Campus News

Vice President Mike Pence joins �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School as Distinguished Professor of Practice

Colleen Rich — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:41:01 +0000

Vice President Mike Pence joins �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School as Distinguished Professor of Practice Colleen Rich Tue, 09/16/2025 - 09:41

Vice President Mike Pence has been named a Distinguished Professor of Practice at �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government. Pence’s arrival this fall marks a significant addition to the institution’s academic community. He will engage with students and faculty, bringing decades of public service, executive leadership, and policy experience into the classroom.

Former Vice President Mike Pence. Photo provided

Pence served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, following a term as the 50th governor of Indiana and six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. His political career spans the legislative and executive branches, giving him a unique, firsthand understanding of how government operates at multiple levels. His presence on campus adds a high-profile practitioner’s perspective to the study of public policy, governance, and constitutional principles.

“It’s a privilege to join the Schar School as Professor of Practice,” Pence said in a statement. “Throughout my years of public service, I have seen firsthand the importance of principled leadership and fidelity to the Constitution in shaping the future of our nation. I look forward to sharing these lessons with the next generation of American leaders and learning from the remarkable students and faculty of �鶹��Ƶ.”

“Higher education plays a vital role in preparing Americans not only for career success, but also for lives of service and integrity. Now more than ever we should be investing our time and resources into civil discourse on campus, and I’m honored to contribute to that mission. I look forward to helping students apply enduring American principles to the pressing policy and leadership challenges of our time, ensuring that the values which have guided our nation for generations continue to strengthen the character and promise of our Republic.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks on conservatism, tradition, populism, and America’s future at �鶹��Ƶ. Photo provided

As a professor of practice, Pence will contribute to undergraduate courses beginning in spring 2026 and in public-facing seminars that explore the intersection of politics, leadership, and national governance. His insights into legislative negotiation, executive decision-making, and crisis management—shaped during a time of global pandemic, domestic unrest, and international uncertainty—will offer students an uncommon vantage point into recent history and contemporary challenges.

He is also expected to share lessons drawn from his experience on the campaign trail, in the West Wing, and as president of the U.S. Senate.

Pence’s tenure as vice president and long career in public office will offer students both historical context and practical understanding of leadership at the highest levels of American government.

“The Schar School is proud to welcome Vice President Pence to our faculty,” said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School. “His disciplined approach to communication and his deeply rooted conservative philosophy provide a principled framework to discussions of federalism, the separation of powers, and the role of values in public life.”

Students pursuing studies in political science, law, public administration, and related fields will have opportunities to engage with Pence through lectures, moderated discussions, and mentorship programs. His appointment underscores the university’s commitment to integrating professional experience with academic inquiry, enriching the learning environment with real-world relevance.

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Getting to Know College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards

Colleen Rich — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:10:13 +0000

Getting to Know College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards Colleen Rich Mon, 09/15/2025 - 16:10

Before his appointment as the dean of the College of Science, Cody W. Edwards served as interim dean for the college since July 2024. During his time at �鶹��Ƶ, Edwards has held numerous leadership positions, including executive director of the Smithsonian-�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation and senior associate dean of academic and faculty affairs in the College of Science. Edwards also serves as associate provost for George �鶹��Ƶ’s Institute for Sustainable Earth and is a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Cody Edwards. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Tell us about yourself and what brought you to George �鶹��Ƶ?

I’m a first-generation college student who grew up in a rural part of West Texas. My path to science wasn’t linear, but it was fueled by curiosity and encouragement from key mentors. Eventually, I earned my PhD, became a professor, and later joined �鶹��Ƶ in 2004 as a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. I’ve worked in various administrative roles for both the College of Science and across the university in the Provost’s Office, including leading the unique learning opportunities at the Smithsonian-�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation for the past eight years. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best minds in science here, and now, as dean, I’m focused on creating opportunities for students including those with similar nontraditional paths.

What are your top priorities for the College of Science over the next few years?

Science is more vital now than ever. One priority is aligning our programs with emerging fields like artificial and geo intelligence, machine learning, quantum and data sciences while continuing to offer well-established pathways in pre-medical and foundational sciences. Another priority is enhancing student outcomes with innovative approaches to learning and research—ensuring our graduates are not just academically prepared but also ready to solve real-world challenges. We are doubling down on access and educational excellence, welcoming students from all backgrounds and ensuring every student has the tools and support to succeed.

How does the college stand out in terms of research and innovation?

We have nationally and internationally recognized research in areas like space exploration, biohealth and biotechnology, mathematics, and climate resilience. Our students and faculty are involved in everything from satellite missions to Mars to drug development and climate modeling with community impact. We’re also leading in digital twin technology and forensic science—our programs offer unmatched hands-on learning environments.

What role does mentorship and student engagement play in your vision?

It’s everything. My scientific trajectory was shaped by mentors who believed in me, and I want our students to have that same experience. Our faculty are deeply committed to student success—both in the lab and in the classrooms, through experiential learning and meaningful undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. Our mentorship can start as early as elementary and middle school for mathematics, quantum science, space exploration, and STEM exploration, and high school in programs like our dual enrollment partnerships and signature Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program. Meaningful mentorship is also received within and offered by those in our master’s and doctoral programs and postdoc experiences.

What do you want students to know about the College of Science?

We don’t pride ourselves on how many students we reject; we pride ourselves on how many we lift up. This college is a family—diverse, driven, and passionate about using science to shape a better world. And we’re here to help every student thrive. If this resonates with you, you belong here.

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George �鶹��Ƶ highlighted for creating workforce partnerships

Colleen Rich — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:50:59 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ highlighted for creating workforce partnerships Colleen Rich Mon, 09/15/2025 - 10:50

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington was a panelist at an American Council on Education (ACE) briefing on Capitol Hill that focused on universities partnering with industry to address shortages in the health care workforce.

From left, George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington, Inova Health System's John Moynihan, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Labouré College of Healthcare President Lily Hsu, Ascentria Care Alliance President and CEO Angela Bovill. Photo by ACE

The event also highlighted George �鶹��Ƶ as one of the Carnegie Foundation and ACE “Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings.”

Among the other panelists at the Sept. 9 briefing was Inova Health System President and Chief of Clinical Enterprise John Moynihan. George �鶹��Ƶ partners with Inova and others in the industry to provide pathways to careers for George �鶹��Ƶ graduates. The �鶹��Ƶ Center for Health Workforce serves as a catalyst and facilitator of community action for health workforce development across Virginia.

“This is ultimately about creating opportunity for the next generation,” Washington said. “Opportunity should be at the heart of every partnership we build.”

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From Marvel to George �鶹��Ƶ: Meet the new modern and classical languages chair

Shayla Brown — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:33:12 +0000

From Marvel to George �鶹��Ƶ: Meet the new modern and classical languages chair Shayla Brown Mon, 09/15/2025 - 10:33

When Liang Luo steps into a classroom—or works on a film, for that matter—she brings with her a rare blend of scholarship, creativity, and cultural sensitivity. This fall, Luo begins her role as chair of �鶹��Ƶ’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages, a position that recognizes her academic leadership as well as her global perspective. 

But it’s often another of her accomplishments that sparks the most curiosity: her work as a language and culture consultant for Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. 

Luo, who grew up in Chongqing, China, and later earned a degree in East Asian languages and civilizations from Harvard University, was tapped by Marvel for her expertise on Chinese folklore and mythology, especially the legend of the White Snake—a story that inspired many elements of the film. While advising the studio, she was also completing her second book, The Global White Snake (University of Michigan Press, 2021). 

“I really had to educate myself when I was assigned this consulting job,” Luo recalled. She traveled to Burbank, California, to deliver presentations to Marvel’s creative team, advocating strongly for two elements: Mandarin dialogue and dynamic female characters, such as Awkwafina’s Katy and Michelle Yeoh’s Ying Nan. 

For Luo, cultural consultation is about more than authenticity—it’s about amplifying voices that might otherwise be left out.  

“There’s a lot of controversy surrounding cultural appropriation, but my view is that cultures are always appropriated,” she said. “If you think you have ownership toward a culture and other people are appropriating it, I don't think that's a very healthy starting point for dynamic cultural changes and transformations.” 

Her curiosity has always fueled her work. “Discovering new languages leads to a different worldview that’s not available to you as a monolingual person,” Luo said. “That’s really the foundation of my passion.” 

Luo’s expertise has since led her to another consulting project, this time for Netflix’s animated film Over the Moon, which reimagines the Mid-Autumn Festival while exploring mother-daughter bonds. 

At George �鶹��Ƶ, she is eager to spotlight the breadth and depth of the department she now leads. “Our faculty are amazing—multi-talented, multilingual, and exceptional researchers and teachers winning international fellowships,” she said. “I’m very excited to get to know more of them.” 

Ann Ardis, dean of �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, praised Luo’s arrival. 

“Her scholarship and creative work in global Asian studies and on transhistorical and cross-cultural translations and interpretations of Chinese folklore and mythology, together with her interests in capaciously cross-disciplinary collaborations in both teaching and research, will elevate our George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and students,” Ardis said. 

A slide from Luo's presention. Photo provided.

As Luo takes on her new role, she sees accessibility and support as central to her leadership. “It’s very important for me as a new chair to be really accessible and to support my faculty so they can excel in their job to serve our students,” she said. 

Whether guiding students through the complexities of language and literature or shaping global narratives for the big screen, Luo continues to bridge worlds—academic, cultural, and creative.

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George �鶹��Ƶ Final Four 20th-Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 13 includes halftime program honoring Jim Larrañaga

Colleen Rich — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:46:00 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ Final Four 20th-Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 13 includes halftime program honoring Jim Larrañaga Colleen Rich Wed, 09/10/2025 - 12:46

The �鶹��Ƶ men’s basketball team will host a 20th-Anniversary Commemoration of its historic run to the 2006 NCAA Final Four on Friday, December 13, when the Patriots face former conference rival Old Dominion at EagleBank Arena.

The weekend will honor the program’s iconic past while also celebrating its present momentum under Final Four starting point guard and current head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06. At halftime of the game, the program will recognize former head coach Jim Larrañaga with a banner that will permanently hang from the arena rafters. He will be joined by members of the 2006 Final Four team, creating a special moment for the George �鶹��Ƶ community to relive one of the most significant chapters in program history.

Fans in attendance will enjoy a number of interactive elements to mark the occasion, including a one-of-a-kind commemorative giveaway, the opportunity to take photos with the Final Four trophy on the concourse, and in-game activations designed to engage Patriots of all ages.

To further mark the milestone, Athletics has unveiled a commemorative 20th Anniversary logo, which will appear on exclusive merchandise, social media campaigns, and storytelling platforms throughout the season. The program also will honor the life and legacy of the late Carolyn Marsh, affectionately known as “The Godmother of George �鶹��Ƶ Basketball,” whose “CM” insignia will be worn by the team to celebrate her lasting impact on the program and community.

The 2006 Patriots made history as the first modern “Cinderella” to reach the NCAA Final Four, capturing the nation’s imagination with upset victories over Michigan State, North Carolina, and top-ranked Connecticut in what is widely considered the greatest Elite Eight triumph in tournament history.

Two starters from that legendary team remain central to the program’s success today. Skinn has led the Patriots to a school-record 47 victories in just two seasons as head coach, including the program’s first-ever Atlantic 10 regular season championship, new records for A-10 league wins (15) and home victories (18), and a return to the conference title game. His teammate Lamar Butler, the 2006 NCAA East Region Most Outstanding Player, continues to contribute as George �鶹��Ƶ’s director of player development, a role he has held since 2023. Together, they embody the lasting legacy of the 2006 run and its continued influence on George �鶹��Ƶ basketball.

Follow Go�鶹��Ƶ.com and @�鶹��ƵMBB on social media for additional announcements and interactive fan elements tied to this milestone celebration.

Patriots United. Together We Thrive

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Massimiliano Albanese named executive director of Institute for Digital Innovation

Colleen Rich — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:07:44 +0000

Massimiliano Albanese named executive director of Institute for Digital Innovation Colleen Rich Wed, 09/10/2025 - 12:07

�鶹��Ƶ has appointed Massimiliano Albanese as executive director of the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA)—a pivotal move as the university strengthens its position as a leader in cutting-edge research and technological advancement.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Albanese, who joined George �鶹��Ƶ in 2011, currently serves as a professor and associate chair for research in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology within the College of Engineering and Computing. For over a decade, he has served as associate director of the Center for Secure Information Systems, where he has played a critical role in shaping the university’s research strategy in cybersecurity and information technology.

A recognized expert in cyberattack modeling and detection, optimal defense strategies, and adaptive security technologies, Albanese brings a deep understanding of digital systems to his new role. His research portfolio includes participation in projects totaling $13 million, six U.S. patents, two books, and 90 peer-reviewed publications. He is a recipient of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Emerging Researcher/Scholar/Creator Award and earned his MS and PhD in computer science and engineering from the University of Naples Federico II, Italy.

“Dr. Albanese is an outstanding leader and researcher who understands the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving progress,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “His depth of expertise in cybersecurity and digital systems, combined with his proven ability to foster interdisciplinary partnerships, makes him uniquely suited for this role. Under his leadership, we look forward to strengthening IDIA’s mission of advancing digital innovation, expanding cross-disciplinary collaboration across the university, and positioning George �鶹��Ƶ as a national leader in solving complex technological challenges.”

Albanese steps into this role at a crucial moment for both George �鶹��Ƶ and the technology landscape—particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. His mission is clear: to drive impact through collaboration and to position George �鶹��Ƶ at the forefront of digital innovation.

“This is a very interesting time to be in this position,” Albanese said. “By connecting digital innovation with AI and other emerging technologies, we can make a real difference—not just at George �鶹��Ƶ, but for the nation and the world.”

AI’s rapid advancement offers tremendous opportunities as well as complex challenges, he said.

Albanese’s vision for IDIA centers on building a culture of collaboration that unites faculty, students, researchers, and external stakeholders. He said he plans to start by strengthening partnerships with the university’s other research centers and institutes.

The university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) provides opportunities to apply digital innovation to critical sectors.

“None of these solutions can be achieved without a collaborative mindset because they are inherently complex and multidisciplinary. We are at a point in time of rapid AI growth that is changing the way we approach everything: AI and digital innovation will play a critical role in advancing GCI.”

Another priority for Albanese is diversifying IDIA’s funding sources in response to tighter federal budgets. He said he intends to strengthen existing partnerships with industry and nonprofits, and develop new public-private collaborations to ensure the institute remains resilient and impactful. He notes that as funding becomes more challenging to secure, the university must become more efficient. And one way to do that is for “IDIA to work closely with other institutes and research centers on campus to increase awareness of who is doing what and join forces to have a better impact.”

Albanese sees IDIA as a critical driver in elevating George �鶹��Ƶ’s reputation as a leading public research university. His strategy includes promoting technology transfer, supporting start-ups, and creating stronger connections between faculty and industry partners to bring innovations from the lab to the marketplace.

“There is a lot of competition to attract students and resources, and we must establish ourselves as the lead,” he said. “IDIA can help put George �鶹��Ƶ at the forefront of research by leveraging our strengths and bringing talented people together to solve big problems.”

Looking ahead, Albanese encourages students and researchers to adopt a problem-driven approach to innovation and become problem solvers. “We should reach out to stakeholders with real-world challenges and develop solutions that truly address those needs.”

By fostering collaboration, driving interdisciplinary research, and forging strong partnerships with industry and government, Albanese aims to position IDIA—and the university—as a national leader in solving complex, real-world problems through technology.

Learn about the Grand Challenge Initiative

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Potomac Health Foundation grant will support expanded community mental health services in Prince William County

Colleen Rich — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:14:21 +0000

Potomac Health Foundation grant will support expanded community mental health services in Prince William County Colleen Rich Mon, 09/08/2025 - 13:14

As executive director of the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William, Martina Jackson Green said many of the needs the nonprofit organization addressed coming out of the pandemic were immediate.

Robyn Mehlenbeck (right) is director of the Center for Community Mental Health. Photo provided

The association provided funding to community organizations and individuals who helped Prince William County residents with paying their rent or resolving food insecurities. While mental health services received some aid, Jackson Green said it has become a priority that residents have access to affordable options.

�鶹��Ƶ’s Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) aims to fill that need. Recently, the CCMH received a grant from the Potomac Health Foundation that will directly support its Stepped Mental Health Care Program.

“Funding for the center is important because there are so many people in the community who need quality care at a rate they can afford,” Jackson Green said. “This center provides accessible care that meets community members where they are. Language, cost, and transportation are often barriers to service. This program has accounted for those barriers. I think the center meets the needs of our community in a lot of ways.”

The three-stepped program from CCMH offers evidenced-based mental health care and provides a free, confidential emotional support line seven days a week with clinicians fluent in Spanish and English. The second step provides skills-based therapy for adults, with a three-session telehealth intervention, which is free for Prince William County residents (along with veterans and George �鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, staff or contractors). Finally, longer-term therapy is available upon referral to children, teenagers, and adults on a sliding pay scale.

In addition to funding services for Prince William County residents, the Potomac Health Foundation grant will also support community outreach, including making presentations, connecting with community leaders, and developing a community advisory board.

“We understand mental health is a huge need in the community,” said Imani Amponsah, senior program officer for the Potomac Health Foundation. “We loved that it was in Spanish and English so that it was bilingual, which we think is very important for our community. Prince William County is home to such a diverse population—it serves a very important need in our community.”

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than 21% of all households in Prince William County reported Spanish as their primary language.

George �鶹��Ƶ psychology professor Robyn Mehlenbeck, who has served as the director of CCMH since 2010, said the emotional support line and the telehealth option is important for many of the center’s Spanish-speaking clients who are hesitant to leave their homes for safety reasons.

On the other side of the phone line and in therapeutic sessions are George �鶹��Ƶ undergraduate and graduate students providing services under the supervision of licensed faculty who are practicing, teaching, or conducting nationally funded research.

Mehlenbeck believes the special hands-on experience students receive by being immersed in the community, especially working with groups such as veterans, will hopefully spur them to pay it forward in the future.

“We have so many people who are so passionate about wanting to get experiences; it is just a win-win,” Mehlenbeck said. “They get real-life experience. So many of our George �鶹��Ƶ students want to give back to the community and we have a developmental trajectory. I think it is incredibly rewarding because I feel very strongly the more we train folks in communities, the more they are likely to give back later on.”

Clinical psychology PhD candidate Patricia Mejia already appears to be on that track. Meijia, who also received her master’s degree from George �鶹��Ƶ, has spent the past three years working at the center in a variety of roles. She is currently the supervisor for the Spanish emotional support line, has served as a student clinician for adults and children in therapeutic sessions, provided psychological assessments, and conducted qualitative interviews for her research.

Mejia says the center has opened her eyes to possibly pursue a career similar to Mehlenbeck’s where she is teaching in higher education while also overseeing a center devoted to community mental health. “Given that I want to wear numerous hats, the clinic really does provide a great training opportunity either for those who know what they want to do and want to get training, or it is a good space for finding yourself,” Mejia said. “Truly, it is a very enriching experience and, importantly, we are able to work with really great community [members] and see the impact we are making on a day-to-day basis.”

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New lab school brings work-based learning to Shenandoah Valley students

Colleen Rich — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:21:54 +0000

New lab school brings work-based learning to Shenandoah Valley students Colleen Rich Thu, 09/04/2025 - 13:21

Commonwealth, public school and higher education leaders joined community members, parents and students Wednesday for the opening of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications (DSCA Lab School).

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears helped kick off the academic year for the new Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School. Photo by Liz Roll Photography

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Virginia Commissioner of Virginia Works Nicole Overley and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears joined George �鶹��Ƶ College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards and school leadership at the Dowell J. Howard Center in Winchester, Virginia, to kick off the school year.

The DSCA Lab School is collaborative partnership between �鶹��Ƶ and Frederick County Public Schools, as well as six rural and rural-fringe school districts in the Shenandoah Valley including Clarke County, Fauquier County, Page County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, and Winchester Public Schools, along with Mountain Vista Governor’s School and Laurel Ridge Community College. The Governing Board of the DSCA Lab School is co-chaired by Edwards and George Hummer, superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools and includes College of Science Chief Business Officer Meghan St. George.

One of 16 Virginia lab schools created by Youngkin and the second for George �鶹��Ƶ, this DSCA Lab School will support 10th- through 12th-grade students through academic programming that fosters data literacy and showcases the latest innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Academic pathways will focus on data science and computing through research opportunities, apprenticeships and internships, experiential and project-based learning, certifications and microcredentials in data analytics, offering opportunities to earn an associate’s degree and college credits, as well as work-based learning.

The George �鶹��Ƶ team with DSCA students. Photo by Liz Roll Photography

In the era of expanding demand for skilled data science professionals, Edwards explained in his remarks that the DSCA Lab School’s innovative data science curriculum offers a real-world, problem-based learning environment with focused educational experiences shaped directly by workforce needs and student interests.

Students will work on specific, student-led research projects with peers, faculty, and other researchers. Mentorship is offered to students throughout the program by Big Data business and industry partners through a choice of work-based experiences to equal a minimum of one high school credit per year. Global and multicultural experiences are integral to the program as well, and students will interact with peers from U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, and developing countries.

The lab schools are part of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Grand Challenge Initiative, showcasing how the university is advancing 21st century education for all, as well as the university’s commitment to workforce readiness.

“With the launch of today’s lab school, even more Virginia high school students in the Shenandoah Valley will be able to seize and benefit from a great educational opportunity catered to their interests.” said Youngkin. “By creating personalized pathways where students can pursue their interests and chase their dreams, we are empowering the next generation with the data-literacy skills they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven workforce.”

“Data science is the fastest-growing industry in Virginia, projected to grow 18.2% in the next five years,” said Secretary Guidera, noting that the lab school will provide critical “exposure, experience and expertise” to Virginia students.

“This school’s distinctive learning approach connecting learning to real-world challenges can drastically enhance students’ educational trajectories,“ Edwards said. “Instead of beginning with theories, students are using data to find answers.” For instance, to determine the safest places in the Shenandoah River for swimming, students could collect and test water samples, analyze the results and interpret their findings.

“In addition to developing students’ data literacy, this learning approach also strengthens competencies of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, the very competencies future employees need to successfully lead,” he added.

DSCA Lab School lead Padhu Seshaiyer, a George �鶹��Ƶ professor of mathematical sciences, explained, “Students from rural and rural-fringe school divisions will gain the expertise needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a data-driven world—empowering a data-literate next-generation workforce prepared for the demands of the modern economy and essential for workforce readiness.”

Learn about George �鶹��Ƶ's Grand Challenge Initiative

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Summer Academy transforms high school students into college-ready researchers

Sarah Holland — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:55:14 +0000

Summer Academy transforms high school students into college-ready researchers Sarah Holland Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:55

When it comes to summer, perhaps the last place many students want to be is back in the classroom. But the students of �鶹��Ƶ’s Early Identification Program (EIP) are, as they say, “built different.”

As part of their commitment to the college access program, EIP students spend three weeks on George �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus every summer attending courses in core academic areas and college preparation seminars.

“We want our students to have the tools and resources they need to make sound decisions about post-secondary options,” said Mia Hines, interim executive director of EIP. “Cultural capital—meaning understanding how the systems of higher education work—is an important part of that.”

Consistent exposure to college campuses and introductions to college offices and resources is one way students develop that “cultural capital.” And for the 11th graders, their penultimate Summer Academy experience is intended to inspire them to see college as a place where they can be empowered to cultivate their curiosity and take ownership of their research interests.

Fares Eloseily, center, with his team's poster presentation. Photo by Rahib Zaman/University Life

The core component of the 11th grade curriculum is the Research and Discovery Seminar, led by Nadeen Makhlouf, instructional faculty in the Honors College. Based on the Honors College first-semester research course HNRS 110 Principles of Research and Inquiry, this three-week seminar gives EIP students the opportunity to identify their interests and figure out what they can do with those interests if they decide to come to George �鶹��Ƶ. Not only are students exposed to the breadth and depth of opportunities available in a post-secondary education environment, but they also get to experience what collegiate-level research looks like.

“When they’re in high school, they are told what to write about. They’re given a prompt, they’re given a question, and then told to write an essay,” said Makhlouf. “In this course, we give them the power to decide. We want them to get a taste of the academic agency they’ll get in college.”

Students complete a survey to identify their interests. They are then placed into groups with other students with similar academic and career interests. Each group decides on a research question and then compiles resources that could support their investigation into that inquiry—courses they could take, labs they could join, skills they would need to develop, and careers they could pursue. They present their findings at a final showcase.

“This is the first time they’ve done something like this,” Makhlouf said, showing the array of posters set up in Dewberry Hall. “They were so excited to see the posters printed. Some of them want to take them home. It’s just such a unique experience for them and really makes them excited about their academic future.”

Edison High School student Fares Eloseily is interested in the intersection of international relations and music “I know what I want to do but didn’t know where that could lead. This project showed me how I could make a career out of the things I’m most passionate about,” he said. His team focused on international affairs and the dynamic between the Global North and South.

"It’s something completely different from what you experience in high school. I’m surrounded by people who are all committed and passionate about what we’re doing. And it’s eye-opening to see how college classes are different from high school,” he said.

A key part of this is peer mentorship, also provided by the Honors College and led by Makhlouf. Current Honors College students offer support and guidance to the EIP students during their Summer Academy experience while gaining valuable leadership skills.

Christine Ziu listens to one EIP student's presentation. Photo by Rahib Zaman/University Life

“These students are just starting to look at colleges, but many of them aren’t sure what they want to do, or what kind of careers are available. This program helps them narrow their focus and shows them what’s possible, while developing their research and collaboration skills,” said peer mentor, Honors College student and cyber security engineering major Christine Ziu. “And it puts them in contact with people like me, who understand their experiences and can help them navigate that scary transition from high school to college as first-generation students.”

For Betzy Balladeres Oviedo, one of the Honors College instructors working with EIP, Summer Academy has been full-circle moment. She began her George �鶹��Ƶ journey as an EIP student, joined the Honors College upon admission to George �鶹��Ƶ, and graduated in 2024 with a BA in social work. In addition to supporting EIP students in the Honors College's Research and Discovery seminar, she served as a program assistant for EIP's Institute of Excellence this summer.

“These students want to succeed for their families, and I definitely saw myself in their shoes,” she said. “EIP alleviated some of the stress I would have faced around applying for and attending college. I think this sort of program, where we show students what college classes and research are like, makes them much more confident.”

Learn more about the Honors College

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�鶹��Ƶ Korea kicks off fall 2025 with convocation

Colleen Rich — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:37:11 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Korea kicks off fall 2025 with convocation Colleen Rich Tue, 09/02/2025 - 12:37

�鶹��Ƶ Korea welcomed its newest class at the Fall 2025 Convocation in the Incheon Global Campus Grand Auditorium, where more than 200 new students, family members, faculty, staff, and current students came together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year.

Students attending �鶹��Ƶ Korea's Convocation. Photo provided

Enrollment rose about 18% this fall, driven by strong interest in such programs as computational and data sciences, business, economics, and the Master of Laws (LLM).

“You represent a truly global cohort, joining classmates from more than 25 nationalities,” Campus Dean Joshua Park told those assembled. “Here, you will experience the best of American higher education through our U.S. campus near Washington, D.C., while also benefiting from the unique advantages of being in Songdo—one of Korea’s most dynamic international cities.”

Angela Kang, associate dean of University Life, emphasized the campus' commitment to student success. “�鶹��Ƶ Korea provides an exceptional environment where students can grow both academically and personally in a global setting that also values Korean traditions,” she said. “Through our First Semester Experience (FSE) program, we help students begin their college journey with confidence and focus.”

�鶹��Ƶ Korea welcomed 200 new students this fall. Photo provided

Student Body President Jimin Choi also shared words of encouragement with the new Patriots: “University is not a place where you simply find all the answers—it’s where you learn to ask the right questions and take on meaningful challenges.”

The �鶹��Ƶ Korea Spirit Awards also were presented to students who showed outstanding leadership and service during Welcome Week—a week of orientation and cultural activities designed to help new students settle into campus life.

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