Science and Technology Campus

NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training

Nathan Kahl — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:43:45 +0000

NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training Nathan Kahl Sat, 09/13/2025 - 18:43

�鶹��Ƶ faculty members received nearly $1 million in a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program providing hands-on nanofabrication training and education to people seeking a career change.

The funding comes under NSF’s ExLENT Pivots track and will serve the national interest by expanding experiential learning pathways in emerging hardware technologies driven by nanofabrication. It focuses on increasing workforce opportunities in Northern Virginia, a region positioned for growth in emerging technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence hardware, quantum information science, data center engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.

Ahn's research focus is nanofabrication. Photo by Office of University Branding

“The most important term is ‘experiential,' and it’s rare for NSF to provide this kind of funding," said Ethan Ahn, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a founding director of �鶹��Ƶ Nanoelectronics Laboratory, who is the lead principal investigator (PI) on the project. "The idea here is to produce this workforce for very high tech-focused areas by applying the learning-by-doing model.”

George �鶹��Ƶ is already known as one of the commonwealth's largest producers of tech talent.

The program provides an opportunity for working professionals who are looking to change careers; even those with no STEM background are encouraged to apply, as suggested by the “pivot” track from NSF.

“We’ll take people regardless of their background, education, or readiness," said Ahn. "We’ll provide everything they need to be job-ready by training participants with both lab and soft skills, providing connections with industry, and, if hired, paying them during their summer employment."

Co-PI Jessica Rosenberg, professor of physics and director of education at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, said, “Nanofabrication is important for a range of high-tech industries, including semiconductors, biomedical, and energy. We’re creating a program to provide the support, education, and training needed for individuals to get a job in this growing sector. It will help them meet their goals while also supporting a regional talent pipeline.”

The program will run for three years, with approximately 20 participants every year. A key component of the initial phase of the program is access to a mobile app used for virtual training. The team is developing the app because they recognize that participants may have existing responsibilities that make coming to campus a challenge. After participants complete this first phase on their own schedule, they will then go to campus to participate in a research lab for the hands-on portions of the program.

Jessica Rosenberg is director of education at George �鶹��Ƶ's Quantum Science and Engineering Center. Photo by Office of University Branding

Ahn said a particularly interesting element of the program is a guaranteed interview in the industry. They are already working with BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman and expect this number of companies participating to grow through a collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. "The hope is that the participants will be able to turn the opportunity into a full-time position,” he said.

George �鶹��Ƶ will give program participants microcredentials, competency-based qualifications indicating a mastery of a subject, as they complete each phase of the program. This opportunity’s timing is ideal for Virginians looking to make a career change and supports the university’s efforts in building Virginia’s high-tech workforce.

Ahn was inspired to apply for the funding in part by the fact that the new Innovation District, led jointly by �鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by George �鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus, co-locates the university with industry and government to create a dynamic collaboration model.

“Relationships between university and industry are common, but this also includes government,” said Ahn. “We already have this established network via the Innovation District and in my proposal I said we are going to focus on nanofabrication, which is my area of expertise. I think those things made it appealing to NSF.”

Jill Nelson, professor and associate dean for undergraduate programs, and Nathalia Peixoto, associate professor, both in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are also PI's on the grant.

The program will welcome its first cohort in spring 2026.

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Ethan Ahn

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George �鶹��Ƶ expands access to VAST semiconductor certificate program

Colleen Rich — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:36:38 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ expands access to VAST semiconductor certificate program Colleen Rich Tue, 08/26/2025 - 19:36

�鶹��Ƶ’s state-of-the-art Nanofabrication Facility cleanroom on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia is set to transform workforce preparation in one of the nation’s most critical technology sectors. Beginning fall 2025, the facility’s class 1000 cleanroom will host the Semiconductor Chip Fabrication and Nano-Characterization certificate program through the Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST), a statewide consortium advancing microelectronics and nanotechnology training and research where George �鶹��Ƶ serves as a founding member.

George �鶹��Ƶ's Nanofabrication Facility. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The 10-week program provides intensive, hands-on training in cleanroom safety, lithography, vacuum system operation, and semiconductor characterization. Backed by IEEE microcredentials, it is designed for career changers, recent graduates, military veterans, and working professionals entering one of the country’s fastest growing industries.

“George �鶹��Ƶ is committed to strengthening Virginia’s workforce pipeline for critical industries,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation. “This certificate program in the university’s only cleanroom in Northern Virginia builds a highly skilled workforce ready to drive semiconductor innovation and meet the needs of companies and defense contractors across the region.

The program’s expansion at George �鶹��Ƶ addresses the rise in military-affiliated participants, which have more than doubled statewide, highlighting growing awareness of semiconductor careers as a strong fit for technical expertise and security clearance advantages. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Virginia’s best colleges for veterans, and as Virginia’s largest public research university, George �鶹��Ƶ is a natural fit for this effort.

By delivering advanced, industry-aligned training, George �鶹��Ƶ is putting the mission of Northern Virginia's first Innovation District into action. The 3,800-acre hub in Prince William County and the City of Manassas—anchored by George �鶹��Ƶ and supported by a $2.6 million in state funding through GO Virginia—integrates education, research, and industry to drive growth in high-tech industries and attract global employers to the region.

With Virginia being a top state for business according to CNBC, and Northern Virginia being home to 75% of Virginia’s semiconductor companies, as well as major defense and technology contractors, George �鶹��Ƶ’s investments in innovation, research partnerships, and workforce development position the region to meet evolving demands in advanced technology fields.

The certificate program is part of VAST's Fast Track to Semiconductor Careers initiative, now offered at seven Virginia universities, including George �鶹��Ƶ, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg and Arlington), Virginia Military Institute, and Norfolk State University

For more information or to register for the certificate program, please visit the Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization Certificate Program site.

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George �鶹��Ƶ interns make a difference at biotech start-ups

Katarina Benson — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:54:21 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ interns make a difference at biotech start-ups Katarina Benson Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:54

This summer, �鶹��Ƶ graduate students rolled up their sleeves in busy labs, learned their way around unfamiliar equipment, and even played a part in moving clinical trials forward, working with start-ups and biotech companies in the recently established Innovation District anchored by the university’s Science and Technology Campus.

Biosciences PhD candidate Ahana Byne worked at Ceres Nanosciences for a second summer. Photo provided

It is part of a program George �鶹��Ƶ’s Graduate Division rolled out two years ago that puts students right in the thick of active research. They work side by side with scientists and get a firsthand look at how research projects come together. Each participating George �鶹��Ƶ research institute accepts around 10 applications. The Institute for Biohealth Innovation leveraged this opportunity to connect five PhD students with life science industry mentors.

Biosciences PhD candidate Ahana Byne returned to Ceres Nanosciences for her second summer, drawn back by the promise of its Nanotrap® technology to catch illnesses before symptoms appear. Ceres Nanosciences is a Manassas, Virginia-based company that’s licensed the university’s proprietary Nanotrap® particle technology and incorporated it into a range of diagnostic and research use products and workflows.

In the lab, Byne moved quickly from planning experiments to reviewing results and fixing problems, a pace far beyond what she was used to in academic research. “In academic settings, you’re usually focused on concocting new ideas and exploring them in depth,” said Byne. “In industry, it’s about clear processes and concrete results. Experiencing both has helped me see more clearly where I want to go next.”

Ben Lepene, Ceres Nanosciences director of research and development, served as Byne’s mentor. Lepene said Byne’s know-how and clear thinking helped the team gather data they rely on to support customers and answer questions about product performance. When asked for his best advice to Byne, Lepene said, “Keep good records and make sure results can be repeated, because in a commercial setting, consistency is everything.”

Ben Lepene, Ceres Nanosciences director of research and development, (left) served as PhD candidate Ahana Byne's mentor. Photo provided

At another Innovation District partner company, Virongy Biosciences, which develops virus-based research tools and diagnostics, bioscience doctoral student Lorreta Opoku spent her internship assembling and cloning alpha pseudoviruses for virology research. Progress came through careful and steady work, with small changes that moved the experiments ahead until the results fell into place.

“Successfully generating and validating my first batch of pseudoviruses was extremely satisfying,” said Opoku. Outside the lab, she spoke with clients, packed orders, and got them ready to send, which helped her learn the practical side of a research company.

At Tracked Biotechnologies LLC, kinesiology PhD student Ahmadreza Souri worked alongside mentor Michael Petr, the company’s CEO and chief scientist. They split their summer days between pilot clinical trials, grant proposals, and Institutional Review Board paperwork. That same brisk rhythm drives the company as it develops AI tools that let scientists, clinicians, and consumers explore human and animal behavior with speed and accuracy.

“Mentorship creates a strong foundation for aspiring professionals,” said Petr. “I make it a priority to teach mentees to the best of my ability and share how we approach commercialization in the context of research.”

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Powering Progress

Katarina Benson — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:57:12 +0000

Powering Progress Katarina Benson Mon, 08/11/2025 - 12:57

When �鶹��Ƶ opened the doors to its highly anticipated Life Sciences and Engineering Building in Manassas, Virginia, it was more than the unveiling of a new academic space—it was the beginning of a new transformative era for the university and the region.

Situated at the heart of the university’s Science and Technology Campus, this state-of-the-art facility will empower students across a wide range of disciplines to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of science and engineering.

Designed to meet the growing demand for highly specialized instructional labs, smart classrooms, and support spaces, the building is already enabling greater hands-on learning in disciplines like athletic training and kinesiology, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, forensic science, robotics and autonomous vehicles, and more.

“The Life Sciences and Engineering Building marks a major state investment in our outstanding George �鶹��Ƶ faculty to educate and inspire our students—Virginia’s next generation of inspirational leaders, researchers, innovators, and problem solvers,” says George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington.

This addition also provides increased university access for students in Prince William and Fauquier Counties, the western part of Fairfax County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and beyond, which is why the General Assembly and the Prince William County delegation, led by Delegate Luke Torian, were eager to help make this building a reality. Torian, who is chair of the Virginia House Appropriations Committee, and the delegation were instrumental in helping to secure strategic support and state funding for the building.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Mechanical engineering major Andrea Dortch is working with Narly, a lighter-than-air vehicle, in the multistory aviary. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Encompassing 132,000 square feet of space, the building is designed to promote collaboration and engagement among students and faculty. The ground-level engineering labs and student design competition bays open directly onto the campus’s exterior pathways, allowing visibility for the work happening inside.

One of the first groups to take up residence was Patriot Motorsports, a club for students who want to explore the inner workings of automotive vehicles. Over the course of the spring semester, seniors in mechanical engineering revved it up a notch with their capstone project—designing a control system for the club’s Formula SAE race car.

And race cars aren’t the only vehicles in the building. This new space boasts a multistory aviary lab where students can test blimps, drones, and anything else that needs extra airspace to move around. One capstone project taking advantage of the lab is an autonomous flapping wing lighter-than-air vehicle, developed by mechanical engineering Professor Daigo Shishika’s students.

This spring, engineering capstone teams were also using the prototyping space on the second floor to collaborate on projects. “Once the first-floor machine shop is complete, this space will also be used for staging and constructing physical prototypes,” says George �鶹��Ƶ mechanical engineering professor Charles White.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

One of the building’s special features is the blending of laboratory and teaching spaces. All the mechanical engineering labs, including the first-floor advanced manufacturing and wind tunnel labs, contain student desks and IT lecture setups so that seminars can turn into hands-on demonstrations where students can practice in real time.

And these areas barely scratch the surface of what the building has to offer. For mechanical engineers, in addition to the wind tunnel and advanced manufacturing labs, machine shop, robotics lab, and prototype studio, there is a 3D print studio, a materials characterization lab, a sustainable energy and photonics area, and a thermofluids lab.

For civil engineers, there is a dedicated space for the American Society of Civil Engineers concrete canoe competitions. Bioengineers have access to cutting-edge studios as well, including a tissue engineering lab.

Anchoring Prince William’s Innovation District

As an epicenter of innovation, creativity, and opportunity, the Science and Technology Campus plays a critical role in helping George �鶹��Ƶ generate solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. Strategically located in the technology and innovation corridor that runs from Washington, D.C., to Richmond and encompasses the George �鶹��Ƶ ecosystem of campuses, Small Business Development Centers, and community college partnerships, the SciTech Campus is also an anchor for Prince William’s growing Innovation District, which includes the development of two residential and commercial town centers directly connected to campus.

“This facility, and the advancements it will produce, further establishes the Science and Technology Campus, and this Innovation District, as an anchor of the economic corridor that runs from �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington to the Fairfax Campus to here in Manassas, further entrenching George �鶹��Ƶ as a major driver of the prosperity of our region and state,” says President Washington.

The SciTech Campus opened in 1997 thanks to a university partnership with the City of Manassas and Prince William County, and it has far exceeded its initial goal of fostering groundbreaking research across disciplines. The campus is also home to the Virginia Serious Game Institute; the Biomedical Research Laboratory, one of 13 regional biocontainment laboratories established through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and the Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory, one of only eight human donor forensic science labs in the United States.

In June, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the commonwealth will invest $2.6 million in the Innovation District, which is jointly led by George �鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas and anchored by the Science and Technology Campus.

“The planned town centers will create a stronger link between the campus and the surrounding community,” says Colby Grant, BS Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources ’05, director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus. “Combined with the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building, these developments further establish the campus as a dynamic hub for science, technology, the arts, entertainment, and recreation.”

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When the mosquitos bite, the Biomedical Research Lab bites back

Sarah Holland — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:45:51 +0000

When the mosquitos bite, the Biomedical Research Lab bites back Sarah Holland Thu, 07/03/2025 - 15:45

It’s summer, and with those longer days come backyard cookouts, outdoor activities and—ouch!—bug bites. Mosquitoes love Northern Virginia’s infamous hot and humid summers. And as the world’s deadliest animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’re more than just a nuisance at the family barbeque: They’re a health hazard.

Farhang Alem. Photo by Creative Services

But in partnership with Prince William County, �鶹��Ƶ’s Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL) is working to prevent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Since 2016, in response to the Zika virus outbreak, the county and the university partner each year to collect mosquito samples and test them for diseases like West Nile virus.

“West Nile is endemic in the United States, and infections can be lethal,” explained Farhang Alem, MS Biology ’15, PhD Biosciences ’19 , associate director of the BRL. Alem has led the mosquito testing program since 2019.

“Eighty percent of people will have no symptoms,” he said, “but about one in every 150 cases of West Nile is severe.” It’s a neuroinvasive disease, meaning severe cases can damage the nervous system, resulting in high mortality rates and a high likelihood of disability if survived. Even those with non-neuroinvasive West Nile virus, though most likely to make a full recovery, could experience symptoms for weeks or months.

“We want to prevent the spread as much as possible,” Alem said.

Testing season starts in late spring and runs through the fall. Each week, samples are collected at more than 60 sites across Prince William County, and the mosquitoes are sorted by species. Vector species—meaning those that carry disease—are sent to the BRL for testing. Researchers extract RNA from the mosquitos and check for the markers of West Nile virus. They then send their report to county officials. If mosquitoes are positive for West Nile virus, the county will follow their larvicide and adulticide spraying protocols to eliminate the threat at the site where the mosquitoes were trapped.

“It allows us to more precisely target areas before they become a concern for the local community,” said Eli Hosen, environmental project manager for the mosquito and forest pest management branch of Prince William County Department of Public Works. “The lab provides us with a quick turnaround so we can respond as soon as possible.”

The program has been effective, Alem said, in reducing the number of West Nile carriers in the region. "Spraying is definitely working to control the spread."

Alem is in conversation with other counties in Northern Virginia to see if there’s interest in expanding the surveillance program. The BRL is also hoping to learn best practices on mosquito trapping from Prince William County to implement in other areas of research.

George �鶹��Ƶ epidemiologist Amira Roess is looking into the possibility of a similar surveillance program in India for dengue fever, for example. And if deployed, researchers hope what they learn in India can be useful to their research here as well.

With almost 10 years’ worth of data from the ongoing testing, Alem is hoping the lab can one day look at trends in disease occurrence and correlating environmental factors.

“It's leading to new avenues of research for us,” said Alem.

Learn more about the Biomedical Research Lab

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Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

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George �鶹��Ƶ is part of Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, launched with transformational grant from GO Virginia

Colleen Rich — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:34:37 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ is part of Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, launched with transformational grant from GO Virginia Colleen Rich Tue, 07/01/2025 - 10:34

Thanks to a major investment from GO Virginia, Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is taking shape, laying the groundwork for growth in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced last week that the commonwealth will invest $2.6 million into Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, with an additional $1.3 million coming from local businesses, government, and higher education partners. The funding will help launch the Innovation District and roll out programs aimed at making Northern Virginia a national hub for research-driven industries, while giving residents the chance to pursue strong, lasting careers without leaving their communities.

This partial view of the 3,800-acre Innovation District in Prince William County and the City of Manassas highlights �鶹��Ƶ’s SciTech Campus, with major employers like Micron in the background and the future town center site underway on the right. Photo by Prince William County Economic Development and Tourism

“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, enabling regions to pursue economic opportunities aligned with state priorities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in announcing $6.8 million in state economic initiatives directed to talent development, cluster scale-up, regional site development, and startup ecosystem expansion “These projects reflect a collective commitment to building robust talent pipelines, supporting industry growth, and strengthening the economic competitiveness of every region in Virginia.”

The Innovation District, led by �鶹��Ƶ and in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas, will accelerate scientific advancement, bolster startups and established employers, and create high-quality jobs.

“As Virginia’s largest public research university, George �鶹��Ƶ is deeply focused on equipping students to lead and succeed in a dynamic workforce,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation at George �鶹��Ƶ. “The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry advancing innovation and improvements across the region while also giving students opportunities that extend beyond the classroom for real world impact.”

The district exemplifies the goals of GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of high-wage jobs in strategic industries. The funding will give local workers more ways to acquire new skills and stay ahead in fast-moving industries. It will also support the introduction of new technologies, help entrepreneurs navigate the commercialization process, and increase the region’s appeal to companies from around the world.

Prince William County and the City of Manassas are key partners in developing the 3,800-acre Innovation District. The district includes Innovation Park, which houses major employers such as NAL Research Corporation, American Type Culture Collection, and the newly rebranded NOVA Live, as well as the Innovation Town Center project with housing and retail development. The Manassas Regional Airport, nearby aerospace companies such as Electra.aero, and global employers along Godwin Drive, including Micron and BAE Systems, further strengthen its position as a growing technology hub.

During the planning study for the Innovation District, local business leaders identified talent development as a critical factor for growth and expansion.

George �鶹��Ƶ’s emphasis on career preparation, corporate engagement, and translational research is an essential part of the Innovation District. The university is leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure, including its CAP/CLIA-certified Clinical Proteomics Laboratory, Nanofabrication Facility, and a multi-story laboratory for air and ground robotic and autonomous vehicles, to support research translation and workforce readiness. More than an academic anchor, the university is broadening real-world learning experiences and opening doors for students to contribute to the region’s evolving economy.

University-affiliated districts are important links in the country’s innovation infrastructure, offering regional strengths with national relevance. The Northern Virginia Innovation District includes the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator, workforce programs tailored to local employer needs, and young professional networks connecting early-career talent across the area.

Shape the future with George �鶹��Ƶ

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Governor’s School at Innovation Park offers high school students a pathway to college at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:56:21 +0000

Governor’s School at Innovation Park offers high school students a pathway to college at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus Lauren Reuscher Wed, 05/21/2025 - 13:56

The Governor’s School at Innovation Park, located at �鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus, holds a special distinction: It’s Virginia’s only academic-year Governor’s School located on a four-year college campus.

That means that high school juniors and seniors spend part of each school day experiencing life as �鶹��Ƶ students.

Governor's School at Innovation Park students gather in Verizon Auditorium at Colgan Hall on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo provided

The Governor’s School at Innovation Park celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Located in Manassas, it is one of 19 academic-year Governor’s Schools in the commonwealth. Students earn college credit for their coursework through dual enrollment at their high school and George �鶹��Ƶ.

"The Governor's School at Innovation Park provides a vital opportunity for local high school students to experience the rigors of college education,” said Janette Muir, vice provost for academic affairs at George �鶹��Ƶ. “The program exemplifies George �鶹��Ƶ’s role as an anchor for access to higher education in Northern Virginia.”

Qualified students at partner high schools are offered guaranteed admission to George �鶹��Ƶ after completing the program.

The Governor’s School at Innovation Park serves 166 students from 15 high schools across three school divisions. The program’s faculty are Prince William County Schools employees and are also George �鶹��Ƶ affiliate faculty. Several also work as adjunct faculty at George �鶹��Ƶ.

The program was founded in 2010 through the collaborative efforts of George �鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas City Public Schools, and Manassas Park City Schools. The STEM-focused curriculum includes real-world research and mentorship opportunities in business, industry, government, and university settings.

“Our location at George �鶹��Ƶ’s SciTech Campus has had an incalculable impact on all three school divisions, as well as the campus,” said Jason Calhoun, director of the school. “Our students’ access to world-class laboratory facilities has allowed them to conduct research and excel in national and international research and STEM competitions.”

Students are selected for the program through a committee review process in their school division. Applicants are evaluated based on a holistic review of their academic performance in high school and must have demonstrated excellence in advanced STEM courses.

“There is no better opportunity to prepare our advanced STEM students for the rigors of advanced course work and research, while still having access to the opportunities and socialization that high school allows,” said Calhoun.

Governor's School students at their annual research symposium. Photo provided

Calhoun noted that the program helps students hone laboratory and research skills, time management, and organizational skills, which are critical to success in college and beyond.

“The breadth and depth of their growth over two years is amazing, in part due to the structure of our students’ schedules and the early access to college life and expectations,” said Calhoun.

The Governor’s School semester has wrapped up with a research symposium and a graduation ceremony for seniors. And with STEM coursework under their belt from George �鶹��Ƶ, their paths to success have a foundation of excellence.

Learn more about the Governor's School at Innovation Park

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George �鶹��Ƶ’s new Life Sciences and Engineering Building is stocked with potential energy for students and the region

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:48:01 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ’s new Life Sciences and Engineering Building is stocked with potential energy for students and the region Lauren Reuscher Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:48

�鶹��Ƶ's new Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus (SciTech Campus) in Manassas, Virginia, supports the university's growing need for highly specialized instructional labs, classrooms, and support spaces.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus includes more than 30 different laboratories for teaching, design, and fabrication. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

To meet the needs of the university and the commonwealth, in particular providing university access for students in Prince William, Fauquier, western Fairfax County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and beyond, the General Assembly and the Prince William delegation led by Delegate Luke Torian, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in strategic support and state funding for the new building.

With university classrooms and more than 30 different laboratory spaces for teaching, design, and fabrication, the building offers state-of-the-art facilities for training in disciplines like athletic training and kinesiology, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, forensic science, robotics and autonomous vehicles, and more. The building opened for classes for the spring 2025 semester.

The building offers interdisciplinary spaces for hands-on learning and collaboration. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

“Designed for rigorous hands-on learning, the Life Sciences and Engineering Building marks a major state investment in our outstanding George �鶹��Ƶ faculty to educate and inspire our students—Virginia’s next generation of leaders, researchers, innovators, and problem solvers,” George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington said. “This facility, and the advancements it will produce, further establishes the Science and Technology Campus, and this Innovation District, as an anchor of the economic corridor that runs from �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington to the Fairfax Campus to here in Manassas, further entrenching George �鶹��Ƶ as a major driver of the prosperity of our region and state.”

The building will foster interdisciplinary connections across many academic units, including the College of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering and Computing, and the College of Science.

Laboratories in the Life Sciences and Engineering Building offer experiential learning in microbiology, kinesiology, forensic science, engineering, and more. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Encompassing 132,000 square feet of space, the building is designed to promote collaboration and engagement among students and faculty. The ground-level engineering labs and student design competition bays open directly onto the campus’ exterior pathways, allowing visibility into the work happening inside.

The project was originally planned as an expansion to Katherine G. Johnson Hall, an academic building at the SciTech Campus. When the university identified the need for additional labs, classrooms, and workspaces, the scope of the project changed to a four-story, free-standing building.

The SciTech Campus, which was established in 1997, will anchor a new Innovation District, which includes the development of two residential and commercial town centers directly connected to campus.

“The planned town centers will create a stronger link between the campus and the surrounding community,” said Colby Grant, director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus. “Combined with the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building, these developments further establish the campus as a dynamic hub for science, technology, the arts, entertainment, and recreation.”

Learn more about the Science and Technology Campus

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�鶹��Ƶ is keeping it "nanofab-ulous" as nanotechnology efforts expand

Katarina Benson — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:48:44 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ is keeping it "nanofab-ulous" as nanotechnology efforts expand Katarina Benson Wed, 02/26/2025 - 10:48

Ever since InsideNoVa’s Bruce Potter coined the term “nanofab-ulous” to describe the exciting advancements in nanotechnology in the region, �鶹��Ƶ has embraced it in full force.

A student enjoys the exhibits at Nanotechnology Day on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Eleanor Wagoner, one of the brains behind Nanotechnology Day and Nano Boot Camp, finds the phrase is a new part of her regular vernacular. The school is certainly living up to that name, broadening its efforts to educate and inspire future leaders in the field that’s revolutionizing how we live and work.

George �鶹��Ƶ provides students, faculty, and the community with real-world experiences that bring academic knowledge to life. These programs create pathways to careers in high-demand sectors like health care and microelectronics while making nanoscience more relatable to the public.

The second Nanotechnology Day was held in October 2024 on the university’s Science and Technology Campus. Participants in Katherine Johnson Hall immediately found themselves surrounded by interactive stations and engaging lectures presented by career scientists. Wagoner said that she couldn't have imagined a better turnout.

"Witnessing people become genuinely excited about nanotechnology was my biggest motivation for creating this event," said Wagoner, the STEM outreach coordinator for the Institute for Biohealth Innovation (IBI) at George �鶹��Ƶ. "It’s the type of event that causes people to realize that they're more than capable of grasping a topic that's often seen as highly complex."

Nano Boot Camp, launched in January 2025, is for those who want to get up close and personal with nanofabrication. The program does not rely solely on classroom lectures: Participants jump right into the clean room in the university’s Nanofabrication Facility to test their new skills.

From left, Nanofabrication Facility manager Shawn Wagoner with Nano Boot Camp participants William West and Hongmei Jian Roy. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Camp participant Bryson Higginbotham said he was happy to have discovered a program that recognizes that not everyone has the same learning style.

"Nano Boot Camp was really refreshing as someone who is a hands-on learner," said Higginbotham, a security officer at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Biomedical Research Laboratory. "I’m looking for a lifelong career, and when the executive director of the IBI, Amy Adams, offered me a spot in the program, I jumped at the chance to work with the machines and get a taste of what it’s like to be a professional in the field." GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of high-wage jobs in strategic industries, provided the funding that made Nano Boot Camp possible through the Nano-IMAGINE program. During her visit to the camp, GO Virginia Region 7 Vice President Susan Baker had the chance to meet participants, hear their stories, and learn about the hands-on training taking place.

“It was incredible to meet participants from so many different walks of life—veterans, career changers, and young professionals—all learning advanced nanotechnology skills,” said Baker. “This program shows how investing in education and workforce development doesn’t just change individual lives—it elevates the entire community.”

The university’s commitment to nanotechnology education is arriving at just the right time: Micron Technology, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, recently announced plans to invest up to $2.17 billion to bolster its operations in Manassas, Virginia, bringing up to 2,700 manufacturing and community jobs. The United States and Micron need a workforce trained for jobs in the semiconductor industry at scale. This will require workforce development solutions and access to STEM education that will create a highly skilled talent pipeline.

"�鶹��Ƶ is developing the skilled professionals the semiconductor industry needs," said Delbert Parks, vice president and site executive of Micron Technology Virginia. "Programs like their Nano Boot Camp foster innovation and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM, forming a direct pipeline of talent that helps keep our industry strong."

Delegate Michelle Maldonado, who represents Virginia’s 20th District and is a GO Virginia state board member, has worked to bring funding to workforce programs in Prince William County. She’s proud of George �鶹��Ƶ’s dedication to high-tech education and views it as an important contributor to the local economy.

“�鶹��Ƶ’s focus on emerging technologies is helping build a competent and qualified workforce,” said Maldonado. “Giving individuals the right skills is vital to keeping Virginia competitive in today’s fast-paced tech environment."

George �鶹��Ƶ is proving that diving into the nanoscale world doesn’t have to be intimidating. From inspiring curiosity to supporting people who are exploring new career paths, the university is making it more accessible than ever. And while the science may be small, its impact is anything but.

Visit George �鶹��Ƶ's Nanofabrication Lab

George �鶹��Ƶ becomes new home for 400,000 biological specimens from Inova Health Systems

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:07:11 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ becomes new home for 400,000 biological specimens from Inova Health Systems Mary Cunningham Tue, 07/16/2024 - 20:07

�鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health is the new home of 400,000 biological specimens through a partnership with Inova Health Systems. This repository of specimens, called a biobank, is an extensive collection of obstetrical and perinatal samples, along with follow-up health information, providing a rare and invaluable asset in public health and in the education of our future health, science, and technology care workforce.

“The biorepository creates opportunities for �鶹��Ƶ to expand its collaborations with Inova, biotechnology partners, and other universities in Virginia, as well as unique educational opportunities,” said Melissa Perry, dean of the college.

Larry Maxwell, president of the Women’s Service Line at Inova Health System, said, “The investment by Inova Health System as well as additional support from the Fairfax County Government have created an unprecedented resource of placenta as well as blood specimens from mother, father, and baby [trios] corresponding to over 4,000 families. These biospecimens and corresponding data continue to support scientific research to better understand the obstetrical diseases that contribute to rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality locally, regionally, and nationally.”

A range of specimens (e.g., saliva, urine, and blood) were collected with consent from an Inova cohort study that followed more than 4,000 women, their partners, and their children from pregnancy into early childhood to examine maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and children’s growth and development.

Biobank program leads Carolyn Drews-Botsch and Michael S. Bloom. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“The transfer of the biobank from Inova Health System to the College of Public Health serves as a testament to our strong public–private partnership, and underscores George �鶹��Ƶ’s dedication to advancing health in pregnancy and early childhood,” said Alison Cuellar, College of Public Health associate dean for research. The biobank is housed at the university’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.

The biobank offers an unprecedented opportunity for George �鶹��Ƶ researchers to engage with and involve Virginia’s undergraduate and graduate students in health and public health science, to expand Virginia’s health, science, and technology workforce pipeline and enhance its diversity.

“The availability of such comprehensive and diverse datasets within a single biobank is rare, making it an attractive asset for collaboration and groundbreaking research endeavors,” said Michael S. Bloom, program lead of the College of Public Health Biobank and George �鶹��Ƶ professor.

Space at the SciTech Campus for the biobank was renovated to hold the 11 tanks (called dewars) and freezers full of specimens. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Bloom and co-lead Carolyn Drews-Botsch started the work for the biobank transfer in 2021. Inova chose Bloom and Drews-Botsch after extensive vetting of their prior research experience, including involvement in large cohort studies, such as those from which these specimens are drawn. Space at the SciTech Campus for the biobank was renovated to hold the 11 tanks (called dewars) and freezers full of specimens. The containers are kept between -80 degrees C and -190 degrees C to maintain specimen integrity during long-term storage.

“These specimens will be vital for public health researchers who are looking to identify associations and factors that support healthy pregnancy and child health and ultimately benefit the public’s health,” said Drews-Botsch, a professor in the College of Public Health.

The professors expect the biobank to become a leading resource for collaborative projects once a research database is developed, with other researchers analyzing the data to answer important public health questions.

“By actively fostering these partnerships, George �鶹��Ƶ can position itself as a leader in research around maternal health and early childhood and contribute to the advancement of public health on a larger scale,” Perry said.

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