States, with nearly 80% attending public schools. Each year, the coalition honors schools and military installations from around the world for their “exceptional and sustainable” efforts in celebrating military children.

George Mason is part of the Fairfax County Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team, a collaboration between Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and George Mason’s Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative. This team works to support military-connected students as they transition in and out of FCPS, ensuring their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs are met through ongoing events.

“This program is another terrific example of how George Mason’s Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative works to bring together faculty expertise, community partnership, and experiential learning for our students in service of the broader military and veteran population,” said Keith Renshaw, MVFI director, professor in the Department of Psychology, and George Mason’s senior associate provost for undergraduate education.

Studies show that military children typically move six to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation—about three times more often than their nonmilitary peers—as their parents change duty stations. These frequent moves can make it difficult for them to feel connected to their communities, a factor that is crucial to their success and well-being. Around 900,000 military children have experienced a parent being deployed, adding another layer of complexity to their lives.

George Mason and Fort Belvoir officials worked directly with Renée LaHuffman-Jackson, the director of family and school partnerships for FCPS.

And that collaboration proved effective.

“This award recognizes the value of community collaboration and working together to support the population,” said Jennifer Drake Patrick, an associate professor at George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development and a military spouse. “It shows the power of coming together rather than working individually.”

Help from Mason came through consulting in course development for Fairfax educators in understanding military culture and strategies to engage and support military families and in collaborating to develop training for Student Ambassador Programs in area high schools. These initiatives serve to help K-12 schools create a more welcoming and supportive culture for military-connected students and their families.

“We want the students with military connections to come in and feel connected,” Drake Patrick said.

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College of Education and Human Development

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