�鶹��Ƶ Square

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square welcomes three new tech industry tenants

Katarina Benson — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:54:01 +0000

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square welcomes three new tech industry tenants Katarina Benson Fri, 07/18/2025 - 14:54

Three more tenants have moved into �鶹��Ƶ’s state-of-the-art Fuse building at �鶹��Ƶ Square in the Rosslyn-Ballston Innovation Corridor of Arlington, Virginia.

JSI, Corvex, and Oasis Hill strengthen Fuse as a center for collaboration between industry leaders, government, university researchers, and students. All three tenants moved into Fuse this spring.

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square is a 345,000-square-foot technology-focused facility designed to be an innovation community that fosters partnerships and opportunities that accelerate research outcomes into real-world solutions. The private commercial suites, which are adjacent to George �鶹��Ƶ’s Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA) and academic programs in disciplines like computer science and engineering, provide immediate access to leading-edge labs, collaboration zones, and convening spaces, as well as highly activated and curated programs, day and night, for the building’s occupants, visitors, and the wider community.

The new tenants represent diverse sectors crucial to the digital economy:

Based in Chantilly, Virginia, JSI is a trusted provider of AI-enabled digital intelligence solutions deployed in more than 40 countries. JSI’s software is used to expand awareness, surface patterns, and simplify data complexity in support of mission-critical operations. Purpose-built for the evidential requirements of law enforcement, JSI has been helping protect what matters, both domestically and abroad, for more than 45 years.

“Quality and speed matter, and Fuse will accelerate our momentum with academic partners to close today's most pressing mission-critical gaps,” said Josh McKenna, president of JSI USA. “It’s more than a collaboration space; it’s a launchpad for practical, cost-effective innovation that helps clean streets, secure borders, and protect communities.”

Corvex provides accessible computing infrastructure for the entire AI lifecycle. The Corvex AI Cloud enables innovators to train, fine-tune, and inference AI models using the latest generation of supercomputers paired with white-glove support to ensure client success.

"Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square is thriving with innovation. It’s not just the technology focus of the building, but the community of innovators it is attracting," said Jay Crystal, Corvex Co-CEO.

Corvex operates at the absolute cutting edge of hardware and software that powers third-party developers' AI applications. The Corvex team's background in large-scale distributed computing and enterprise-grade software development infuses our community with a unique perspective in the fastest growing segment of the technology industry.

Oasis Hill is an innovation hub that will host pitch competitions, networking events, and accelerate start-ups in the tech marketplace and healthcare AI world. Co-founder Shy Pahlevani has been recognized as one of D.C.’s Top Young Entrepreneurs and Washington Business Journals’ 40 Under 40. He is also the founder of two Arlington start-ups: LiveSafe, which crowdsources safety intelligence, and HUNGRY, an office catering service.

JSI and Oasis Hill are collaborating with George �鶹��Ƶ colleges and programs to offer mentorship to student entrepreneurs, mentorship/internship opportunities, and joint research projects.

“�鶹��Ƶ’s �鶹��Ƶ Enterprise is excited to be partnering with Oasis Hill on a series of tech accelerators focused on vertical markets, including artificial intelligence, biomedical, and more,” said Paula Sorrell, associate vice president for innovation and economic development at George �鶹��Ƶ. “�鶹��Ƶ Enterprise will bring its expertise in running effective technical field accelerators that bridges universities and the community, while Oasis Hill will bring their entrepreneurial energy and subject matter experts to deliver programs based in Fuse in Arlington at �鶹��Ƶ Square.”

“JSI's tenancy in Fuse will accelerate our ability to collaborate on existing and new research endeavors, provide a direct line of tech talent to JSI and facilitate JSI's efforts to create project-based learning opportunities for George �鶹��Ƶ students at �鶹��Ƶ Square,” said Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement at George �鶹��Ƶ.

"The latest cohort of tenants will drive innovation at Fuse, and each brings unique solutions to the market,” said Brian Naumick, managing director at Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. “Fuse allows them unparalleled opportunities and tailored amenities designed to foster greater innovation and collaboration. The experience at Fuse is different, driven by its one-of-a-kind space and unique curated events and experiences planned every day for the benefit of our collaborators.”

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NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room

Katarina Benson — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:59:12 +0000

NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room Katarina Benson Wed, 06/04/2025 - 13:59

�鶹��Ƶ's College of Engineering and Computing announces the opening of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation at Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square.

The E2 Center, the largest of its kind in the United States, engages students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering educational activities. The center was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, powered by the Virginia Department of Energy, a strategic investment in Virginia’s nuclear energy workforce development.

NuScale E2 Centers, including the one at George �鶹��Ƶ, feature a state-of-the-art simulator that replicates a NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) control room. Students at George �鶹��Ƶ will have the unique opportunity to assume the role of a control room operator, engaging with real-life scenarios that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

NuScale control room. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

“This cutting-edge SMR control room simulator will ensure that our students have access to emerging technologies that will drive innovation,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at George �鶹��Ƶ. “Partnerships such as this give our students the tools and education they will need to prepare for the future and become part of Virginia’s dynamic workforce.”

George �鶹��Ƶ is invested in solving humanity’s ultimate grand challenge: securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. As a part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, the simulator is part of George �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to advancing a 21st-century education for all as well as building a climate-resilient society.

The establishment of NuScale’s E2 Center at George �鶹��Ƶ also marks a significant advancement for Virginia's educational landscape, preparing the next generation of nuclear professionals to engage with the evolving energy industry.

"A reliable and increasingly clean energy future is what the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is all about," said Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy. "With this investment alongside world-class higher-education partners at George �鶹��Ƶ and cutting-edge industry leaders at NuScale, we're ensuring Virginia has the energy to power our thriving economy and the expertise to continue leading the nation in innovation, education, and opportunity."

“The opening of NuScale’s E2 Center at George �鶹��Ƶ reinforces our mission to drive innovation in nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “Together, we are shaping a skilled nuclear-ready workforce and fostering a more informed public, providing a strong foundation for the future of clean, reliable energy in Virginia and around the world.”

User in the lab. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square is a 345,000-square-foot facility designed to promote technology, partnerships, and community engagement. The E2 Center, which opened at the end of May, offers opportunities outside the college curriculum, including practical demonstrations and interactive tours for local leaders and K-12 students, to deepen their understanding of nuclear power and the role it plays in providing reliable, clean energy.

In addition to the E2 Center at George �鶹��Ƶ, NuScale has centers at Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Texas A&M, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, South Carolina State University, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and Seoul National University. Learn more about NuScale E2 Centers here.

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George �鶹��Ƶ’s Imaging and Vision Lab illuminates the future of digital production

Teresa Donnellan — Mon, 05 May 2025 19:57:46 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Imaging and Vision Lab illuminates the future of digital production Teresa Donnellan Mon, 05/05/2025 - 15:57

In This Story

Jinwei Ye

At the intersection of imaging, computer graphics, and computer vision, �鶹��Ƶ’s Imaging and Vision Lab is pushing the boundaries of visual technology. Directed by Jinwei Ye, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, the lab explores every stage of the imaging pipeline—from data acquisition to 3D rendering—by designing novel algorithms, imaging systems, and immersive environments.

The lab, which is in Van Metre Hall at �鶹��Ƶ Square, has two new standout technologies in its arsenal: the Light Stage and the Pixel Cube.

The Light Stage—a spherical structure with around 150 LED lights pointing inward along with cameras—uses polarized, Wi-Fi-controlled lighting to create complex illumination patterns. This enables the lab to capture highly detailed 3D models of real-world objects, a capability that’s particularly useful in film, gaming, and robotics.

A student experimenting with Light Stage. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“We put objects in the center and take pictures under different lighting to recover really high-quality 3D models of real physical objects,” said Yufan Zhang, a PhD student working on this project. The Light Stage was fully designed and built by Ye’s students, providing them with a unique, hands-on engineering experience.

The Pixel Cube takes immersion a step further. Comprising 90 LED panels arranged in a cube, the system allows for panoramic simulations—perfect for applications in virtual production such as driving simulators.

“A very intuitive application of it is immersive viewing like a VR experience without using the headset,” said Ye.

But the lab’s ambitions stretch beyond visual hardware. Ye’s team is building a large dataset of everyday objects, intended to support generative AI development for uses ranging from entertainment to robotic training.

A student in the Pixel Cube. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“We’re creating a large 3D model dataset of diverse real-world objects, which can be used as assets either in films or in games or shown to robots,” Ye said.

Collaboration is key to the lab’s impact, added Ye. Her team, focused on advancing computational photography and AI-integrated imaging workflows, remains committed to developing foundational tools for tomorrow’s imaging technologies. They work closely with other George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and industry partners and invite potential collaborators to reach out about interdisciplinary projects in fields such as film studies, video game development, creative visual arts, simulation, and virtual training.

“We really want to make full use of this [equipment], so we want as many people as possible to use it,” said Ye.

With its combination of advanced equipment, collaborative ethos, and dedication to hands-on student involvement, the Imaging and Vision Lab is making George �鶹��Ƶ a destination for next-generation research in computer vision and graphics.

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Carter School’s Spring Peace Week examines “Conflict Resolution in a Changing and Uncertain World”

Katarina Benson — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:35:58 +0000

Carter School’s Spring Peace Week examines “Conflict Resolution in a Changing and Uncertain World” Katarina Benson Wed, 04/09/2025 - 12:35

Since fall 2020, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at �鶹��Ƶ has been hosting Peace Week, a semi-annual event that features a series of roundtables, webinars, and workshops. For Spring Peace Week beginning Monday, April 14, the theme is “Conflict Resolution in a Changing and Uncertain World. Events include lectures, panel discussions, including an event hosted by world-renowned cellist and conductor Diego Carneiro, and the return of the popular fireside chats on the Fairfax Campus.

“In the unprecedented times in which we live, it is more important than ever to find sustainable, nonviolent means of resolving our differences, whether they are between individuals, groups, or nations,” said Carter School dean Alpaslan Özerdem. “Since Peace Week started in the fall of 2020, it has grown to become a tradition at the Carter School, where hundreds of faculty members, guests, students, and attendees from around the world gather to showcase their expertise, learn, and share ideas and stories on a wide range of current and engaging topics.”

A few highlights include:

Monday, April 14, 2-3 p.m., Somalia Governance Capacity Gains: Impacts on Peace and Stability in the Horn of Africa. This session at Van Metre Hall at �鶹��Ƶ Square is presented by the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation and features Somali Ambassador Dahir Hassan. Explore the interplay between improved governance and regional dynamics, addressing both opportunities and challenges.
Tuesday, April 15, 2:30-5 p.m., Science Diplomacy and Peacebuilding: A Negotiation Skills Workshop. This in-person workshop at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., will focus on the connections between the environment, science, and peacebuilding and include a presentation by Professor Silvia Danielak of the Carter School.
Tuesday, April 15, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Book Talk: Chimpanzees, War, and History: Are Men Born to Kill? This virtual session cosponsored by the Genocide Prevention Program at the Carter School, and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology features author Brian Ferguson, who in his book Chimpanzees, War, and History deconstructs efforts to illuminate human warfare via chimpanzee analogy, and provides an alternative anthropological theory grounded in Pan-human contrasts that is applicable to different types of warfare.
Wednesday, April 16, 10:30-noon, Countering Violent Extremism. This virtual session, led by Carter School professor Daniel Rothbart and two master’s degree students, examines how the social psychology of self-righteousness, perceived threats, and outgroup acrimony underpins the violence of most extremist groups. 
Thursday, April 17, noon-1:20 p.m. The World Is My Country film, World Passports & Self-Sovereign IDs. This PBS film screening introduces the audience to Garry Davis, a song and dance man from the Golden Age of Broadway and his amazing adventures with Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.
Thursday, April 17, 1:30-3 p.m. Paths to Peace—A Musical Journey with Diego Carneiro at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus will be a captivating session with world-renowned cellist, conductor, Rotary Peace Fellow, and founder of Orchestrating Peace, Diego Carneiro, as he takes us on a transformative journey through the universal language of music.

All Peace Week events are free and open to the public, although registration is required. For more information and a full list of events, go to the site.

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Daniel Rothbart

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From Portland to Paris to Washington, D.C.: Manar Khalid Al Mahmood’s Journey in Global Affairs

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:03:18 +0000

From Portland to Paris to Washington, D.C.: Manar Khalid Al Mahmood’s Journey in Global Affairs Andrew J Schappert Wed, 03/05/2025 - 14:03

Manar Khalid Al Mahmood is a political science scholar with a truly global perspective. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in political science at �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government, Al Mahmood brings a wealth of international experience, academic rigor, and an unwavering passion for diplomacy and governance.

Manar Khalid Al Mahmood at UNESCO’s headquarters: ‘I wanted to be in the middle of politics. Think tanks, the White House, Congress, everything.’ Photo provided

Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, she completed her undergraduate degree at Portland State University before setting her sights on Washington, D.C., the epicenter of political discourse.

“I wanted to be in the middle of politics,” she said during a Zoom call from her family home in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. “Think tanks, the White House, Congress, everything.”

But before enrolling, she took a detour that led her to the heart of international policy: the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.

Her tenure at UNESCO, the agency that promotes world peace and security through international cooperation, began unexpectedly but turned into a defining chapter of her career. Through the Junior Professional Program, an initiative aimed at increasing representation from underrepresented nations in the UN, she earned a coveted and highly competitive position, with work spanning multiple sectors, in the external relations department, the vital diplomatic arm of the organization.

“I applied not thinking much of it,” she said. “Then lo and behold I got an email saying I have an interview. And then another interview and another interview, and then a written exam. And I started packing for Paris.”

One of her earliest tasks was preparing a briefing for a high-profile meeting between the director-general of UNESCO and King Abdullah of Jordan—a task that underscored both the trust placed in her abilities and the magnitude of the work she undertook. Al Mahmood also played a role in protocol coordination during UNESCO's historic flag-raising ceremony in Paris, attended by then-first lady Jill Biden, an event marking the United States’ return to the organization.

While excelling in her role at UNESCO, she never lost sight of her academic ambitions, and at the end of her contract she decided to earn her degree. She attended Schar School classes remotely, including logging on for synchronous courses complicated by the six-hour time difference with Paris, a testament to her dedication.

Manar Khalid Al Mahmood attends an opera at Paris’ 1875 Palais Garnier. Photo provided

Despite the challenges of remote learning, Al Mahmood remained engaged, often waking up in the middle of the night for discussions and lectures. (“Yeah, boy, it was brutal,” she confided.)

While living in Paris, she founded an English-language philosophy discussion group, inspired by the Socrates Café model, where French and international participants explored diverse perspectives on political and social issues, an initiative that reflects her broader commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

As Al Mahmood embarks on the next phase of her academic journey—finally experiencing George �鶹��Ƶ and Washington, D.C., in person—she looks forward to engaging more deeply with professors, attending policy events, and contributing to intellectual discourse.

“Professor Ellen Laipson always emails us about events that are happening on campus, and I’m always missing them,” she said, referencing the director of the Center for Security Policy Studies. “But I look forward to finally being able to go.”

Al Mahmood is particularly interested in engaging with think tanks, such as the Middle East Institute and the Arab Gulf States Institute, and organizations that align with her regional expertise and aspirations.

With Saudi Arabia undergoing a period of rapid transformation—hosting the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034—Al Mahmood sees a wealth of opportunities ahead. While she is open to international opportunities, she is also keen on contributing to her home country’s evolving role on the world stage, whether through diplomacy, foreign affairs, or international cultural initiatives.

Ready to set foot in �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington, Virginia, this summer, she is eager to immerse herself in the policy landscape firsthand, as well as attending the in-person campus events she had to miss while studying from overseas.

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Ellen Laipson

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Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

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

Best day on the job:

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

What do you like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ:

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

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

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

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New Course Creates Ethical Leaders for an AI-Driven Future

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:04:10 +0000

New Course Creates Ethical Leaders for an AI-Driven Future Andrew J Schappert Tue, 12/10/2024 - 14:04

Jesse Kirkpatrick: ‘The interdisciplinary approach ensures that participants develop insights applicable across public and private sectors, enabling them to lead responsibly in the AI-driven future.’ Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

While the debates continue over artificial intelligence’s possible impacts on privacy, economics, education, and job displacement, perhaps the largest question regards the ethics of AI. Bias, accountability, transparency, and governance of the powerful technology are aspects that have yet to be fully answered.

A new cross-disciplinary course at �鶹��Ƶ is designed to prepare students to tackle the ethical, societal, and governance challenges presented by AI. The course, AI: Ethics, Policy, and Society, will draw expertise from the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS).

The master’s degree-level course begins in spring 2025 and will be taught by Jesse Kirkpatrick, a research associate professor in the CEC, the Department of Philosophy, and codirector of the �鶹��Ƶ Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC).

The course is important now, said Kirkpatrick, because “artificial intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping societal norms, and challenging long-standing ethical frameworks. This course provides critical insights into the ethical, societal, and policy implications of AI at a time when these technologies are increasingly deployed in areas like healthcare, criminal justice, and national defense.”

Debates about bias in AI systems, the governance of autonomous decision-making, and the risks of misinformation “underscore the urgency of equipping students and professionals with the tools to address the opportunities and challenges responsibly,” he added.

This course is designed for students and professionals from diverse fields, including policy, computer science, engineering, law, philosophy, and business.

“Occupations such as AI developers, policymakers, ethicists, legal advisors, and technology strategists will benefit greatly,” Kirkpatrick said. “The interdisciplinary approach ensures that participants develop insights applicable across public and private sectors, enabling them to lead responsibly in the AI-driven future.”

The course is open to George �鶹��Ƶ students and is a core component of the university’s new graduate certificate in Responsible AI, making it an essential step for those pursuing advanced study or leadership roles in ethical AI design and governance.

In addition to critical readings and written assignments, the course incorporates hands-on components such as workshops, interactive discussions, and practical tools includes algorithmic audits, ethical toolkits, and risk management frameworks.

“Students will also engage in scenario-building exercises and present collaborative projects that apply ethical AI principles to real-world challenges,” Kirkpatrick said. “The course also features distinguished guest speakers from academia, industry, and government, providing students with diverse perspectives on AI.”

As a MARC codirector, Kirkpatrick is engaged in “responsible AI” initiatives. “I bring a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience,” he said. “My work spans creating ethical AI frameworks, consulting on AI policy, and teaching at the intersection of ethics, technology, and public policy.

He adds, “This course reflects my commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and tools to address the profound ethical challenges and opportunities posed by AI technologies in society.”

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Jesse Kirkpatrick

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George �鶹��Ƶ’s Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square opens with its commercial launch

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

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

�鶹��Ƶ gave the public its first look at Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ 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 University 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ, was among the speakers to laud the project at the brief ceremony in Arlington. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

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

George �鶹��Ƶ 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. �鶹��Ƶ 75% of the building’s commercial space has been committed.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is enrolled at George �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement who is also the associate dean of George �鶹��Ƶ’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 �鶹��Ƶ's Liza Wilson Durant took questions from the media about the new building. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ’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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Panelists Dive Into Details During a ‘Presidential Election Debrief’ at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:24:03 +0000

Panelists Dive Into Details During a ‘Presidential Election Debrief’ at �鶹��Ƶ Square Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/12/2024 - 15:24

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University Life Arlington Director Melissa Thierry introduces the panel: From left, David Ramadan, Jennifer N. Victor, Terry McAuliffe, and Mark J. Rozell. Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Nearly 120 audience members—more than 30 of them students from the Schar School of Policy and Government’s undergraduate Democracy Lab Learning Community—filled the seats and dined on pizza at �鶹��Ƶ’s �鶹��Ƶ Square Monday evening to hear a panel of Schar School political pundits break down the results of the November 5 elections.

Distinguished Visiting Professor Terry McAuliffe: ‘Twelve of the last 14 [presidential] elections have been change elections.’

The Pizza & Perspectives: 2024 Presidential Election Debrief did not disappoint in providing the promised insights as to how and why national and regional elections transpired the way they did. The 90-minute event can be seen at the Schar School’s YouTube channel.

Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell, the moderator for the discussion, kicked off the event by asking Schar School associate professor Jennifer N. Victor what was different about this election cycle that set it apart from others and could it have lasting impact.

After explaining about political realignments and shifting of consensuses, “this was an anti-incumbent sentiment wave election and that explains how we got here,” Victor said.

Distinguished Visiting Professor and former governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe added that “Twelve of the last 14 [presidential] elections have been change elections. People want to change the person who is in power. Forty percent of the people who voted said their number one issue was the economy and Donald Trump won that by 21 points.

“Twenty percent of those who voted said immigration was the number one issue, and Trump won that by 71 percent…Going into this election was going to be a hard thing for Vice President Harris: 70 percent of Americans thought the country is headed in the wrong direction. Kamala Harris was the partner of Joe Biden. She had a very tough hand to deal with.”

David Ramadan, foreground, and the panelists listen to a question from the audience.

Before taking questions from the audience, Rozell reminded the panel that politics never takes a year off in Virginia and that in 2025 the state will elect a new governor.

“The Democrats will have the advantage next year to win the governor’s mansion in Virginia,” said professor of practice and former state delegate David Ramadan, pointing out that traditionally—with the exception of McAuliffe, who broke the convention—the new governor is aligned with the sitting president’s opposing party.

“But it’s not just that,” he added. “They have the advantage on the ground. They have already chosen their nominee in current Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. The Republicans haven’t made up their mind…Of course, the crazier things that come out of Washington will make it more and more appealing for Democrats to win the gubernatorial election next year.”

Among the lines that received audience applause, McAuliffe announced that during the event he had just received a text message announcing his daughter-in-law—finally, after 10 hours of labor—had given birth to his first grandchild, a boy. (See the announcement at the 32-minute mark on YouTube.)

Also receiving applause was Virginia Delegate Vivian Watts (D-39), the longest-serving woman in the House (she took office in 1996) and current chairman of the finance committee. Watts said she attended to hear the questions from the audience, including those from students, as the questions would reveal additional insights to how the commonwealth’s electorate is responding to the election.

The event was sponsored by George �鶹��Ƶ’s University Life and hosted by University Life �鶹��Ƶ Square. See this page for information about future �鶹��Ƶ Square events in Arlington, Virginia.

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Symposium at �鶹��Ƶ Square brings together education and technology thought leaders

Melanie Balog — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:46:08 +0000

Symposium at �鶹��Ƶ Square brings together education and technology thought leaders Melanie Balog Fri, 11/01/2024 - 14:46

For the second year in a row, �鶹��Ƶ Square was home to a global STEM education symposium organized by mEducation Alliance.

The symposium, STEMtastic Adventures!, held Oct 1-3, was co-sponsored by �鶹��Ƶ's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Global Affairs Program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The alliance, founded by George �鶹��Ƶ alum Anthony Bloome, MA Telecommunications ’96, is a nonprofit organization focused on the evidence-driven and sustainable role of technology in education to advance quality educational outcomes.

Photo by mEducation Alliance.

More than 250 participants from 40+ countries attended the symposium focused on advancing STEM education opportunities, particularly for learners in low-income countries.

Among other attendees and presenters, there were representatives from several Ministries of Education from Africa; major donors and foundations; multilateral and bilateral agency members of the alliance (e.g., USAID, State Department, Peace Corps); and other public and private sector institutions.

Presentations were organized around 17 STEM "track" topics including foundational literacy and numeracy, coding and robotics, youth STEMpreneurs, and advancing peace technology and climate education.

Participants engaged in dynamic sessions, hands-on activities, and exhibitions, such as a "Dolphin Tank" pitch event with U.S. developers and a STEM "Education Village" with 35 exhibitors, including from Arlington County Public Schools.

Keil Eggers, BA Conflict Analysis and Resolution '15, PhD ’24, former Carter School Peace Lab manager, co-led a session on peace technology.

Keynote speakers included senior representatives from the U.S. Department of State, Amazon Web Services, and Code.org along with George �鶹��Ƶ faculty members Charles Davidson, director of research and practice, Center for Peace Tech, and Kenneth Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.

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Symposium at �鶹��Ƶ Square brings together education and technology thought leaders

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