Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square recognized for environmental impact and sustainable design

Colleen Rich — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:53:52 +0000

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square recognized for environmental impact and sustainable design Colleen Rich Wed, 11/05/2025 - 14:53

�鶹��Ƶ’s Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square was among the projects cited when Edgemoor Infrastructure and Real Estate received national recognition for industry leadership and sustainable development.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The 345,000-square-foot digital innovation hub, where a celebration was held in late September to introduce the community to the building, earned the Environmental Impact Award at the Annual P3 (Public Private Partnership) Awards in New York City.

“We are proud and deeply honored that Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square has been recognized with this award,” said Liza Wilson Durant, the associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement at George �鶹��Ƶ and director of the Northern Virginia Node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI). “This prestigious recognition reaffirms our bold commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible stewardship in campus development. In partnership with Edgemoor and other collaborators, we have reinforced George �鶹��Ƶ’s vision of our campuses as living laboratories where infrastructure itself can teach, inspire, and scale sustainable practices.”

According to the competition judges, Fuse is “a highly commendable higher-education project that delivers exemplary environmental performance.” It was specifically praised for its cutting-edge approach to sustainability in design, construction, and operations. The building is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification and is net-zero ready, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious campus facilities.

“Receiving this high-level recognition is a tremendous source of pride and a clear testament to the groundbreaking work of the Fuse team and all of our partners,” said Edgemoor Managing Director Brian Naumick. “While the quality of the project is its own reward, formal acknowledgment from our industry peers and partners proves Fuse is truly leading the market for sustainability and resiliency.”

Adding to its sustainability achievements, Fuse earned a Fitwel 2 Star Rating, marking a first for George �鶹��Ƶ. Fitwel recognizes facilities that enhance quality of life through design and operational strategies that promote physical, mental, and social health.

Conveniently located at the center of the Rosslyn–Ballston corridor, Fuse serves as a state-of-the-art tech hub digital innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The building, which welcomed students this semester, features specialized labs for robotics and virtual reality and data visualization, as well as office spaces, retail, and co-working areas to foster collaboration and innovation across sectors.

The $254 million project was funded through a collaboration that included $90 million each from George �鶹��Ƶ and the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, along with $78 million from Edgemoor Infrastructure and Real Estate.

Fuse was among several Edgemoor projects and personnel recognized across multiple categories.

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

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

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

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Commonwealth Cyber Initiative helps launch new start-ups

Katarina Benson — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:06:56 +0000

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative helps launch new start-ups Katarina Benson Tue, 11/04/2025 - 11:06

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Accelerator (CCI+A) program is a jam-packed, five-month innovation program that’s fueling cybersecurity entrepreneurship across Virginia. It’s teaching professors and start-ups what it takes to bring technology to market, including how to pitch to a panel of investors and industry leaders.

“Supporting cybersecurity start-ups and bringing ideas out of universities and into the marketplace are an essential part of the CCI’s mission,” said Luiz DaSilva, executive director of CCI. “We’re excited to help these start-ups reach their milestones and create new opportunities and jobs in the commonwealth.”

The program began at �鶹��Ƶ and has expanded statewide. It’s co-funded by the CCI Northern Virginia Node and the CCI Hub.

Rui Ning of DeepScan presenting their pitch. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Since its launch at �鶹��Ƶ in 2022, CCI+A has accelerated 34 technologies from across Virginia," said Liza Wilson Durant, CCI Northern Virginia Node director, associate dean of strategic initiatives and community engagement at George �鶹��Ƶ, and College of Engineering and Computer professor. "Each year we've seen the teams increase their customer engagement and elevate their competitive pitch performance. It's exciting to see several entities undergo acquisition and see the impact of the program on Virginia economic development."

The CCI+A program works on two tracks—the CATAPULT Fund supports teams emerging from Virginia public research universities and the ASCEND Fund focuses on start-up teams collaborating with faculty subject matter experts. The teams receive up to $75,000 to help them commercialize their technology.

CCI funded 10 projects this year. On October 16, teams from both tracks competed to pitch their start-ups to a panel of investors and industry leaders. The winning team from each category received an additional $5,000 in funding.

The CATAPULT winning team is DeepScan, led by Rui Ning, an assistant professor in computer science at Old Dominion University (ODU). The team also includes Maia Lin and Yao Wang from ODU.
The ASCEND winning team is Glacier21, a start-up led by CEO Ren McEachern, a former FBI agent. Team members include Robert Appleton, Mike Borowski, Neil Alexander, along with George �鶹��Ƶ professor Foteini Baldimsti.

The CCI+A program is coordinated by Gisele Stolz, senior director of entrepreneurship and innovation at George �鶹��Ƶ.

Meet the Winners

DeepScan

While artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a requirement on our smartphones and other devices, security is lagging, said Ning, DeepScan team lead. Hidden triggers can hijack behavior, and many apps ship models that are easy to tamper with. DeepScan promises to protect on-device AI without slowing down performance. First-time winner Ning is a veteran of CCI+A and put what he learned from a past program to good use.

“The program taught me how to communicate technical ideas in a way that connects with broader audiences,” Ning said. “I’ve always been curious about entrepreneurship because it feels like a natural way to translate research into something that can make a difference. It’s another path to extend our impact beyond papers and grants.”

Glacier21

Glacier21 is focusing on combating illicit cryptocurrency activities. The platform integrates data from such sources as social media, data leaks, and the deep/dark web to uncover complex connections between crypto wallets, businesses, and individuals.

Glacier21 presented their platform focused on combating illicit cryptocurrency activities. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

CCI+A helped the team with the execution, McEachern said. “When we were lucky enough to be selected into the CCI+A program, it didn't just open up some resources; it opened up access to people and vast networks that totally changed our strategy and our thinking.”

Foteini Baldimsti, an associate professor of computer science at �鶹��Ƶ, worked with Glacier21 to provide technical expertise. “It's very nice to see how your academic work can help a start-up and give technical knowledge,” Baldimsti said. “But I think it's also very interesting as an academic to learn from this project and from the CCI+A program about how you can bring your own ideas and how you can participate in one of the next cohorts and be on the other side as the founder of the company. I think this experience has been very, very valuable.”

In This Story

Liza Wilson Durant

Foteini Baldimtsi

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Resilient robots in rough terrain

Nathan Kahl — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 01:01:54 +0000

Resilient robots in rough terrain Nathan Kahl Mon, 10/13/2025 - 21:01

Xuesu Xiao oozes enthusiasm when he talks about his off-road robotics testbed in �鶹��Ƶ’s new Fuse building at �鶹��Ƶ Square.

The Robotixx team provided demonstrations to visitors during the Fuse grand celebration in September. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“I'm extremely excited about this because it’s an only-of-its-kind thing on the planet. Nowhere else has such abilities. Off-road mobility and autonomy is a very difficult area to study and investigate because you need to have supporting facilities, you need to have off-road terrain, and you need to have the vehicles. We have all of that,” said the computer science assistant professor.

Xiao is a roboticist who develops algorithms to make robots not only capable, but also intelligent. His goal is that robots will someday work in the real world; humans will stand aside while robots go places that humans don't want to—or simply cannot—go.

“We want them to go to a forest to search for a victim who is lost in the woods,” he said. “We have a proposal in review right now to build robot firefighters. We want them in the field, doing things like scientific exploration in the South Pole.”

Presently, autonomous driving generally involves road networks with traffic lights and lane markings. Xiao’s research focuses on motion planning: using machine learning to determine a series of movements to get a robot from a starting point to a goal while avoiding obstacles.

“That is where AI comes into place,” said Xiao. “We want robots not only to be programmed to do things, but also to learn from themselves, from the humans around them, and from each other.”

Xiao hosted visitors from the RoSys Group of the University of Catania, Italy. Pictured: assistant professor Giuseppe Sutera, Xiao, PhD student Francesco Cancelliere, and assistant professor Dario Calogero Guastella in the test bed. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The testbed where Xiao and students put their robots through their paces is about 700 square feet of rocks and faux vegetation. Xiao is intimately familiar with the space, having placed most of the rocks himself. “I'm very, very proud of this testbed, which has more than seven tons of rocks. I took five of our students of seven or eight trips to the landscaping store. It was an exhausting week!”

The terrain is rugged, designed to represent a real-life situation. “Off-road environments may get the robot stuck because the terrain may be deformable—changing shape under weight,” Xiao said. “Off-road terrain may make the robot roll over because, if there are a lot of rocks, they may need to crawl over them. You don't want the vehicle to roll over on top of those things. Successfully maneuvering this terrain is a very, very big thrust of our lab.”

The testbed is built to a one-tenth scale. A motion-capture system of eight cameras (soon to be upgraded to 16) surveils the entire terrain. Xiao says that his team knows exactly how the vehicles are moving with six-degrees-of-freedom tracking.

The year has been busy for Xiao, who in 2025 won the university-wide Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence and the College of Engineering and Computing’s Excellence in Research Award. He is also George �鶹��Ƶ’s sole nominee for the Rising Star Outstanding Faculty Award by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

While he appreciates that recognition, Xiao isn’t one to rest on his laurels. He is particularly excited about what’s next in the lab: He just ordered an autonomous Polaris “side-by-side”—a $300,000 autonomous off-road vehicle that can hold two people. He also talked about a capability that allows the testbed to be used far from George �鶹��Ƶ.

“I was at a conference in Korea, and we opened our testbed to the entire world by using a web interface. So, the attendees of the Conference on Robot Learning in Korea could drive our robots in Fuse in Arlington, Virginia.”

With robots at George �鶹��Ƶ taking commands from the other side of the globe, Xiao is showing that in robotics, there are no borders—only new frontiers to explore.

Explore AI at George �鶹��Ƶ

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Xuesu Xiao

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Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square powers research and innovation through collaboration

Colleen Rich — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:16:02 +0000

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square powers research and innovation through collaboration Colleen Rich Mon, 09/29/2025 - 16:16

�鶹��Ƶ celebrated Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square with the same collaborative spirit that will fuel decades of innovation at the state-of-the-art facility in Arlington, Virginia. Hundreds of representatives from industry, academia, government, and the community came together for the grand celebration at Fuse on Thursday, which included Governor Glenn Youngkin speaking at the ribbon cutting for the Energy Exploration (E2) Center.

“Igniting a fuse signifies the moment where possibility transforms into inevitability,” George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington said during the main program celebration that culminated the grand opening event. “It's that razor-thin instant where preparation meets decision and hesitation gives way to action. What we have done today is strike that initial flame. And that initial flame is a declaration that the future will no longer be passive. It will unfold because you dare to set it in motion.”

Fuse, which anchors the Arlington Innovation Corridor that runs from Rosslyn to Ballston, is a “a factory of dreams, factory of ideas,” said Takis Karantonis, chair of the Arlington County Board. Fuse will house research and economic opportunities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, power/energy, Next G communications, nuclear small reactor control systems, and data center engineering.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Much of that work will support the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative. In addition, �鶹��Ƶ Enterprise will support thousands of entrepreneurs in tech and other fields on their path to commercialization and adoption of their ideas and inventions.

Washington singled out several key figures in the completion of the Fuse project, including College of Engineering and Computing dean Ken Ball; Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement; and �鶹��Ƶ Innovation Partners, a development consortium led by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. The event also included acknowledgment of the key role philanthropy plays at George �鶹��Ƶ, giving thanks to Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, whose names grace Virginia’s first School of Computing.

“We are celebrating more than a building,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation. “We are celebrating a bold vision come to life, a place where ideas, partnerships, opportunities will shape our future. So consider this an open invitation. Partner with us, invest with us. Help us ensure that the energy we celebrate today continues to inspire generations of thinkers, doers, and leaders.”

Ball said that 44 engineering and computing faculty have moved into their offices at Fuse and are setting up their labs, and 120 PhD students are there as well. Hundreds of students are already enrolled in classes at Fuse, where there are labs for robotics and autonomous systems, virtual reality, power engineering, networking, cybersecurity, and other innovative pursuits. With Fuse fully open, every school and college at �鶹��Ƶ now has a presence at �鶹��Ƶ Square.

From left, Vice President Trishana E. Bowden, Long Nguyen, Kimmy Duong, President Gregory Washington, and Dean Ken Ball at the Grand Celebration for Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“You'll see the best minds in higher education and private industry together tackling some of society's toughest ethical and technical challenges,” George �鶹��Ƶ Board of Visitors Rector Charles “Cully” Stimson said. “And most importantly, you'll see our students gaining the kinds of hands-on experience that will carry them into the workforce ready to lead.”

Ball was one of multiple speakers to thank the university’s philanthropists, including Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, who gave a $20 million gift to establish the state’s first School of Computing in their name. Duong and Nguyen also provide scholarships to students at George �鶹��Ƶ and other colleges and universities in the Washington, D.C., region through the Kimmy Duong Foundation.

One scholarship recipient is Rakibul Alam, an Honors College student in the Costello College of Business. Alam has served in Student Government and as a student ambassador at the business school, launched a startup called Project Hope to improve the availability of menstrual health products in Bangladesh, and studied abroad in Morocco and India. Alam also is president of �鶹��Ƶ Consulting Group and interned with the Department of the Navy and KPMG.

“The generosity of our donors, including the Kimmy Duong Foundation, has not only helped me with the financial challenges of tuition, books, and living expenses, but has also help me accomplish my dream of a global education,” Alam said in thanking Duong and Nguyen, telling them, “You are changing lives and creating a generation of students who will be giving back. You are making this world a better place. And I hope that I can be part of that change and to represent you well.”

The Fuse celebration included the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center, the largest small modular reactor (SMR) control room simulator of its kind in the country, and one of 11 in the world.

E2, in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation, will provide students with opportunities to learn on the latest technology to become leaders and innovators in the sustainable energy workforce, a shared vision among higher education, government and industry.

Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank funded E2 as part of the Virginia Department of Energy’s investments in the state’s nuclear energy workforce development.

“You all are about to engage in a step function change in your ability to understand the power of nuclear power,” Youngkin said, singling out the students and faculty in attendance at the dedication on the seventh floor of Fuse. “Because you're no longer going to be reading about SMRs. You're no longer going to wish that you could work on one. You are going to be able to walk into that room….and do something incredible, which is prepare yourself for an extraordinary career.

“We have a collective moment to celebrate, a collective moment to say this is a step that we will all remember that the workforce of the future in order to drive the power of the future was right here at �鶹��Ƶ.”

Glenn Davis, BA Economics ’93, is the state’s energy director. He joined Youngkin, Washington, and NuScale Chief Commercial Officer Clayton Scott at the dedication.

“�鶹��Ƶ has been an exceptional partner building curriculum, recruiting talent, and opening this space to educators, local leaders, and the public. It’s the right capacity and capability in the right place at the right time,” Davis said.

At a VIP reception that preceded the E2 event, Washington thanked several groups for their involvement in Fuse, including the President’s Innovation Advisory Council, which includes representatives from industry, community, and government.

Washington specifically cited Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, for the extensive role he has played in championing Fuse and lifting technological innovation in Northern Virginia, including attracting Amazon HQ2 to the region.

“His efforts to drive economic growth, jobs, and investment across Northern Virginia has been recognized and championed all throughout the country,” Washington said. “He has been a huge supporter of us, putting George �鶹��Ƶ literally at the center of that development, and has been incredibly helpful in helping to move it forward.

“He has provided leadership and vision in shaping Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square as a model for collaboration among business, government, and academia.”

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and students presented interactive demonstrations involving drones, robots, and other tools of technological advancement.

“When the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Northern Virginia community, and �鶹��Ƶ work together, there is absolutely no limit to what we can achieve and achieve together,” Washington said.

Learn more about Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square

George �鶹��Ƶ hosts grand celebration of Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Colleen Rich — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 20:21:17 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ hosts grand celebration of Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square Colleen Rich Tue, 09/23/2025 - 16:21

�鶹��Ƶ marks a defining moment today with the grand celebration of Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square, featuring the formal naming of the School of Computing in honor of philanthropists Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, the ribbon cutting of the new Energy Exploration (E2) Center, and interactive exhibits as part of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Located in Arlington, Virginia, Fuse is designed as a catalyst for collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The grand celebration will demonstrate how George �鶹��Ƶ and its partners are advancing research, talent, and business to strengthen the region and addressing today’s grand challenge to drive solutions worldwide. Built in partnership with �鶹��Ƶ Innovation Partners (MIP), a development consortium led by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Fuse stands as a model of how universities and private partners can work together to expand opportunity and accelerate innovation.

“Fuse is a symbol of what George �鶹��Ƶ stands for: innovation, collaboration, and opportunity, as we collaborate to propel bold solutions for a prosperous, peaceful future,” said President Gregory Washington. “With support and investment from the state, Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square not only opens doors to industry with a one-of-a-kind innovation destination, but also opens a new chapter in the university’s role as a leader of discovery and economic growth for Virginia.”

In recognition of the Kimmy Duong Foundation’s generosity, the event will honor the transformational naming gift for the university’s School of Computing—the first of its kind in the commonwealth. This gift, made possible through the vision and commitment of Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, establishes three endowments: two within the College of Engineering and Computing to provide lasting support for scholarships and student success initiatives aligned with the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, and one within University Life to provide scholarships.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen’s extraordinary gift will create pathways that expand what’s possible for our students and significantly enhance the experiential learning opportunities available,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation. “Fuse reflects that same promise, a bold space that nurtures talent, fuels discovery, and equips �鶹��Ƶ students to transform the world ahead.”

This gift is part of �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, George �鶹��Ƶ’s historic $1 billion campaign to expand innovation, increase access, and create opportunity for students and the commonwealth.

The celebration will also feature the ribbon cutting for the E2 Center, created in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation as part of the College of Engineering and Computing. The largest small modular reactor control room simulator of its kind in the United States, the E2 Center will engage students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering education and real-life scenarios. It was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, as part of the Virginia Department of Energy’s investments in the state’s nuclear energy workforce development.

“The E2 Center equips our students with cutting-edge technology, new educational opportunities, and will empower them to lead in the fast-evolving energy sector,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “This center also affirms George �鶹��Ƶ as a leader in advancing sustainable energy solutions to meet society’s ever-growing energy demand. Partnerships, like this one between NuScale and George �鶹��Ƶ, are crucial in advancing the region’s goals to cultivate the next wave of innovators who will shape Virginia’s future and make a global impact.”

Attendees of the grand celebration will be able to explore interactive demonstrations by faculty, researchers, and students, such as an indoor drone challenges, hands-on engagement with humanoid robots, a virtual reality beehive, and AI-enabled virtual reality emergency response. Exhibits will spotlight George �鶹��Ƶ’s leadership in advancing the six Grand Challenge Initiative solutions: advancing 21st-century education for all, building a climate resilient society, driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure, improving human health and preparedness, pioneering space exploration, and strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy.

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Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square unlocks opportunities for College of Humanities and Social Sciences research

Katarina Benson — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:15:21 +0000

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square unlocks opportunities for College of Humanities and Social Sciences research Katarina Benson Fri, 09/19/2025 - 14:15

Eileen Roesler can’t help but be giddy about her new digs—and the opportunities that await.

An assistant professor in the Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) program, Roesler is one of three professors in the Department of Psychology in George �鶹��Ƶ University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences who recently relocated their office to Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square.

Roesler with robots. Photo provided

Joining Roesler will be HFAC assistant professor Elizabeth Phillips, along with clinical psychology assistant professor Natasha Tonge. At Fuse, they’ll be able to use state-of-the-art facilities and technology to expand their respective studies and research with units from other colleges. Tonge and Roesler will serve as lab managers for the Human Subjects and Behavior Lab on the second floor at Fuse and Phillips will co-manage the Robotics Lab on the third floor.

With the Institute for Digital Innovation and the College of Engineering and Computing also housing specialized labs at Fuse, Roesler welcomes the cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Much of her excitement is geared toward her students, who will gain experience collaborating with other academic programs along with industry and government leaders.

On the Fairfax Campus, Roesler currently heads the Human-Agent Collaboration (HAC) Lab and collaborates with Phillips in the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Lab. Phillips also leads the Autonomous Systems (ALPHAS) Lab while Tonge runs the Trust and Interpersonal Disclosure (TIDL) Lab.

“It is really nice for the people who are at the intersection of technology and humans because we have the perfect surroundings to do research on both,” Roesler said. “It is a really diverse outlet space we can use for different topics. So, we are extremely excited about the research opportunities, but we are even a little more excited about having the chance of meeting industry, government, and faculty in the same space.”

Psychology won’t be the only CHSS department represented in the new building. Next System Studies, an initiative of the Center for Social Science Research and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, will also call Fuse home. The Digital Commonwealth Project (DCP) in Next System Studies fits nicely into the mission of Fuse. The DCP connects leading technologists with local community groups, civic leaders, workers, business associations, and universities in a community-led design process that addresses local priorities while supporting resilient local business ecosystems and increasing community and employee ownership.

Ben Manski, an assistant professor in sociology and the director of Next System Studies, said the ample meeting space and being closer to community partners such as the NOVA Web Development cooperative, the Arlington Education Association, and Latinx community cooperative SECOSOL—among others—will be extremely beneficial.

“We need to be closer to where our people are, and they are all throughout Northern Virginia,” Manski said. “The use of the Fuse facilities will be very helpful with our research and action.”

In This Story

Eileen Roesler

Elizabeth Phillips

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ACCESS Academy’s inaugural AI Summer Camp builds critical technology skills—and miniature robots

Sarah Holland — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:38:25 +0000

ACCESS Academy’s inaugural AI Summer Camp builds critical technology skills—and miniature robots Sarah Holland Wed, 08/06/2025 - 09:38

In the kitchenette on the third floor of Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square, students huddle around laptops and inspect the codes on display in their Microsoft MakeCode programs. By their sides are little micro:bit three-wheeled robots. One sings a little 8-bit tune. Another flashes a pattern of colored lights. Another chirps like a bird, as the students at the table share a perplexed look.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

These high school students have spent the past week working on their robots, from assembly to coding, to make them do basic tasks like follow a provided track. Now, they’re each trying to do something new: make it go faster, sing a song, drive in reverse, or flash its lights like a turn signal. With every spin-out, slow-motion crash, or odd sound, the students return to their laptops to reprogram the bot and try again. If one student is struggling, they turn to their peers. Together, they’re making the robots work.

This is the inaugural ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp. Open to all 9th—12th graders across Virginia, the camp runs three one-week sessions at the ACCESS Academy headquarters in Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square. Through hands-on exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, students can imagine and begin preparing for technology-sector careers. Only in its first year, the camp already has 130 total participants over the course of three sessions.

"The goal of ACCESS Academy is to create a more inclusive pathway to college and high-demand careers for students who may not have previously seen those opportunities as within reach,” said Dean Ingrid Guerra-López of �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

“We continue to hear from industries that we are not preparing our high school graduates to be employable,” said Roberto Pamas, professor of education leadership and director of the ACCESS Academy. Prior to his transition to teaching higher education, Pamas served 30 years in Fairfax County Public Schools as both an educator and an administrator. “They want both technology skills and soft skills. How to collaborate, how to communicate: we’re building those skills in these programs. And CEHD is in the business of teaching, learning, and leading.”

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

AI was a natural choice for the camp’s curriculum. Working with faculty from the College of Engineering and Computing, the CEHD ACCESS Academy team developed a five-day program to build foundational skills to set students up for success.

The first four days of the camp focus on conceptual understanding and real-world applications of those ideas. On Friday, guest speakers from local education innovation technology company Kovexa engaged with students as part of a tinkering lab.

“AI represents a cutting-edge field and a dynamic problem space where students can practice essential skills such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and problem-solving,” said Guerra-López. “It’s not just about coding, but about asking better questions, evaluating outputs, and imaging new possibilities.”

The students agree.

Mariia Tkach (center) tests her robot on the track. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“I really like the atmosphere of people coming together and doing the things that they love,” said Mariia Tkach, a rising sophomore at Marshall High School. Her father works in cybersecurity, and she hopes to follow in his footsteps. “We had an AI training, and it was very challenging. The process of figuring it out and competing with one another was fun.”

Arkash Reith, who is entering his sophomore year at Evergreen Christian School, said, “This camp gave me experience in what AI can help you do as well as what it can’t help you do. Like, with coding, it can help with basic stuff, but nothing too hard.”

After each day, students write down one word to describe their experience. From this first week, the white board is filled with words like “fun,” “inspiring,” and “fascinating.”

Guerra-López envisions the bootcamp not only as a hands-on learning experience for students, but as a launchpad for expanding access to AI education across the region.

“The tinkering lab model in particular is a powerful way to reduce anxiety around emerging technologies, increase skill and self-efficacy for both students and educators, and foster a stronger sense of community around innovation,” she said.

Plans are underway to explore how this model can scale—both to offer more advanced learning tracks for students and to engage educators in professional development that supports responsible, inclusive digital innovation.

“George �鶹��Ƶ is a keeper of knowledge for Northern Virginia,” Pamas said. “And I believe it is our moral imperative to share that knowledge, particularly with students who otherwise might not have access to higher education.”

Discover the ACCESS Academy

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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George �鶹��Ƶ launches its inaugural ACCESS Academy cohort

Katarina Benson — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:09:41 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ launches its inaugural ACCESS Academy cohort Katarina Benson Wed, 07/09/2025 - 16:09

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at �鶹��Ƶ is excited to welcome the inaugural class of students for their Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy.

Developed in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), ACCESS Academy is a lab school designed to reimagine how students prepare for college, careers, and civic life in a rapidly evolving world. The program will particularly support students who may not have previously expected to follow a college pathway—those navigating limited exposure to higher education or career pathways, relevant information, or professional networks.

“ACCESS Academy reflects a commitment to transforming how we think about readiness—not just for college or careers, but for life in a complex, interconnected society,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of CEHD. “By aligning K–12, higher education, and industry partners, we’re creating more coherent and responsive pathways that honor learners’ potential while addressing workforce and societal needs.”

ACCESS Academy students will work toward high school graduation requirements while engaging in real-world problem-solving situations informed by industry partners. They will develop future-ready skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, while building the mindsets and capacities required to navigate dynamic and evolving work environments.

"With the launch of ACCESS Academy, we’re not just starting a new program, we’re opening doors to new possibilities for dual enrolled students and reimagining what learning could look like. This inaugural class is stepping into a bold, future-focused initiative designed to empower students not only to succeed in high school, but to lead in college, career and beyond,” said Eun-Woo Chang, NOVA vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer.

As a preview of ACCESS Academy’s learning model, students from across Northern Virginia are participating in the ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summer Camp at �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington. This one-week program introduces foundational concepts in machine learning through engaging hands-on projects guided by problem-based learning strategies.

“The level of interest in the ACCESS Academy AI Summer Camp has been both affirming and encouraging,” said Roberto Pamas, director of ACCESS Academy. “With three week-long sessions accommodating a total of 180 students, the camp presents an early

opportunity for students to engage with foundational concepts in machine learning while offering a preview of ACCESS Academy’s broader approach to experiential education.”

ACCESS Academy’s curriculum is shaped by collaboration among faculty in CEHD and the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at the College of Engineering and Computing, with input from NOVA, LCPS, and industry partners who make up the ACCESS Academy Curriculum Innovation Advisory Board. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure alignment with evolving workforce needs while streamlining coursework.

“The insights shared through our collaboration with the advisory board have been invaluable,” said Guerra-López. “They help ensure that ACCESS Academy remains grounded in what will best prepare our graduates to be competitive and confident in the modern workforce, even if that requires reimagining traditional educational pathways and practices.”

“ACCESS Academy is more than a program—it’s a launchpad. By combining academic rigor with real-world relevance, we’re empowering students to graduate with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce,” said LCPS Chief Academic Officer Ashley Ellis.

ACCESS Academy is positioned for expansion through the formation of a regional consortium that could include new partnerships with school divisions across Virginia’s Region 4 to scale the model for other high-demand fields such as education and health care.

Powering Artificial Intelligence at George �鶹��Ƶ

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