College of Public Health

The George �鶹��Ƶ alumni behind SOSS Bros and their secret sauce

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:30:05 +0000

The George �鶹��Ƶ alumni behind SOSS Bros and their secret sauce Katarina Benson Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:30

For the �鶹��Ƶ alumni founders of SOSS Bros, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight—but it was lunch.

In their first year, Hesham Hafez, BS Community Health ’09, and Lance Ahmadian, BS Finance, Management ’12, went head-to-head in an eating competition at the Taco Bell in the Johnson Center. “We had a competition for who could eat the most chalupas. And we both ate, like, eight, and then we died,” Lance said, laughing.

Despite the pain, the experience cemented their friendship, which grew to include Hesham’s brother Karim Hafez, BS Civil and Infrastructure Engineering ’12, MS ’13. Along with being fraternity brothers at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, the three bonded over food.

“We’re all foodies,” Hesham said. “When we sit and eat a meal, we see it as kind of a sacred moment.”

From left, Lance Ahmadian, Hesham Hafez, and Karim Hafez in the Johnson Center Market with their SOSS. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

That pursuit of a perfect meal—and the perfect accompanying sauce—was the initial spark behind SOSS Bros. The recipe for SOSS—which stands for smoked original secret sauce—originated with Hesham, who’d perfected it over the years and would often share it with family and friends. Lance was immediately hooked: “It was unhateable.”

It took a few more years to convince Hesham to take the product commercial, but once he and Lance committed, they were all in—and they leaned on Karim to corral and guide their creativity.

“I’m the part of the business that is more coming from an engineering background,” Karim said. “I put all the operational and logistics stuff together.”

Still, challenges awaited, especially as the trio looked for partners to scale up production. “Ninety-nine of them said ‘No, we can’t do this the way that you guys want to do it. It’s not going to work,’” Karim said. But the trio refused to compromise on ingredients or their recipe. Their grit and persistence paid off when they at last found a bottler willing to do it their way.

Their first public event was in May 2025 in Richmond, Virginia. “We did over 2,000 samples,” Lance said. “And I can count on one hand how many people said they didn’t like it.”

And they gained even more fans when they brought the sauce along to a Patriots men’s basketball game at EagleBank Arena. Fast forward six months and many conversations with George �鶹��Ƶ’s Intercollegiate Athletics and David Atkins, executive director of brand development and licensing at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of University Branding, and the Brave & Bold blend of SOSS was born. An official collaboration between SOSS Bros and �鶹��Ƶ, the blend can be found online and at on-campus convenience stores. A percentage of sales go back to the university.

SOSS Bros couldn’t be more homegrown. All three grew up in Northern Virginia, and their existing roots in the area played a major role in their decision to come to George �鶹��Ƶ. They also cite the university’s ample and diverse social opportunities. “I wanted to be part of a community,” Lance said.

Karim credits opportunities through the Volgenau School of Engineering for his career after graduation. “I spent about seven years with Turner Construction, and I think George �鶹��Ƶ really set me up,” he said, mentioning hands-on experiences like concrete testing and bridge design that gave him the skills he needed as a civil engineer.

He continues to use these skills as a consultant while working for SOSS part-time. Lance works full time in commercial real estate as a senior investment associate for the Greysteel Company, where he’s worked since graduating from George �鶹��Ƶ, and Hesham works for SOSS full time.

Asked about their advice for current Patriots, all three mention patience and determination. “You have to give a minimum of six months…to what you’re doing,” Lance says. “You can't just do something and give up and try something else, because you haven't given it time.”

As for the secret sauce that makes up SOSS Bros? “We're a team that has a ton of fun,” Karim said. “I think we're truly the definition of work hard, play hard, but we really do play first—I mean, eat first.”

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College of Engineering and Computing

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College of Public Health

George �鶹��Ƶ online graduate programs rank among Virginia’s best

ckearney — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:27:58 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ online graduate programs rank among Virginia’s best ckearney Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:27

�鶹��Ƶ earned top Virginia placements across business, nursing, and education, and leads in the region as a college destination for veterans and working professionals in the 2026 Best Online Programs rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released today.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Recognized as the No. 1 public university in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region for upward mobility, George �鶹��Ƶ translates access into outcomes through its nationally ranked online programs. Ranked in 13 U.S. News online graduate program categories, the university appears in highly selective fields statewide; in eight of those categories, only a small number of Virginia universities are included, sometimes as few as two or three.

A National Leader for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

As a designated Military Friendly® School, George �鶹��Ƶ demonstrates a long-standing commitment to serving military-connected students at scale. Approximately 14% of George �鶹��Ƶ’s 40,000-plus students are current or former service members or military dependents, and approximately one in five freshmen, transfer, and graduate students this year has military ties, making George �鶹��Ƶ a leading destination for military-affiliated learners in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

That commitment translates into nationally recognized outcomes across multiple programs:

Master’s in business programs for veterans ranked No. 1 in Virginia, including both MBA and non-MBA options. The master’s in business (non-MBA) for veterans debuted 18th nationally and 14th among public universities.
The master’s in nursing for veterans pathways was ranked No. 1 in Virginia and among public universities in the Washington, D.C., region.
The master’s in information technology for veterans program ranked 19th nationally and 13th among public universities.
The master’s in education for veterans program ranked 18th nationally and among public universities, placing 2nd in both Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

Overall, four of six veteran-focused programs included in the rankings placed in the top 20 nationally, with all six ranking in the top 50, underscoring George �鶹��Ƶ’s role as a regional and national leader in education designed for those who have served.

Beyond rankings, George �鶹��Ƶ provides comprehensive support for military-connected students and their families, grounded in an understanding of the academic, professional, and lived experiences they bring to the university. Through the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative and the Office of Military Services students are connected to academic advising, career preparation, and regional resources that recognize the realities of military service and transition.

“These rankings are a testament to both the strength of the faculty and curriculum, as well as the overall student experience that we provide for our veterans,” said Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education and professor of psychology. “They’re reflective of our comprehensive approach to serving those who have served our nation.”

Preparing Business Leaders

George �鶹��Ƶ’s master’s in business programs within the Costello College of Business posted some of the strongest gains this year, with the master’s in business (non-MBA) program climbing 19 spots nationally to 37th, rising 12 spots among public universities to 27th, and ranking 2nd in Virginia.

At a time when many traditional MBA graduates face prolonged job searches, George �鶹��Ƶ’s business programs emphasize practical, career-aligned learning designed for working professionals. This year, two of the university’s four business programs ranked No. 1 in Virginia, with all four placing among the top five statewide, reflecting a consistent focus on applied skills, flexible online delivery, and workforce-aligned preparation.

“We continue to innovate across our online programs and the significant rise in our master’s in business ranking, along with our online business programs placing within Virginia’s top 5, are indicative of Costello’s growing prestige among business schools in our region,” said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business. “These rankings reinforce our success in delivering an educational experience that meets learners' needs—with graduate programs that emphasize career outcomes, flexibility, and affordability.”

Excellence Across Key Academic Disciplines

Strong national and regional standing was also evident across multiple master’s programs, including education, nursing, engineering, and information technology.

In education, George �鶹��Ƶ stands out for its national leadership in special education, a field facing persistent workforce shortages in Virginia and across the country. The master’s in special education ranked 7th overall and 8th among public universities, being only one of two Virginia universities included in the category.

That leadership aligns with George �鶹��Ƶ’s broader efforts to address special education workforce challenges. Through innovative training programs, the university is helping prepare the next generation of special education leaders through a focus on evidence-based practice, policy expertise, and leadership training.

"National recognition matters because it affirms the responsibility we carry,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “These rankings reflect the depth of our faculty’s expertise and our focus on preparing educators and leaders who think critically, continue learning and adapting, and work across boundaries to solve real-world challenges.”

The School of Nursing within George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health also earned strong recognition as demand for nurses remains high across Virginia and the country. The master’s in nursing ranked No. 1 in Virginia and among public universities in the Washington, D.C., region, placing 41st nationally among public universities. The master’s in nursing for veterans program ranked 15th nationally and 10th among public universities, reinforcing George �鶹��Ƶ’s role in preparing nurses to meet growing health care demands.

"At the School of Nursing, we advance nursing excellence by offering flexible, accessible pathways to advanced degrees,” said Dean Melissa Perry, College of Public Health. “Through online and veteran-focused options, we are strengthening the nursing workforce and preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a rapidly changing health care environment. The recognition as the top program in Virginia reflects the College of Public Health's commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders in health care."

George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Engineering and Computing demonstrated strength across engineering and information technology programs aligned with high-demand technical fields critical to the region’s innovation economy. The master’s in industrial engineering ranked 11th nationally, and several programs placed among the top 50 nationally, including master’s in engineering (50th), master’s in engineering for veterans (34th), and the master’s in information technology (38th).

“We’re happy to be so well represented in this year’s rankings,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “Our college has a successful history in online education, which includes offering George �鶹��Ƶ’s first online master’s degree—a master’s in computer science—in 2005. We’re proud to provide flexible learning opportunities that support one of the university’s Grand Challenge [Initiative] solutions: advancing 21st-century education for all.”

Commitment to Access

Taken together, these rankings reflect George �鶹��Ƶ’s sustained investment in education that expands access, strengthens workforce pipelines, and delivers meaningful outcomes. For veterans, working adults, and post-traditional students, George �鶹��Ƶ’s online programs support upward mobility and regional impact across high-demand fields.

View the full list of George �鶹��Ƶ in the Rankings

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College of Public Health

College of Education and Human Development

Veterans

Military

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Costello College of Business News

Graduate Education

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and George �鶹��Ƶ researchers

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:30:46 +0000

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and George �鶹��Ƶ researchers Taylor Thomas Mon, 01/26/2026 - 09:30

In This Story

Iulia Fratila, PhD

“Imagine living in a place where you can comfortably send your child and their friends on a safe route to your local library on foot or by bike. How about being able to engage in physical activity by simply accessing an expansive network of trails that might connect parks to local suburbs? This is what walkability looks like—and walkability is public health,” said social science researcher Iulia Fratila, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at �鶹��Ƶ.

Fratlia participated as a cohort member of the 2025 Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI) and was awarded $9,000 in funding to enhance a local park in Alexandria, Virginia. In partnership with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA), Fratila and third-year undergraduate social work student Bryce Neuman devised the plan for the Alexandria City Ben Brenman Park project, which aims to encourage walkability, promote physical activity among community members, and improve access to fitness.

Fratlia emphasizes the role of partnerships in bringing sustainable change to fruition. “A partnership like this is a win for everyone involved," she said. "Academic researchers bring knowledge and expertise on the science that shapes health outcomes and the potential prevention efforts and the governmental agencies can bring resources and design structures that support health-promoting landscapes and decision-making.”

Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health Iulia Fratila (left) and Senior Transportation Planner at Equitable Cities Reba Oduro (right) standing in Ben Brenman Park currently, before enhancement. Photo provided.

The goal of the Ben Brenman Park project is to upgrade a trail segment in the south side of the park that has been underdeveloped and underutilized. The anticipated result is more walking and community engagement, healthier residents in the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas, and addressing health and recreation access gaps.

“We need to make sure we are creating and enhancing built environments and infrastructure that make healthier habits like walking and biking a possibility for all,” said Fratlia.

Neuman joined the Ben Brenman Park project to explore her interest in the built and natural environment as an important factor of public health as well as connections to macro-level social work dimensions. Together, Fratlia and Neuman developed the project’s action plan and strategic goals that guided them through the project proposal and implementation process.

Fratlia attended the farmers' market held at the park to distribute QR codes linking to the survey, and the RPCA emailed the survey to the city residents via their newsletter. These data collection methods garnered more than 400 responses. Based on the survey responses, the community identified priorities, including planting native trees and plants and installing adult fitness equipment in the park. Subsequently, the RPCA Urban Planning team created a plan outlining the proposed layout for exercise equipment and tree plantings.

“I am looking forward to being able to see the final product implemented at the park and see that positive change. I’m particularly excited about the addition of native wildlife around the park, and I hope the people who live near and visit the park also appreciate the changes,” said Neuman.

In addition to the pitch and execution of the Ben Brenman Park project, the VWAI program, in partnership with Equitable Cities LLC, involved attending distance learning modules and in-person workshopsfocused on topics such as Placemaking and Tactical Urbanism, the Economic Impact and Sustainability of Active Transportation Investment, Inclusive Community Engagement, Safe Routes programming, and Complete Streets initiatives. This experience allowed Fratila and Neuman to apply public health principles to a real-world built environment project while engaging directly with community members to address their needs and priorities.

The park enhancement project, which has officially been named a case study by the VWAI, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026 and will be installed by the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The VWAI is a program of the Virginia Department of Health and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Key Takeaways

George �鶹��Ƶ College of Public Health researchers are partnering with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute to study and improve neighborhood walkability at Alexandria City's Ben Brenman Park, ensuring research is grounded in community-identified needs rather than academic theory alone.
The initiative provides hands-on, real-world research experience for College of Public Health students, integrating applied public health training with community-based data collection and analysis to inform local planning decisions.
George �鶹��Ƶ’s involvement helps translate walkability research into practical policy insights, supporting Alexandria’s goals around healthier, safer, and more equitable streets while positioning the university as a long-term community partner.

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GCH Research

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In the George

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and students host inaugural Qualitative Research Day

Shayla Brown — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:46:15 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and students host inaugural Qualitative Research Day  Shayla Brown Wed, 01/21/2026 - 09:46

In This Story

Supriya Baily

Erin D. Maughan, PhD

�鶹��Ƶ recently held its first-ever Qualitative Research Day, an event for PhD students of all disciplines to engage in hands-on and interactive opportunities with the goal of learning new qualitative research techniques and methodologies. The inaugural event is the latest innovation in George �鶹��Ƶ's ongoing efforts to find new ways to support its PhD students.

The event was a collaboration between faculty and students from the College of Public Health, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, including Supriya Baily from Carter School, Erin Maughan from the School of Nursing, Bethany Letiecq from CEHD, PhD students Karthik Ramanujam and Tara Altay, and Fenwick Library team members, including Debby Kermer and Ramanujam.

The team received funding from each of the colleges as well as the Graduate Nursing Organization and the Graduate Division.

Baily, who served as president of the Comparative and International Education Society, an academic association comprising more than 3,500 researchers, analysts, practitioners, and students, used her connections to bring national research experts to the event to deliver keynotes, lead workshops, and guide students through data analysis activities. Students were able to refine their qualitative research skills and network with professional qualitative researchers from across the globe.

Keynote speakers Kevin Roy (left) and Colleen Vesely at Qualitative Research Day. Photo by Shayla Brown/Office of University Branding.

"We did this purely because we thought the students needed it. We were determined that this was going to be a hands-on and interactive event to ensure that the students left having learned something new," said Baily, who was previously co-director of the Center for International Education.

"I was very grateful they were willing to come here and share their expertise with the students," Baily said of the guest speakers.

"PhD students need to enhance their skills in this area—be more rigorous, professional, figure out how it's valued—and look at the new methodologies of doing it," she said.

Maughan teaches NURS 920 Qualitative Research in Nursing and Health Care in the School of Nursing where she met students who were passionate about qualitative research, including Altay, her advisee and doctoral nursing student.

"I was helping Tara navigate the resources on campus, and that's when we realized that there's actually a bit of a gap in resources for qualitative research compared to that for quantitative research, which tends to be the more traditional research for many [PhD candidates]," said Maughan.

The team made sure the events really resonated with the students by identifying where they wanted more information. The biggest area of interest for PhD students focusing on qualitative research was analysis.

Qualitative Research Day presentation. Photo by Shayla Brown/Office of University Branding.

Guest speaker Jeffrey Lee, former professor of education at University of Massachusetts Global, guided students through best practices in data coding, data analysis, and theme development. His workshop helped students build expertise by framing the complexity of data analysis in an accessible and scaffolded approach.

Lee also categorized reviews from the recent Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere to demonstrate the process for qualitative analysis of audience reception.

Altay, who is working on a PhD in nursing and earned a Qualitative Research Certificate, worked with Maughan and Baily to help make Qualitative Research Day happen.

"To my knowledge, it's rare for students in the School of Nursing to do a full qualitative dissertation, but the nursing faculty have been super supportive of my doing a full qualitative dissertation, which is such a huge thing," said Altay, whose research focuses on the stigma sex workers face with health care providers.

"It's all about students' professional development so they can be the best versions of themselves when they go off and get jobs as researchers and scholars," said Baily. "As the next generation of academics, they'll be able to say 'George �鶹��Ƶ trained me well.'"

Topics

College of Education and Human Development

College of Public Health

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

George �鶹��Ƶ researchers honored with SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards

Katarina Benson — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:46:48 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ researchers honored with SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards Katarina Benson Fri, 01/16/2026 - 13:46

�鶹��Ƶ’s Xuesu Xiao, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science within the College of Engineering and Computing, and Michael S. Bloom, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health within the College of Public Health, were among the 12 recipients honored by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) with 2026 Outstanding Faculty Awards.

Chosen from a pool of 81 nominees and 21 finalists representing the commonwealth’s public and private colleges and universities, the recipients are recognized for their superior accomplishments in teaching, research, and public service. Each will receive a $7,500 award at a March 3 ceremony in Richmond.

“I am thrilled that two George �鶹��Ƶ faculty members have been selected to receive the SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award this year,” said George �鶹��Ƶ Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Ajay Vinzé. “As the highest honor for faculty in the Commonwealth, this award recognizes the exceptional contributions that George �鶹��Ƶ faculty make through research that addresses society’s most pressing challenges, as well as through engaging students in impactful teaching and mentoring experiences that foster student success. In addition, these two award recipients are deeply committed to service, innovation, and leadership in their fields. This honor is richly deserved; together, they showcase the best of George �鶹��Ƶ.”

Xiao directs the RobotiXX Lab and is an assistant professor in the department of Computer Science. Photo by Office of University Branding

Xiao was recognized as a “Rising Star” for his early-career accomplishments. He directs the RobotiXX Lab and works at the intersection of motion planning and machine learning, with a focus on developing highly capable mobile robots that can operate in real-world environments with minimal human supervision. His work has supported search-and-rescue efforts following the Mexico City earthquake, the Greece refugee crisis, and decommissioning efforts at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan. In 2025, Xiao received the George �鶹��Ƶ Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence in Research.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects Virginia’s commitment to scholarship that serves the public good,” Xiao said. “It strengthens the commonwealth’s research profile, prepares students to address complex, real-world challenges, and recognizes not only my research contributions, but also the broader vision behind them—advancing robotics research with real impact while educating and mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists.”

Gurdip Singh, the divisional dean of the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing within the College of Engineering and Computing, said George �鶹��Ƶ was fortunate to have such a talented young researcher as Xiao.

“His breakthroughs in robotics are making an impact at conferences around the world and establishing our prominence in this rapidly growing field,” he said. “The test bed at the RobotiXX Lab is the only one of its kind in the region, if not the country.”

Bloom teaches graduate-level epidemiology and mentors graduate students, while conducting research on the health effects and sources of exposure to environmental pollutants, with a focus on human reproduction and fetal development. His work is driven by a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting vulnerable populations.

Bloom, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health. Photo by Office of University Branding

A reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist, Bloom was recently elected to a five-year leadership role within the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, where he will serve on the Leadership Committee of the Environment and Reproduction Special Interest Group in a series of roles culminating as chair.

Bloom has co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, with research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Fulbright Program.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor,” Bloom said. “It reflects not only my efforts, but also the support and collaboration of colleagues, students, and mentors who have shaped my journey. This recognition reinforces our shared mission as George �鶹��Ƶ faculty—advancing education, research, and service that make a meaningful difference.”

Melissa J. Perry, dean of the College of Public Health, called Bloom’s recognition “a testament to his exceptional scholarship and unwavering commitment to public health.”

“His expertise in environmental health and his pioneering research on the impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals have advanced our understanding of critical health challenges,” she said. “We are proud to have Dr. Bloom as a leader in our college, shaping the future of public health through his research, mentorship, and dedication to improving health for all.”

Bloom said it was humbling to join a long line of accomplished faculty scholars at George �鶹��Ƶ and across Virginia, noting that the award reflects a broader tradition of excellence in teaching, mentoring, research, and public service that continues to shape the future of higher education.

Xiao and Bloom become the 30th and 31st George �鶹��Ƶ faculty to receive SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards since the program’s inception in 1987. Recipients of this award are selected by their institutions, reviewed by a panel of peers, and chosen by a committee of leaders from the public and private sectors.

In This Story

Xuesu Xiao

Michael S. Bloom, PhD, MS, FACE

Topics

Campus News

College of Engineering and Computing

College of Public Health

SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award

CPH awards

In the George

�鶹��Ƶ Autonomy and Robotics Center

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

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

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

In This Story

Marybeth Mitcham, PhD, MPH

Sarah Liu, MPH

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

Photo by Getty Images.

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

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

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

Sarah Liu. Photo provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salisa Sathityudhakarn. Photo provided.

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

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

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

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

Topics

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Community Engagement

Certificate Programs

Department of Global and Community Health

Students

partnerships

workforce

�鶹��Ƶ leads phase 2 clinical trial for pill to help maintain weight loss after GLP-1s

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:52:49 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ leads phase 2 clinical trial for pill to help maintain weight loss after GLP-1s Taylor Thomas Fri, 01/09/2026 - 10:52

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed obesity treatment, but maintaining weight loss after the medications stop remains a challenge. �鶹��Ƶ is leading a new clinical trial that may help people sustain their results.

The university is one of six research sites across the United States administering a Phase 2 clinical trial of ARD-201, a novel weight-maintenance drug developed by Aardvark Therapeutics that works differently from existing obesity medications. Unlike injectable medications that drive significant short-term weight loss, ARD-201 is being studied for its potential role in appetite regulation and weight maintenance after injectable therapy ends. The oral medication works by activating the bitter taste receptors in the gut and brain without creating an actual bitter taste, signaling the body to eat less.

Lawrence Cheskin. Photo by Emma Anderson.

“It’s almost a survival instinct,” said Lawrence Cheskin, obesity researcher, professor, and past chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, which is leading the George �鶹��Ƶ research site for the trial. “When something tastes bitter, the body assumes there may be a toxin, so you back off.”

By subtly triggering that signal, the drug appears to reduce appetite without the dramatic effects associated with injectable medications. “This isn’t going to cause large weight loss on its own,” Cheskin said. “The question is whether it can help people keep weight off.”

The trial will enroll adults who previously lost weight using injectable medications and have since stopped them. Researchers will track how much weight participants regain over time and compare outcomes with published data showing typical patterns of weight regain after injectables are ceased. The study is an open-label Phase 2 trial, meaning participants know they are receiving the drug, and there is no placebo comparison group.

Earlier research helped lay the groundwork for the current study. A closely related compound, ARD-101, was previously tested for treating Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition marked by extreme, chronic hunger. ARD-201 is now under investigation as an oral therapy for broader obesity and weight-management use.

George �鶹��Ƶ was selected as a trial site based on its longstanding expertise in obesity research and clinical weight management, according to Cheskin. If results from this Phase 2 study are promising, they could inform larger, randomized trials to more rigorously test the drug’s effectiveness for long-term weight maintenance.

Thumbnail photo by David Trinks via Unsplash.

In This Story

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

Learn more about Research at George �鶹��Ƶ

Topics

Weight Control

Obesity

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

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College of Public Health

Public health doctoral candidate’s dissertation awarded in university-wide Three Minute Thesis competition

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:56:30 +0000

Public health doctoral candidate’s dissertation awarded in university-wide Three Minute Thesis competition Taylor Thomas Mon, 12/08/2025 - 09:56

Rooshna Mohsin, a PhD in public health student, was this year’s third-place winner in �鶹��Ƶ’s annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, a research communication competition for PhD candidates across the university. Competitors are judged on their ability to present the significance of their dissertation or thesis research using a single slide and within a strict three-minute time limit.

Rooshna Mohsin. Photo provided.

Mohsin offered a compelling presentation on dietary and social exposure to PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as forever chemicals, among Hispanic children.

“I found that animal-based foods were associated with higher levels of some PFAS, while taking part in free/reduced school-based meal programs were associated with lower levels. When analyzing associations between PFAS and vitamin D, we found some PFAS were associated with higher levels of vitamin D, which may imply interference of PFAS in vitamin D metabolism in the body,” Mohsin explained of her research’s key findings.

Her full work is entitled Balancing the Risks: Dietary and Social Predictors of PFAS Exposure and Associated Health Outcomes in Hispanic Children.

Mohsin intends to build upon her findings next steps by evaluating the associations between PFAS and cardio metabolic measures (blood pressure and cholesterol) in Hispanic children, which are pediatric measures of heart disease later in life.

The competition took place on November 7, 2025, and was organized by the Graduate Division of the Provost’s Office. PhD students from the College of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Humanities and Social Science, College of Public Health, and College of Science participated. A panel of eight judges evaluated the presentations on a diverse range of topics, including the integration of Gen-AI in K-12 classrooms and novel approaches to combating bacteria and biofilms.

Congratulations to all 3MT winners!

Topics

PhD in Public Health

College of Public Health

CPH students

Three Minute Thesis

Students

Why is the “freshmen 15” phenomenon so common?

Taylor Thomas — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:49:18 +0000

Why is the “freshmen 15” phenomenon so common? Taylor Thomas Tue, 11/04/2025 - 09:49

In This Story

Y. Alicia Hong, PhD

Hong Xue, PhD

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

Do not schedule eight AM classes. Communicate with your roommate. Wash your bedding regularly. Incoming college students are offered numerous pieces of advice before stepping onto campus. Arguably, one of the most common is to beware of the “freshman 15.” But why is weight gain among first-year students so universal that it has earned such a notorious reputation?

An �鶹��Ƶ interdisciplinary research team led by Y. Alicia Hong, professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy who studies mobile and wearable technologies, found that the college environment lends itself to habits that increase food intake and subsequent weight gain.

“Social and environmental factors are key determinants of eating behavior,” said Hong. "College students are affected by the eating environment, especially where they eat and whom they eat with. Our research found that they consume more calories when eating in groups or formal dining settings."

Over the course of four weeks, college students self-recorded daily eating behaviors, environment, and mood and stress levels using a mobile app. App-logged responses indicated participants eat more when in groups of two or more and in locations such as dining halls or restaurants. Conversely, food intake was less when alone or at home.

College students are unaware of their eating habits, findings suggest. Analysis revealed that students’ perceptions of their food consumption did not align with the caloric intake logged. Factors related to gender and emotion also contributed to the complex nature of dietary behavior.

“College students’ eating behaviors are complex, with individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors interacting to influence dietary intake. This research underscores the importance of context in dietary intervention and incorporating digital tools for dietary assessment,” said Hong.

The research team included Distinguished University Professor Larry Cheskin in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy Hong Xue, and George �鶹��Ƶ alumna Jo-Vivian Yu, BS Health Adminstration '21, MS Health Informatics '22.

The Dynamics of Eating Behaviors and Eating Environment in College Students: Discrepancies Between App-Tracked Dietary Intake and Self-Perceived Food Consumption was published in mHealth on October 29, 2025. The study was funded by the �鶹��Ƶ College of Public Health Pilot Grant (PI: YAH).

�鶹��Ƶ the researchers

Y. Alicia Hong is a professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy at �鶹��Ƶ. She is an expert in behavioral interventions with a research interest in the intersection of health services delivery and consumer informatics. Her work primarily explores chronic care and self-care solutions through innovative digital technologies, aiming to improve patient-centered outcomes and enhance healthcare accessibility. Hong’s research focuses on implementation and dissemination science, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance health services delivery.

Larry Cheskin is a distinguished university professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and adjunct professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Cheskin has dedicated his career to research, education, and program building to enhance people’s diets and combat obesity. He founded the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, a multidisciplinary clinical research and treatment program. His work has impacted the problem of obesity through innovative treatment programs, and in community-based participatory research among the underserved in urban areas. He also developed mHealth tailored to the behavioral characteristics of the recipient to combat obesity.

Hong Xue is an associate professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy. He currently serves as the Chair of the Tobacco Free Alliance of Virginia. Xue conducts interdisciplinary research in public health and in particular, integrates economics, nutrition, epidemiology, systems science, health informatics and machine learning in studying multilevel mechanisms and factors (e.g., from policy to behavior) related to obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), and tobacco use. Dr. Xue's research has been widely published in top journals and featured in national media, contributing significantly to both domestic and global NCD control efforts.

Jo-Vivian Yu holds a Master of Science in Data Analytics and a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics from �鶹��Ƶ. Her academic and research background reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation at the intersection of data science, technology, and public health. She has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed studies focused on health behavior and population health, using digital tools and data analytics to investigate the impact of social and environmental factors on health outcomes.

Thumbnail photo by Rosalind Chang via unsplash.

Topics

College of Public Health

Teaming up: College of Public Health and Athletics partner to support athletes holistically

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:57:51 +0000

Teaming up: College of Public Health and Athletics partner to support athletes holistically Taylor Thomas Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:57

A new partnership between the College of Public Health (CPH) and the Athletics Department is taking shape at �鶹��Ƶ, starting with a shared commitment to boost nutrition support for student-athletes.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

“From the start, we saw an opportunity to merge two strengths at George �鶹��Ƶ: our expertise in public health and Athletics’ commitment to student well-being,” said Dean Melissa Perry of the College of Public Health. “This collaboration was part of the vision when we recruited Dr. Martin Binks, knowing his leadership could help connect nutrition science directly to the needs of our student-athletes.”

“At George �鶹��Ƶ, we believe in developing champions in every aspect of life, which means investing in the holistic well-being of our student-athletes,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This partnership with the College of Public Health reinforces that commitment by bringing expert support in nutrition, wellness, and education—helping our Patriots thrive in competition and beyond. We’re proud to build this model of collaboration and grateful to the College of Public Health leadership for their shared vision and partnership.”

Currently, the nutrition department is assisting Athletics as they hire a full-time registered dietitian, who will serve as both a direct resource for student-athletes as well as a preceptor for dietetics students completing supervised practice hours in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

The department is also designing a new athlete-focused section of one of its most popular courses, NUTR 295: Fundamentals of Nutrition. The class will keep its general nutrition framework while folding in case studies and other content tailored to athletic performance, designed in consultation with coaches and trainers.

“Athletics is proactively supporting the whole student, not just their athletic performance. Our department shares that philosophy and is ready to support it,” said Martin Binks, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies (NFS) at CPH.

On the CPH side, for students enrolled in the MS in Nutrition’s Nutrition and Performance concentration, the partnership opens more doors for applied learning and collaboration. Internships and practicums with Athletics will place them alongside the university’s strength and conditioning staff, trainers, and teams.

Binks has joined the George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics Medical Review Team, a strategically assembled advisory group tasked with evaluating and improving the standard of sports medicine care available to student-athletes. “It’s the first time the College of Public Health has had representation in that process,” Binks noted.

These initial steps lay the groundwork for broader connections between CPH and Athletics in the future. During a September CPH kickoff meeting, faculty and athletics leaders also discussed opportunities in social work and mental-health support, as well as immersive learning using virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance anatomy and physiology education. Additional plans include workshops and seminars on a range of wellness topics related to self-care, sleep, and stress management, as well as topics centered on leadership and life after student athletics.

Thumbnail photo by Ayman Rashid/Creative Services/�鶹��Ƶ.