Strategic Direction

George �鶹��Ƶ ranks among Top 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields

Colleen Rich — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:40:17 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ ranks among Top 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields Colleen Rich Mon, 04/07/2025 - 15:40

�鶹��Ƶ ranked among the top 5 in Virginia across all 25 categories in the engineering, law, nursing, and policy programs in which it was included in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Program rankings.

Cherry trees by �鶹��Ƶ Pond on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Engineering Ranks Top 3 in Virginia and Top 50 Nationally

The College of Engineering and Computing at George �鶹��Ƶ ranks among the top 3 colleges in Virginia across all six engineering categories with civil engineering rising 14 spots to 73rd nationally and 51st among publics, and computer engineering climbing 20 spots among publics to 42nd. Nationally, George �鶹��Ƶ’s systems engineering program ranks in the top 50, placing 37th overall and 27th among publics.

George �鶹��Ƶ plays a key role in strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in engineering education, with top-ranked programs in multiple disciplines. George �鶹��Ƶ was one of only four Virginia universities recognized in bioengineering, civil engineering, and systems engineering, and one of five Virginia universities honored in overall engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and dispute resolution programs.

"With 13% of the world’s data centers based in Northern Virginia, the university continues to expand its engineering and computing programs, and state-of-the-art facilities to support the region’s workforce requirements for skilled professionals,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. ”George �鶹��Ƶ is home to the first school of computing in the commonwealth and just announced Virginia’s only master's degree in artificial intelligence.”

Additionally, earlier this year, two of the college’s online programs made their debut by earning top national rankings in U.S. News. The master’s in industrial engineering debuted as the No. 1 in Virginia and 10th nationally, and the master’s in IT for veterans ranked 21st nationally and 13th among publics.

George �鶹��Ƶ also recently opened its Life Sciences and Engineering Building at its Science and Technology Campus. These spaces provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields such as bioengineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics, equipping them to meet industry demands.

Law School Retains Strong Rankings and Employment Outcomes

The Antonin Scalia Law School ranked 2nd among Virginia law schools, 31st among all U.S. law schools, and 12th among public schools. The part-time program was ranked 4th nationally among public law schools. The school ranked 11th nationally in the number of graduates employed in federal clerkships.

“Scalia Law is ranked 3rd among the 16 schools in the DMV,” said Ken Randall, Allison and Dorothy Rouse Dean and �鶹��Ƶ Foundation Professor of Law. “Our No. 1 employment ranking among metro-DC schools highlights the marketability of our graduates. The faculty, staff, and students deserve thanks and recognition.”

As the legal profession continues to grow—with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 5% increase in lawyer employment by 2033, or approximately 36,000 jobs per year over the next eight years, Scalia Law is well-positioned to prepare students to enter an expanding field and meet the rising demand for qualified legal professionals.

Nursing Ranks Number 1 in Virginia

The School of Nursing within the state’s first College of Public Health set the standard for nursing education in Virginia, ranking first in the state for both its master’s in nursing and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. Nationally, the doctor of nursing practice program placed in the top 6% according to U.S. News & World Report, while both programs ranked among the top 10 at public universities.

“The rankings reflect George �鶹��Ƶ’s leadership in public health education and commitment to innovation,” said College of Public Health Dean Melissa Perry. “This dedication is exemplified by the one-of-a-kind interprofessional curriculum offered in the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, providing hands-on experience that enhances students’ expertise and readiness in the field.”

Schar School’s Public Affairs Ranks Number 1 in Virginia

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George �鶹��Ƶ continues to excel, with all of its ranked programs placing in the top 50 nationally and the top 25 among public universities. Most notably, the school's ranking among public affairs programs rose to No. 1 in Virginia, ranking 36th nationally and 24th among publics.

“Students choose the Schar School the strong depth of our faculty expertise and the opportunity to interact with thought leaders in various fields of policy and government studies,” said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. “These rankings reflect the rising reputation of the Schar School for high-quality degree programs that prepare students for success.”

The school is ranked 4th nationally in homeland security and 48th in political science, making George �鶹��Ƶ one of only two Virginia universities recognized in both fields. Additionally, the school is the only Virginia university ranked for nonprofit management and holds its position at 13th nationally and 10th among publics. The school also ranks 33rd nationally and 25th among publics for public management and leadership, as well as 31st nationally and 17th among publics for public policy analysis.

Growing as a Top 50 University

Other highly ranked programs at George �鶹��Ƶ among the Top 50 among public universities nationwide include computer science (35th), health care management (16th), history (36th), public health (40th), and part-time MBA and economics (both 48th).

“George �鶹��Ƶ’s representation in these rankings underscores its role as a leading institution and top choice for today’s career-focused students, both in Virginia and nationally,” said Provost James Antony. “The university’s strong performance in these programs highlights its ability to produce highly skilled graduates ready to make an impact in their fields, with the majority staying in the commonwealth after graduation.”

Check out the full list of George �鶹��Ƶ rankings at gmu.edu/rankings.

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Annual Spring Break Trip to U.S.-Mexico Border Changes Perspectives

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:07:03 +0000

Annual Spring Break Trip to U.S.-Mexico Border Changes Perspectives Andrew J Schappert Thu, 04/03/2025 - 14:07

The spring break trip to the U.S.-Mexico border featured discussions as well as excursions.

For their March 2025 spring break, eight members of the International Relations Policy Task Force (IRTF) at �鶹��Ƶ's Schar School of Policy and Government and one Global Affairs student, along with Associate Professor Eric McGlinchey and Assistant Director of Student Engagement Emilee Duffy, traveled to the United States-Mexico border for a firsthand look at immigration issues and the challenges facing those living and working in the area.

Students got an up-close look at the border wall.

Abara, a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas, dedicated to fostering peace through educational programs around immigration and border realities, hosted the students for the weeklong study-abroad trip, which is also a 1-credit course.

The packed agenda mixed discussions about migration root causes, historic and current border realities, and dignified storytelling and ethical volunteerism with visits to the border fence, a migrant shelter run by Abara, and the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez across a bridge in Mexico. There, Schar School students engaged in conversation with their peers in the Department of Social Sciences and bonded over their similar tastes in music. IRTF students also toured Ciudad Neuva, a nonprofit committed to advancing the renewal and development of central El Paso’s Rio Grande neighborhood before departing for White Sands National Park.

For Sarah Elpers, a junior government and international politics and geology double major, the trip clarified that some concepts benefit from an in-person learning experience.

A visit to White Sands National Park concluded the week.

“The articles we read are incredibly well written and informative, but they certainly paint a picture in your mind that isn’t always true,” she said. “This trip taught me that many Americans perceive the border as very dangerous and the bane of the country. In reality, however, it’s just another part of people’s lives. It’s very easy to believe what certain media puts out but being able to actually see what the border and immigration process is like puts things in perspective.”

Hakeem Osman, a junior government and international politics major, said the expedition helped him better understand immigration and policy as it pertains to people on both sides of the border. A high point for him was the visit to the migrant shelter, where he and his colleagues shared a meal with people in the process of migrating and learned more about their stories.

“This moment was impactful for me because it really highlighted the way that media narratives and reality often diverge,” he said. “Throughout the week we explored many heavy themes but we also found joy and friendship in these solemn moments. If you’re in the policy sphere I encourage you to take a step back and question the narratives shaping your perception of migrants and the immigration process. Narrative precedes policy and as policymakers it is imperative to remember that the policies you make affect real people.”

At the end of the week, students left with a broader viewpoint on the border crisis, one that may have differed from the one they arrived with.

For more information about the International Relations Policy Task Force or any of the Schar School’s other learning communities, visit this website.

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George �鶹��Ƶ launches Virginia’s first public master’s degree in AI

Nathan Kahl — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:56:56 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ launches Virginia’s first public master’s degree in AI Nathan Kahl Mon, 03/31/2025 - 10:56

�鶹��Ƶ will offer a master of science in artificial intelligence (AI) starting this fall, becoming Virginia’s first public university to offer a stand-alone master’s degree in this field.

Photo by Getty Images

Recently approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), the degree will equip the next generation of AI innovators with a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum blending foundational theory with real-world applications, ensuring graduates are prepared to address complex challenges in industry and government.

Amarda Shehu, inaugural vice president and chief AI officer, associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computing, and professor in the Department of Computer Science, said, “Seeing this vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding, and I am deeply honored to have led this effort to create a program that will shape the future of AI talent in Virginia and beyond.”

Courses will span core domains such as machine learning foundations and practice; planning and decision-making for intelligent agents; and deep learning fundamentals; providing students with the expertise to build, deploy, and evaluate AI systems across various computing platforms.

Shehu writes and speaks widely on issues around AI. Photo by Office of University Branding

“We had to completely rethink how we teach AI to students,” added Shehu. “Rather than hiding such courses behind long chains of prerequisites, the challenge that we answered is how to design these courses to be largely self-containing and yet offer a rigorous foundation in AI."

Vadim Sokolov, associate professor, Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, was one of the leading faculty in the working group designing curriculum. With his mathematics background and his extensive experience teaching the first deep learning course on campus in 2017, Sokolov has great interest in the field and what this means for students. "The idea is students are not just ‘prompt engineers’ but are supposed to understand the basics of the models and be able to tune them and train them for specific tasks.”

Sokolov added that the program is unique in how it enhances this foundation with real-world settings. According to the program, students will be adept in managing the full machine learning operations lifecycle, integrating open-source AI frameworks, and developing secure, scalable AI solutions while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating complex AI concepts to diverse stakeholders.

“This program is carefully designed to meet the needs of our community, whether that is government or business, but it also provides a holistic experience to students, from AI ethics to AI policy, and from scalable and secure AI to advanced AI solutions, Sokolov said.

Shehu said, “As AI transforms the way we work, govern, and live, this master’s degree program is more than just a response to demand—it is a commitment to preparing students with both the technical expertise and ethical grounding to shape the future of AI responsibly.”

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�鶹��Ƶ Korea to Host 2025 Korea-US-Japan eSports Tournament

Pam Muirheid — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:35:54 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Korea to Host 2025 Korea-US-Japan eSports Tournament Pam Muirheid Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:35

Original article written by Lee Sang-beom in N News (Korea), March 25, 2025:

�鶹��Ƶ Korea will host the '2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament' in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, the U.S. Embassy in Japan, and Coupang. Photo by Ji Kang

�鶹��Ƶ Korea, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, the U.S. Embassy in Japan, and Coupang, will host the 2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament, a global initiative to foster strategic thinking, teamwork, and digital engagement among young gamers from Korea, the U.S., and Japan.

This tournament is an innovative global program where participants will learn teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution through gaming as an eSport, and is an educational platform that develops essential cognitive and collaborative skills in a competitive environment while strengthening trilateral relations among Korea, the United States, and Japan. The eSports Tournament is open to young Korean, American, and Japanese citizens aged 20-39, and requires English communication skills.

Participants will participate in online training and weekly activities from April to May, and will participate in the eSports tournament in Incheon in June.

Through this tournament, �鶹��Ƶ Korea will provide a special opportunity for young gamers to communicate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and improve their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and leadership capabilities. Professor Sang Nam, Professor of Computer Game Design at �鶹��Ƶ, Co-Director of Virginia Functional Game Research Institute, and Director of Korea Functional Game Research Institute, said:

"This '2025 Korea-US-Japan eSports Tournament' is an innovative platform designed to promote digital literacy, cross-cultural collaboration, and leadership development beyond games as entertainment and competition." He added, "We are pleased to demonstrate the role of eSports as a bridge to strengthen trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Japan."

“The trilateral partnership among the United States, Japan, and Korea is a vital component of our shared effort to ensure safety, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Joshua Lustig, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. “We anticipate that the 2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament will bring our three countries closer together by further strengthening the network of youth champions among them.”

The program is fully sponsored by Coupang through a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of State, and the event is co-hosted with Company E, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.

The application deadline for the event is March 28, and eSports training and in-person eSports tournament matches will take place starting April 5.

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Sang Nam

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Cyber sweep: George �鶹��Ƶ students take top three spots in national transportation cybersecurity competition

Teresa Donnellan — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:42:35 +0000

Cyber sweep: George �鶹��Ƶ students take top three spots in national transportation cybersecurity competition Teresa Donnellan Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:42

"I'm going to teach you how to hack a modern car," said �鶹��Ƶ professor Tanvir Arafin to the fall 2024 cohort of CYSE 465 Transportation Systems Design. Arafin not only introduced his students to such exciting concepts in transportation security, but he also incorporated the opportunity to participate in a nationwide cybersecurity competition into his course.

The entire class of 12 from the Department of Cyber Security Engineering chose to participate in the optional assignment and several won first, second, and third place at the National Transportation Cybersecurity Competition (NTCC) in November 2024. George �鶹��Ƶ’s Finn Schaefer won first place; the team of Noor Mohammed, Sonia Shaukat, Caleb Hughston, and Kayleigh Batchos won second place; and Navraj Singh Gill won third place.

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The national competition was open to all university students, both undergraduate and graduate, who could participate individually or in teams of up to four, guided by a faculty advisor. This year’s competition was titled “CYBER-CARE Challenge 2024: Securing the Future of Transportation.”

Participants faced a series of cybersecurity challenges, including password cracking, traffic management system exploitation, Vigenère cipher decryption, SQL injection vulnerability identification, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and vehicle trajectory anomaly detection. They had a few weeks to complete the challenges remotely.

Arafin developed CYSE 465 by integrating real-world scenarios and cutting-edge research findings from his lab. He has been working in hardware and cyber-physical systems security with a key focus on cybersecurity issues of autonomous and transportation systems. CYSE 465 covers understanding data, communication, operating systems, control, and security primitives used in today's vehicles for safe and intelligent control and navigation.

“The course offers a unique perspective on the cyber vulnerabilities that emerge from the security-oblivious modernization of transportation systems,” said Arafin.

While he has taught the course since 2022, this was the first time he incorporated the competition into the course. Arafin noted that such competition participation can greatly enhance students’ resumes, and first-place winner Schaefer, a busy student, greatly appreciated the chance to participate.

“This was actually the first competition that I've competed in,” he said, explaining that it’s hard to find time for such activity outside of school and work. Schaefer’s favorite challenge at the NTCC involved assessing vehicle datasets to detect problems or attacks. He drew from his personal interest in machine learning to solve the challenge.

“I've worked with machine learning models a lot in my own personal projects, but I've never had an applicable use for it,” said Schaefer. “So, it was interesting to actually see my work have real meaning to it for once. I was able to do something pretty cool.”

Through courses like CYSE 465, which bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the Department of Cyber Security Engineering is fostering a new generation of cybersecurity professionals who are well-equipped to secure the future of transportation systems.

"The students’ competition performance is a very compelling argument on the benefits of bringing the results and lessons learned in the research lab directly to the classroom, something many CYSE faculty are doing," said Paulo Costa, the department's faculty chair.

The achievements of George �鶹��Ƶ students at the NTCC highlight the importance of this approach. By bringing state-of-the-art research directly to the classroom, the Department of Cyber Security Engineering is preparing students to become leaders in the field. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the department's innovative educational strategies will ensure that its graduates are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

In This Story

Tanvir Arafin

Paulo Costa

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Students present research at Inaugural Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:27:27 +0000

Students present research at Inaugural Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:27

In February, �鶹��Ƶ students attended the first Undergraduate Research Showcase held by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) in Richmond. The event was an opportunity for students to present their research as well as share their work with state legislators.

Undergraduates Luciano Byrd, Angela Rojas, and Fatima Majid, all researchers working with faculty through George �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), were selected for the event.

“The showcase was monumental for me as a student. It was exhilarating to engage in real intellectual sparring with professionals in my field,” said Majid, a senior cyber security engineering major.

Majid worked on her project in a George �鶹��Ƶ Summer Impact research group, “Addressing the International Artificial Intelligence Cyber Question with the United States Cyber Command,” led by Professors Brian Ngac and Nirup Menon of Costello College of Business. This was her first time presenting research.

Majid (left), Byrd (center), and Rojas Rivera (right) at the showcase. Photo provided

Working with fellow students Brian Lemus, Bella Nguyen, and MinhQuan Vo, Majid studies how countries are using artificial intelligence (AI) for national cybersecurity. “The incorporation of AI into cybersecurity is not only revolutionizing the way these countries defend against cyber threats but also serves as a catalyst for strengthening their strategic alliances with the United States,” she said.

Sophomore government and international politics major Luciano Byrd’s research focuses on presidents’ use of executive power and executive orders. His project, “The Evolution of U.S. Presidential Executive Orders from 1936 to 2024: Historical Trends and New, Modern Changes,” could have important implications for the political science field.

He credits his mentor, psychology professor Adam Winsler, for encouraging him to pursue his research. “Without him, I would not have gotten as far as I have. [This] project started off as a simple literature review for my Honors 110 [Principles of Research and Inquiry] class and has turned into a multi-year research project.”

Angela Victoria Rojas Rivera, a junior majoring in medical laboratory science, has been working on her research since she was a freshman. Her research, “Primary Breast Cancer Communication with the Sentinel Lymph Node via Extracellular Vesicles Regulates Distant Metastasis,” addresses triple-negative breast cancer. Her work with Lance Liotta, Marissa Howard, and PhD student Purva Gade in the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine could lead to new approaches to combat the disease.

For Rivera, the most meaningful part of the showcase was the confirmation that her research could help people in the future. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in proteomics or cancer biology.

During the 2023-24 academic year, 428 undergraduates were funded by several OSCAR programs, including the OSCAR Federal Work Study Research Assistant Program, the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, and the Summer Team Impact Projects.

“The importance of events like the Inaugural Showcase at the Capitol is twofold: first, for students, sharing the results of research or creative projects is part of the whole experience. Second, this particular event allowed students to show what amazing work they have done to members of the General Assembly and their staff, who might not have any other opportunity to see what undergraduates can accomplish,” said Karen T. Lee, associate director of OSCAR.

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�鶹��Ƶ Korea's global network expands in Vietnam

Katarina Benson — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:23:16 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Korea's global network expands in Vietnam Katarina Benson Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:23

Last week, �鶹��Ƶ Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park led a strategic visit to Vietnam to strengthen international partnerships across three key cities: Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh. He was accompanied by Kelley Chung, associate dean of admissions and enrollment, and Jake Lee, admissions counselor.

In Hanoi, the �鶹��Ƶ Korea delegation met with Vice President Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich of Hanoi International College, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote educational and intercultural collaboration.

�鶹��Ƶ Korea and Hanoi International College leadership. Photo provided

They also visited Vinschool, a K-12 school, engaging in discussions about future education partnerships. Additionally, the team introduced �鶹��Ƶ Korea’s programs to approximately 90 students at Korean Global School and explored collaboration opportunities with the principal and staff of Vietnamese-Australia High School.

The journey continued in Danang, where the team strengthened ties with the University of Danang (VNUK), building on George �鶹��Ƶ's existing partnership. Nguyen Van Huy, head of the Research and International Cooperation Office, described their collaboration as "a stepping stone for global education."

The trip concluded in Ho Chi Minh City with the signing of an MOU with Saigon Business School, paving the way for student transfers, faculty exchanges, and future joint initiatives. The team also visited the University of Economics and Finance and connected with the vice president and staff to discuss potential educational partnerships.

"It was a highly productive week in Vietnam,” said Park, reflecting on the trip. “I’m excited to bring these new partnerships to life and create more global opportunities for our students."

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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.”

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Sentara leaders explore cutting-edge immersive technologies at George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health

Mary Cunningham — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:06:34 +0000

Sentara leaders explore cutting-edge immersive technologies at George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health Mary Cunningham Fri, 03/21/2025 - 14:06

�鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health (CPH) is setting the gold standard for immersive technologies in health care education. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center President Jeff Joyner and Vice President of Operations—and two-time �鶹��Ƶ School of Nursing alumna—Heather Causseaux recently toured the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, led by Dean Melissa Perry and Chief Innovation Officer Bethany Cieslowski. Their visit underscored Sentara’s interest in strengthening its simulation capabilities and exploring the groundbreaking virtual reality advancements at CPH.

Chief Innovation Officer Bethany Cieslowski, Dean Melissa Perry, Divisional Dean of Nursing Terri Rebmann, and Associate Professor Andrea Landis share the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation with Sentara Vice President of Operations Heather Causseaux, and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center President Jeff Joyner. Photo by Rene Ayala/CPH

Perry shared her vision for leveraging these tools to enhance learning experiences, preparing students for the complexities of real-world health care scenarios. “As the first College of Public Health to be accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in 2024, George �鶹��Ƶ is a trailblazer in integrating immersive technologies into interdisciplinary health education,” said Perry.

Cieslowski, Joyner, and Perry discussed the critical role of cross-generational communication skills in modern health care—particularly as virtual nursing becomes more prevalent.

“It’s very common for a nurse on an overnight shift to be early in their career, while a virtual nurse may have 30 years of experience,” said Cieslowski. “Scenarios that help these nurses communicate more effectively during a simulated medical emergency have immense value.”

The lab’s virtual reality (VR) simulations bridge this gap by offering real-world situational awareness in a safe, controlled environment. Students can repeatedly engage in high-pressure scenarios, refining their skills without real-world consequences.

One such example is a pediatric emergency simulation, where students practice managing a rapidly evolving situation—simultaneously calming a distressed parent, addressing the patient’s needs, ordering critical tests like chest X-rays and labs, and coordinating with providers. By merging didactic learning with immersive experiences, students build confidence and competence in handling complex medical events.

Vice President of Operations Heather Causseaux experiences a virtual reality nursing simulation in George �鶹��Ƶ's Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation. Photo by Rene Ayala/CPH

“The experience that students will gain in �鶹��Ƶ’s Lab for Immersive Technologies will help them effectively respond in real-time to the complex situations they will face in the field, and ultimately, lead to improved patient outcomes,” said Causseaux. “Students will have greater confidence based on these innovative tools that are transforming health care.”

As Sentara explores opportunities to further integrate immersive technologies, the partnership with the College of Public Health presents an exciting opportunity to elevate health care education across the industry. With cutting-edge technology, visionary leadership, and a commitment to innovation, George �鶹��Ƶ is shaping the future of interprofessional health education—one immersive experience at a time.

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Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

Bethany Cieslowski, DNP

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Dean Joshua Park shares vision for �鶹��Ƶ Korea

Katarina Benson — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:39:45 +0000

Dean Joshua Park shares vision for �鶹��Ƶ Korea Katarina Benson Wed, 03/12/2025 - 15:39

More than 250 attendees, including students, family members, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests gathered for the �鶹��Ƶ Korea's Spring Convocation at the Incheon Global Campus Small Theater.

“�鶹��Ƶ Korea upholds the identity of �鶹��Ƶ, while blending unique Korean elements, offering the best of both worlds," �鶹��Ƶ Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park told the assembled group.

"Admission to �鶹��Ƶ Korea is becoming increasingly competitive each year, driven by our distinctive programs and global network," said Kelley Chung, associate dean of admissions and enrollment at �鶹��Ƶ Korea. "As a leading American educational institution in Korea, we are dedicated to both expanding our reach and enhancing the quality of our programs."

�鶹��Ƶ Korea students benefit from a unique academic curriculum, spending three years at the Songdo campus in Korea and one year at the Fairfax Campus in Virginia. The campus upholds the same academic standards as the U.S. campus while offering more affordable tuition and awarding the same degree.

In an recent interview with Incheon Ilbo, Park emphasized collaboration with international universities to attract global talent to the Incheon Global Campus.

Since assuming office in July last year, Park has highlighted �鶹��Ƶ Korea’s role as an extension campus of the U.S. institution, stating, “�鶹��Ƶ Korea has boundless potential in terms of growth and internationalization. We will preserve the core identity of �鶹��Ƶ while shaping a campus that uniquely reflects Korean characteristics.”

A key priority for �鶹��Ƶ Korea is internationalization. Currently, students from more than 20 countries are enrolled at the campus. To further increase the number of international students, Park plans to expand partnerships with international universities, aiming to raise the proportion of international students to 40–50% within the next five years.

In particular, �鶹��Ƶ Korea has been forming Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with universities across Asia. As a result, international student enrollment is expected to increase from next year.

“We are not just looking to collaborate with any university; we are focused on partnering with top-tier institutions,” Park stated. “Through this initiative, we seek to attract the top 1–5% of outstanding students to Songdo, providing them with education and supporting their transition to Incheon.”

Given its location in the major city of Incheon, �鶹��Ƶ Korea also prioritizes collaboration with local schools and businesses. “Introducing American culture to Incheon’s government, businesses, and students is one of our primary missions,” said Park. “To support this, we have established MOUs with Inha University and the University of Incheon, jointly developing various programs.”

As part of this effort, �鶹��Ƶ Korea is developing programs and workshops to help students from Inha and Incheon National universities build global competencies without needing to study abroad.

Additionally, �鶹��Ƶ Korea collaborates with startups in Incheon. The business school works with �鶹��Ƶ’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) to assist local companies facing challenges in entering the U.S. market.

“Our business school provides practical support, such as courses in business-level English writing, to actively assist local businesses,” Park explained.

Ultimately, Park envisions �鶹��Ƶ Korea deepening its integration with the local community and business sector while leveraging its strengths.

"�鶹��Ƶ Korea will not be confined to a single field but will continue to evolve in response to corporate and regional needs, continuously improving its academic programs," he said.

“Last year, �鶹��Ƶ Korea celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of establishing strong roots in the region. Over the next decade, we will focus on achieving tangible results and broadening our reach—attracting global talent and cultivating internationally competent professionals who can contribute both locally and globally.”

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