workforce

George �鶹��Ƶ partners with the Fairfax County Health Department to support employees in earning public health certificates and degrees

Shayla Brown — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:34:51 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ partners with the Fairfax County Health Department to support employees in earning public health certificates and degrees  Shayla Brown Fri, 01/16/2026 - 10:34

In This Story

Marybeth Mitcham, PhD, MPH

Sarah Liu, MPH

�鶹��Ƶ has partnered with the Fairfax County Health Department to provide current FCHD employees with the opportunity to complete public health certificates. Some employees are going a step further and earning their master’s degrees in public health fields.

Photo by Getty Images.

“This partnership between George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health and the Fairfax County Health Department reflects a shared commitment to supporting the people who protect and promote our community’s health," said Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health. "By investing in public health professionals with strong local roots and proven training, we are strengthening the workforce that serves Northern Virginia every day and building a healthier future for all who live here.”

This partnership with FCHD is another example of George �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to improving health and well-being, not just for community members, but for the workers who serve the community.

Since the partnership began in 2019, 46 students have enrolled to earn their certificates. Of the cohorts that have completed the certificate, 57% have gone on to earn their MPH from George �鶹��Ƶ.

Sarah Liu. Photo provided.

Sarah Liu, BS Community Health ‘17, is the Department of Global and Community Health MPH program coordinator as well as the program coordinator for the FCHD partnership.

Liu describes the partnership as an outgrowth of FCHD’s commitment to the continuing education of its medical professionals. The students’ tuition is covered by the county.

“We help the certificate students register for classes, and they're immersed with other students. A lot of our students are working professionals, so we offer classes that can more easily fit into their schedule,” said Liu.   

It was Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health for Fairfax County who reached out to Robert M. Weiler, senior associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Public Health, about the partnership. Weiler was chair of the Department of Global and Community Health at the time. 

“The certificate requires students to complete 18 core credits or six classes. They’re taking most of the same courses as the students in the classes in the Department of Global and Community Health master’s programs, so they have opportunities to get to know all the students,” Liu said.  

Salisa Sathityudhakarn works for FCHD as a school health aide assigned to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)  and has worked in the healthcare industry for 11 years. 

“I provide basic healthcare for sick and injured students includes emergency care, administering daily medication, or when necessary, giving EpiPen for allergic reactions and albuterol for asthma attacks,” said Sathityudhakarn, who started with the program in fall of 2024. “I also conduct vision and hearing screenings for the students as well as handle the admin responsibilities.” 

Salisa Sathityudhakarn. Photo provided.

Sathityudhakarn, who previously earned degrees in communication and mental health counseling, said her favorite course was GCH 609 Community Assessment and Partnerships with Marybeth Mitcham. “She created a very supportive learning environment. I see her as a role model and her lessons just made me want to learn more,” Sathityudhakarn said.   

“Through this certificate program, I have learned different aspects of public health. I’m looking forward to applying the knowledge I have learned to my current role as a school health aide and to better serve FCHD, my school, my students and their families, as well as new endeavors in public health,” said Sathityudhakarn. 

Employees who have worked in the health department for at least one year are eligible to participate in the program. 

Liu and Addo-Ayensu are currently working together to expand the partnership and allow more FCHD workers to take advantage of educational opportunities such as this. 

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Community Engagement

Certificate Programs

Department of Global and Community Health

Students

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George �鶹��Ƶ secures $1.5M to launch cutting-edge AI data center research lab

Martha Bushong — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:02:47 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ secures $1.5M to launch cutting-edge AI data center research lab Martha Bushong Thu, 01/15/2026 - 07:02

�鶹��Ƶ is taking a major step toward advancing clean energy and digital infrastructure innovation with the launch of the Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab at �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank and Virginia Energy. The $1.5 million grant establishes a first-of-its-kind research and workforce development initiative and positions the commonwealth as the national leader in grid-interactive, AI-driven digital infrastructure.

Liling Huang, lab director (center) cuts ribbon of the Virginia AI Data Center research lab. Other guests (from left) Micah Till, Andre Marshall, Dean Ken Ball, Glenn Davis, and Jennifer Andos. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Why Virginia

Virginia sits at the center of the world’s digital infrastructure, hosting the largest concentration of data centers globally and supporting mission-critical cloud, AI, and national security operations. The rapid emergence of AI-driven workloads has dramatically increased power demand, grid complexity, and the need for a highly skilled workforce.

As AI workloads surge, Virginia utilities face unprecedented interconnection requests and a shortage of engineers and technicians skilled in AI computation, power systems, cooling, and clean energy integration.

“We are on the frontlines to see how data centers, and in particular AI use, are changing the power grid and the information available to those who rely on it—both as the owners of underlying infrastructure and end users ourselves,” said Micah Till, manager, electric transmission system protection engineering, Dominion Energy Virginia. “George �鶹��Ƶ is an important partner for us in that. The work here will allow stakeholders across our nation to proactively and collaboratively work toward the smooth adoption and integration of clean energy and AI data center technologies.”

Workforce Development and Research Goals

The Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab will provide hands-on training for George �鶹��Ƶ students, K–12 and community college programs, industry-led workforce development and certification, and internship and apprenticeship pipelines. It will promote joint research and development projects with utilities, data centers, and leading institutions. It will enable real-world experimentation on critical infrastructure challenges, including grid-responsive AI workload management, power quality and harmonics optimization, thermal-electrical interactions, small modular reactor and renewable energy integration, and data center resilience and energy efficiency.

The facility will generate Virginia's first publicly available open-source dataset capturing real data center electrical and thermal telemetry—data that is not commercially available—enabling statewide research and innovation that will benefit universities, utilities, and industry partners.

George �鶹��Ƶ professor Liling Huang speaks with Glenn Davis, director of the Virginina Department of Energy (right) and Andre Marshall, George �鶹��Ƶ's vice president for research, innovation, and economic development. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Voices from Partners and Leadership

“Virginia Energy’s investment in George �鶹��Ƶ’s Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab underscores our commitment to pairing world-class digital infrastructure with smart, sustainable energy systems,” said Glenn Davis, the director of the Virginia Department of Energy. “By combining AI, advanced data center technology, and grid-interactive research in an open, university-based platform, this project helps ensure that Virginia continues to advance our clean energy and workforce goals. Virginia didn’t become the data center capital of the world by accident. We earned it. And labs like this one are how we keep earning it.”

“We are honored to receive this support from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank and Virginia Energy to launch the Virginia AI Data Center Research Lab,” said Ken Ball, dean of George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Engineering and Computing. “This lab will give our students, faculty, and partners access to state-of-the-art AI and data center infrastructure, enabling cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and open-source data resources that will help secure George �鶹��Ƶ’s and Virginia’s positions as global leaders in digital infrastructure and energy innovation.”

Powering Artificial Intelligence

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Artificial Intelligence

Energy

Electrical Engineering

From Navy technician to Micron Technology: How Nano Boot Camp helped one veteran launch a semiconductor career

ckearney — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:29:37 +0000

From Navy technician to Micron Technology: How Nano Boot Camp helped one veteran launch a semiconductor career ckearney Wed, 01/07/2026 - 15:29

For seven years, Charles Stewart’s world revolved around highly technical Navy systems, such as combat systems, anti-ship missile defense operations, radar-jamming technology, and electronic intelligence. In civilian life, he needed to find out how his skills could carry over.

Charles Stewart at Micron Technology. Photo provided

“I’d always been a technician,” said Stewart. “But I didn’t fully understand semiconductor technology. I knew I wanted something different, but I wasn’t sure which way to go.”

After leaving the Navy in 2013, Stewart moved into information technology and infrastructure roles. His days were spent making sure key systems didn’t go offline. The experience taught him how to read a problem quickly and respond with the kind of calm focus the job required. Along the way, he earned an associate’s degree in information systems technology from Northern Virginia Community College before completing his bachelor of applied science degree at �鶹��Ƶ in 2023, where his concentration focused on cloud computing.

It was that blend of precision and technical experience that made Stewart a strong fit for Nano Boot Camp, George �鶹��Ƶ’s free week-long training program that introduces veterans, career changers, and emerging talent to the fundamentals of semiconductor manufacturing.

“The Navy is all about maintaining equipment that can’t fail,” said Stewart. “Everything comes down to attention to detail. Nano Boot Camp brought all of that together, from the science and the process to the hands-on work.”

Charles Stewart (center, blue suit) on a tour of Micron Technology in Manassas with his Nano Boot Camp cohort. Photo provided

The program is taught in George �鶹��Ƶ’s Nanofabrication Facility (NFF) on the Science and Technology Campus, which anchors the Innovation District created in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas. Both Nano Boot Camp and the Innovation District are supported through GO Virginia funding, which helps expand workforce training initiatives that meet industry needs and create opportunities that help attract and retain top talent in the region. Nano Boot Camp is one example of that investment in action.

Time in the NFF gave Stewart a better sense of the field. It helped him notice which roles matched his strengths.

“Once I got into the lab and started doing the work myself, it kind of shifted,” said Stewart. “I didn’t feel like a student at that point. I felt like someone who could do the job.”

On the final day of Nano Boot Camp, participants visited Micron Technology. The company is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, creating more than 1,200 jobs in the City of Manassas. This visit was transformative for Stewart.

“You get to see the robots, the equipment, the scale,” said Stewart. “It’s a very cool place to be.”

During the tour, he spoke with managers, engineers, and workforce development staff. He walked away with contacts and, soon after, an interview.

“I’ve always been good at fixing things,” said Stewart. “My resume showed reliability, readiness, and technical consistency across every environment I’ve stepped into.”

Micron agreed. The job offers him a foothold in a field he once knew little about.

“We see real value in training pathways that immerse people in the actual work they’ll be doing from day one,” said Michael Guttman, a strategic program manager at Micron. “What makes Nano Boot Camp stand out is its hands-on approach. Participants don’t just learn concepts; they practice real-world tasks and experience the expectations long before they apply.”

Micron’s experience reflects the kind of positive attention George �鶹��Ƶ’s program is receiving, including from Virginia leadership.

“Advanced manufacturing is accelerating statewide, and that brings both potential and urgency,” said Megan Healy, senior vice president of talent and workforce strategy at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “George �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to developing targeted, industry-aligned training shows how education and economic development can work hand-in-hand to prepare Virginians for the jobs waiting for them.”

For Stewart, Nano Boot Camp was more than an educational experience. His story shows why efforts that connect universities with industry partners matter, and he hopes to see more of them introduced.

“Programs like Nano Boot Camp build real connections with employers,” said Stewart. “They attract veterans, career changers, and people from the trades who perform well under pressure and are looking for new opportunities.”

He urges anyone interested in the camp to come ready to learn. Pieces of that training continue to follow him into each new step of his career.

“It gave me a sense of purpose,” said Stewart. “Now I know where I’m supposed to be.”

Topics

Alumni

Science and Technology Campus

Nanofabrication Facility

workforce

Military

Innovation District

Mini career fair helps neurodivergent students build job search skills

ckearney — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:01:51 +0000

Mini career fair helps neurodivergent students build job search skills ckearney Tue, 01/06/2026 - 16:01

A mini career fair in October brought together 17 students and nine employer partners for a networking experience designed with intention: a quieter, structured environment where neurodivergent students could practice professional skills without the sensory overload of a conventional career event.

The mini career fair gave students space to rehearse their personal pitches, ask questions, and receive individualized feedback. Photo provided

Hosted by �鶹��Ƶ’s �鶹��Ƶ Autism Support Initiative (MASI) and the Executive Functioning Program (EFP) in Disability Services, in collaboration with University Career Services (UCS), the event gave students space to rehearse their personal pitches, ask questions, and receive individualized feedback.

Employers from organizations including Fairfax County Government, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Melwood, BroadFutures, and the Organization for Autism Research’s Hire Autism Program met students and offered insight into job opportunities, workplace culture, and accessibility. The focused, calm, and conversational tone made it clear that this was not simply a recruitment event; it was an environment engineered for confidence-building.

MASI and EFP created the fair in response to a familiar challenge: large crowded networking events often obscure rather than illuminate opportunity, particularly for neurodivergent students. Here, students moved through a sequence of core skills, including introducing themselves, articulating employment goals, presenting a résumé, and posing targeted questions. Employers responded with candid, practical feedback rooted in real workplace expectations.

The approach worked. Sharon Toda, EFP assistant director, noted that 60% of students reported encountering no obstacles during their interactions—an uncommon statistic for a group that frequently names career fairs as particularly stressful events. For those who did describe challenges, such as uncertainty about how to introduce themselves or what information employers might want, staff emphasized that these moments are exactly the point: The fair exists to make the unfamiliar navigable.

Employer enthusiasm matched student engagement. According to Toda, several employer partners were “pleasantly surprised by the university’s initiative to support individuals with disabilities,” and one partner was motivated enough by the experience to help recruit an additional employer for future fairs. Their participation reflected a shared understanding that access and preparation are not separate goals but mutually reinforcing ones.

First piloted in the spring 2025 semester, the MASI/EFP mini career fair continues to evolve through close collaboration with employer partners and Ann Garner, a Career Services advisor. Participants also had access to a preparation workshop, led by UCS career advisor Zakeyah Frazier.

The fair echoes George �鶹��Ƶ’s broader mission of inclusion and creates yet another path for student success. By shaping the environment around students’ needs and engaging employers committed to accessible hiring, MASI and EFP turned a standard career interaction into something intentional and empowering. The mini career fair is set to return in April 2026.

To learn more about Disability Services’ programming and events, visit ds.gmu.edu.

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Students

inclusive excellence

University Career Services

job fair

workforce

University Life

Movers and Shakers Mixer connects George �鶹��Ƶ students with industry leaders

lclarkg — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:46:41 +0000

Movers and Shakers Mixer connects George �鶹��Ƶ students with industry leaders lclarkg Wed, 11/05/2025 - 12:46

�鶹��Ƶ students recently gathered with leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector at Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square for an evening of mixing, mingling, and making connections. The annual Movers and Shakers Mixer introduces George �鶹��Ƶ undergraduate and graduate students to professionals in a variety of career fields.

For students who are new to �鶹��Ƶ Square, the event is also a great opportunity to connect with fellow Patriots.

The annual Movers and Shakers Mixer introduces George �鶹��Ƶ students to professionals in a variety of career fields. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Caroline Kung, a student pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, aspires to be a software engineer at an aerospace company, such as Boeing or Lockheed Martin.

“It sounded like a great opportunity to meet other graduate students as well as community leaders in the area,” she said. “I’ve just started my program this fall, and I’m glad to have the chance to meet more people face to face.”

During the event, Kung spoke with the director of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, and an external affairs representative from Dominion Energy.

“They were both very welcoming and happy to tell me more about their work. It was great to learn more about a new industry and other people’s career paths,” stated Kung.

Kung was also one of five attendees selected in a raffle to receive a one-on-one networking lunch with an industry leader.

George �鶹��Ƶ alumnus Erick Arrivillaga, a first-year student at the Antonin Scalia Law School, also attended the event to expand his professional network. Arrivillaga graduated with a BS in criminology, law and society and a BA in government and international politics in 2024.

The aspiring criminal defense attorney met senior leaders from the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council and Arlington County government.

“I enjoyed meeting all the leaders at the event. They gave us valuable insight into their careers,” Arrivillaga said.

The Movers and Shakers Mixer gives students an opportunity to connect with leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

For Shaye Dietrich, BS Criminology, Law and Society ’24, Movers and Shakers was the starting point of her career in law enforcement. As a student at last year’s event, she met several area professionals, including representatives from the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.

“I spoke with the deputies and told them about my career goals,” Dietrich said. “They had an upcoming academy and encouraged me to apply.”

Following graduation, Dietrich completed 10 weeks of training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. She now serves as a deputy at the Arlington County Detention Facility.

This year, Dietrich returned to Movers and Shakers—as a representative of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office—to share her experience and inspire fellow Patriots.

More about Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square

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Costello hosts first AI Symposium

Katelynn C Hipolito — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:30:55 +0000

Costello hosts first AI Symposium Katelynn C Hipolito Tue, 10/28/2025 - 12:30

On Wednesday, October 22, the Costello College of Business at �鶹��Ƶ welcomed students and members of the local business community to its first-ever Artificial Intelligence Symposium, held on the Fairfax Campus. Sponsored by NABA and Deloitte, the event featured two dynamic panel discussions focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workforce.

(Left to Right) Dean Ajay Vinzé, Patrick Soleymani, BS ’07, MBA ’09, Cheryl Druehl, Tasha Austin-Williams, James Suh, Amarda Shehu, Rajiv Shenoy, Guylaine Sainte Juste, BA ’94. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business.

As the lights dimmed, attendees were greeted by an AI-generated voice, setting the tone for the evening: “The future isn’t written by algorithms. It’s co-authored by people bold enough to lead them.”

Following the introduction, Patrick Soleymani, BS Management ’07, MBA ’09, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement and emcee for the evening, framed the significance of the event. “Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging concept—it's a transformative force shaping every industry, discipline, and leadership decision,” he said. “Tonight’s program brings together leading voices from academia and industry to discuss how AI is changing the way we work, learn, and lead.”

“Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging concept—it's a transformative force shaping every industry, discipline, and leadership decision.”

— Patrick Soleymani, BS Management ‘07, MBA ‘09, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement

The first panel focused on the technological implications of AI. Moderated by Cheryl Druehl, senior associate dean for faculty affairs and research, the discussion featured Rajiv Shenoy, partner and associate director at Boston Consulting Group; and James Suh, CTO/CIO of NABA, Inc. and CEO and co-founder of Nashville Analytics, LLC. Both Shenoy and Suh emphasized the importance of analyzing threats, challenges, and opportunities within the organization that AI would be addressing. “AI can’t compete with human creativity,” said Shenoy. However, he said, using AI is critical to upskilling, and those unwilling to embrace the technology will eventually be replaced. Suh shared that at NABA they strive to hire hyper curious employees.

“Now we turn our focus to the people, policy, and leadership implications of AI adoption,” said Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Costello College of Business, who moderated the second panel that featured Tasha Austin-Williams, principal at Deloitte; Guylaine Sainte Juste, BA International Relations ’94, president and CEO, NABA Inc.; and Amarda Shehu, inaugural vice president and chief AI officer, �鶹��Ƶ. Acknowledging that one person cannot be an expert at everything, Sainte Juste noted, “This technology will move us from a world of expertise to a world of adaptability.” Shehu shared that George �鶹��Ƶ has worked closely with students, faculty, and staff to provide access to AI tools in a secure and user-friendly environment, with a strong emphasis on innovative curriculum development.

The message of the evening was clear: The era of AI is here. Now is the time to embrace this transformative technology and integrate it into skillsets, leadership strategies, and educational frameworks. “Whether you’re in academia, business, or government, the future of AI requires bold thinking, inclusive design, and ongoing collaboration,” Soleymani said in closing. The Costello College of Business is committed to convening thought leaders and equipping students and faculty with the tools to not only keep pace with AI—but to lead with it.

(Left to Right) Rajiv Shenoy, Amarda Shehu, Dean Ajay Vinzé, Tasha Austin-Williams, Julia Coulter, Patrick Soleymani, Guylaine Sainte Juste, Cheryl Druehl, James Suh. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business.

Learn more about AI at George �鶹��Ƶ

In This Story

Patrick Soleymani

Cheryl Druehl

Ajay Vinzé, PhD

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Costello College of Business News

Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair

Katarina Benson — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:56:29 +0000

Confidence meets opportunity at Fall 2025 Career Fair Katarina Benson Thu, 10/23/2025 - 16:56

Over the three days of this fall’s Career Fair, more than 5,000 �鶹��Ƶ students filled Dewberry Hall in sharp professional attire and with polished résumés in hand—ready to take the next step toward their careers.

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Career Fair, held each fall and spring semester, is the university’s largest on-campus recruiting event, connecting students with representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. The event offers students opportunities to explore internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions across a range of industries.

Wilkerson and fellow staff members at the career fair. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

“These are opportunities to get right in front of the employers,” said Phillip Wilkerson, employer engagement consultant at University Career Services (UCS). “I like to tell students this is not a place where you can automatically get a job or a magic ticket; it’s a great way to build relationships, get business cards, and stay in touch.”

While the fair is about connections, success begins long before students step into Dewberry Hall. University Career Services offers one-on-one advising to help students refine résumés, craft cover letters, and practice introductions before the career fair.

“Confidence comes with preparation,” Wilkerson said. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you are.”

A students converses with an employer. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Mary Claire Kraft, employer outreach manager for University Career Services, recommended that students research before the fair to be even more prepared. “Number one, check Handshake, George �鶹��Ƶ’s job search web site,” she said. “When students meet an employer they’re interested in, they can then share one thing they already know about them.”

Each day of the fair is focused on a different area or industry. Day one was focused on science, technology, engineering and health; day two was a general day for all companies; and day three was mainly attended by business, government, education and nonprofit organizations.

Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore majoring in management information systems, approached the fair with an open mindset, something she credits with helping her make the most of the fair. “I think it’s important not to limit yourself, even if you have a specific major,” she said. “There are benefits to attending all days of the Career Fair.”

First-year student Lilliana Russell attended her first fair this fall eager to learn. The civil and infrastructure engineering major arrived early with a list of employers to meet and a curiosity about what her field has to offer. “I’m really just trying to scope out what the different companies in my field are and maybe score an internship,” she said.

Students meet with potential employers. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Russell added that her nerves faded once she began speaking with recruiters. “Once I got to know everyone and saw how excited they were to talk with students, I let go of any preconceived notions I had about the event,” she said.

University Career Services hosts a wide variety of career fairs throughout the year. Students can keep the momentum going a Clearance Ready event on October 28 at noon. Engineering Careers Week kicks off November 10. Learn more about these and other career opportunities.

Learn more about internships at George �鶹��Ƶ

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Students

Center for Community Mental Health partnership provides behavioral health training

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:33:19 +0000

Center for Community Mental Health partnership provides behavioral health training Katarina Benson Wed, 10/15/2025 - 17:33

Since 2010, the Center for Community Mental Health’s (CCMH) mission has been twofold: train �鶹��Ƶ students to become behavioral health care professionals, and provide evidence-based, accessible, and affordable mental health care to members of the Northern Virginia community.

The center’s latest partnership checks both boxes.

From left: Claude Moore Opportunities CEO Bill Hazel, George �鶹��Ƶ Center for Community Mental Health director Robyn Mehlenbeck, ConnerStrong Foundation president and founder Tom Worosz, and George �鶹��Ƶ PhD student Lucy McClellan. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/CHSS

The center, in conjunction with nonprofits Claude Moore Opportunities and the ConnerStrong Foundation, hosted a four-day training in September led by Sources of Strength, a nationally renowned, evidence-based suicide prevention program, for nearly 30 trainees, including more than 20 George �鶹��Ƶ students. The goal is for the Sources of Strength curriculum to be implemented in local schools across Virginia, to improve mental health among youth populations.

“This was an incredible opportunity to bring together impactful partners to meet both aspects of our mission,” CCMH director Robyn Mehlenbeck said, “to be an integral part of expanding the youth mental health workforce here in Virginia while also providing our George �鶹��Ƶ undergrads some really unique opportunities to both be trained and then credentialed to give them career paths.”

In addition to the Sources of Strength training, 12 Youth Mental Health Corps members through Serve Virginia, and seven Youth Mental Health AmeriCorps members—all George �鶹��Ƶ or Rappahannock Community College students—are participating in a two-semester course at George �鶹��Ƶ titled Special Topics: Supporting the Youth Mental Health Workforce. By taking the course, all 19 students will meet requirements for state certification.

George �鶹��Ƶ students receive Sources of Strength training at the Center for Community Mental Health. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/CHSS

Five of the AmeriCorps students and the 12 Youth Mental Health Corps students will seek certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee through George �鶹��Ƶ. Two Youth Mental Health AmeriCorps members will receive certification as a Behavioral Health Technician Assistant through Rappahannock Community College. Both certifications are through the Virginia State Board of Counseling and provide more job options for these students.

“It is an exciting opportunity through multiple lenses,” said Lucy McClellan, a George �鶹��Ƶ clinical psychology PhD candidate who is teaching the course. “There is an ongoing youth mental health crisis. Engaging these motivated and passionate students will be a step toward addressing that. It can be challenging to find mental health service experience as an undergraduate so this experience is really integral.”

Bill Hazel serves as the CEO of Claude Moore Opportunities, which, in collaboration with Danville Community College and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, sponsored the seven AmeriCorps members. Hazel was previously the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources and senior advisor for innovation and community engagement at George �鶹��Ƶ.

Since leaving his role as the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources in 2014, Hazel jokes he has been on his atonement tour to address all the areas he “couldn’t or didn’t fix” while in his post. He said lack of “meaningful support” through behavioral health care remains a growing issue, especially for younger generations.

“What is important about this group is they are a potential workforce to deliver the service,” Hazel said. “When you get to be a certain age, maybe you lose touch with the younger generation. These trainees are as near to peers as you can get to dealing with teens. Our hope is that this training will be personally beneficial, as they look at their own situations and their own goals in life and that it will provide them career opportunities they will enjoy.”

George �鶹��Ƶ students and AmeriCorps members before Sources of Strength training at the Center for Community Mental Health. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/CHSS

Tom Worosz, president and founder of the ConnerStrong Foundation, has sponsored Sources of Strength training and implementation in approximately 20 schools in Virginia. Worosz founded the ConnerStrong Foundation in 2017 after his son, Conner, died by suicide at 17. The foundation’s mission is to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention and to change the discussion about mental health, especially for teenagers and young adults. The foundation has partnered with the CCMH for the last five years.

With the ConnorStrong Foundation, Mehlenbeck and George �鶹��Ƶ clinical psychology students hold monthly virtual workshops for parents of school-aged children from K-12 that are available throughout the school year. The workshops address a variety of topics, including domestic violence, social media, artificial intelligence, and graduation.

“Through finding like-minded people in our community—[CCMH] director Robyn Mehlenbeck, her team, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences dean Ann Ardis, Dr. Hazel and his staff over at Claude Moore Opportunities—and others who want to change the way we address mental health, we cover all age groups, but especially getting to our kids early and often has been a blessing,” Worosz said.

Grand Challenge Initiative

Discover how George �鶹��Ƶ research is tackling the greatest obstacles facing humankind. Our Grand Challenge Initiative seeks to focus our multidisciplinary research strength to create bold solutions for a changing world. Learn more.

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workforce

Claude Moore

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Center for Community Mental Health

GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

Students

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

lclarkg — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success lclarkg Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05

The Career Influencers Network at �鶹��Ƶ empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The network exemplifies George �鶹��Ƶ’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George �鶹��Ƶ to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George �鶹��Ƶ, and share career resources with students.

“Campus partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George �鶹��Ƶ’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George �鶹��Ƶ students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. �鶹��Ƶ 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

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George �鶹��Ƶ pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum

Katarina Benson — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:01:23 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum Katarina Benson Fri, 10/03/2025 - 15:01

Quantum science may operate at the tiniest scales of the universe, but its potential to reshape our world is anything but small. This summer, �鶹��Ƶ hosted the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program, preparing high school students for careers in the rapidly emerging field of quantum science.

The program welcomed rising seniors from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Virginia for an immersive, two-part experience consisting of a two-week virtual course covering the fundamentals of quantum science, followed by an in-person week centered at the George �鶹��Ƶ Fairfax Campus. During the in-person experience students engaged with hands-on learning and saw how quantum concepts are already shaping the world around them. They also visited leading institutions in research, technology, and policy.

Program leads Nancy Holincheck and Jessica Rosenberg. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

“Before this experience, I always associated 'quantum' with quantum physics,” said participant Benjamin Fu. “But I’ve learned that quantum technologies power many of the applications and systems we rely on every day.”

The program is led by Jessica Rosenberg, professor of Physics and Astronomy and director of education at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, and Nancy Holincheck, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and associate director of the Center for Social Equity Through Science Education.

"We want to give the students a feel for why it is interesting and important so that they consider taking that next step in a field that can be challenging," said Rosenberg. "If we can get these students interested, there will be plenty of time for them to dive into the math and other details that you need to really pursue the field. We also make sure to introduce them to a lot of people with a lot of different backgrounds and experiences to show them the variety of ways they can engage with and make an impact in the field."

Both Rosenberg and Holincheck guided students this summer through interactive sessions and field experiences, with many participants citing the visits as a highlight of their experience. For Fu, the visit to the MITRE Corporation, an organization that manages federally funded research and development, left a lasting impression.

“I met so many working professionals, and I admire their curiosity and how well they communicate their expertise,” he said. “They have to work closely with government agencies and serve as a bridge between academic research and real-world policy, and I could definitely see myself doing something like that in the future.”

2025 Quantum Pathways Program participants. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

Fellow participant Laura De also liked visiting MITRE. “I’m interested in industry-based applications of quantum and so seeing how people in the workforce implement the technologies, outside of academia, was the coolest thing. I think seeing that helped me envision doing that in the future.”

Participant Colette Cookson described the visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as the highlight of the program, where she witnessed aerospace engineering in action and saw the massive machinery used in final-stage rocket testing. The students were shown how the facility uses vibration, sound, and extreme temperatures to ensure a rocket is sound before sending it to space. “I didn’t realize how many people were involved in making a single launch possible and that each step had its own specialist come in to do their part. There’s a lot of collaboration and interdisciplinary work,” she said.

Rosenberg and Holincheck also took participants through George �鶹��Ƶ’s labs and let them see some of the work being done by current George �鶹��Ƶ students.

Participant Horayn Gibson uses a handheld spectrometer to look at the different light waves that make up helium. Photo by Kimberly Cruz-Cruz

“I had no idea George �鶹��Ƶ had so many resources or was investing this much in STEM,” said Cookson. “Every lab we visited was amazing, and it was cool to hear the postdocs talk about their research. One was working on something they said they hoped could cure cancer.”

For Avanthika Thodupunuri, the most exciting part was meeting current George �鶹��Ƶ students whose research connected with her own interests. “I want to know how quantum can be applied to the stock market, and one student was working on a physics-based study in that area,” she said. “This program was incredible. I was surrounded by people who were not only incredibly smart, but also genuinely curious, asking thoughtful questions and interested in the subject.”

The Quantum Pathways Immersion program is part of QSEC’s K12 Quantum Workforce Development Project, which was funded by an appropriation sponsored by former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton and aims to inspire the next generation of students to pursue the field while simultaneously preparing a diverse quantum workforce in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

“As the next generation, I think everyone is going to want to at least have some basic understanding [of quantum], and this program definitely gives you a head start on it,” said Thodupunuri.

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