Katarina Benson

Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine - CAPMM

College of Science

Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

Students

George �鶹��Ƶ students present at the second annual Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond

Katarina Benson — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:37:39 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ students present at the second annual Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond Katarina Benson Wed, 02/11/2026 - 12:37

At the end of January, three �鶹��Ƶ students presented their research at the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol in Richmond. Now in its second year, the event gives undergraduates from each of NURVa’s member universities an opportunity to present their research to state legislators and fellow researchers alike. Students worked with faculty through George �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) to refine their work and apply to the selective event.

“Having my work accepted into the showcase affirmed that my research is relevant and meaningful, and I was eager to share both the project itself and its broader impact,” said Honors College student Alexia De Costa, a junior applied computer science major studying social robotics.

From left, George �鶹��Ƶ students Emily Keung, Sofie Strompf, and Alexia De Costa presented at the second NURVa Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol. Photo by Karen T. Lee/OSCAR

De Costa’s project, “A Robotic Cat for Examining Camera Clarity and Privacy in Human–Robot Interaction,” focuses on a robotic cat called BARC (the Bioinspired Automated Robotic Cat). BARC is equipped with camera-based facial detection, expressive behaviors, and pre-recorded sounds meant to simulate a household cat. The project studied conceptions of privacy, finding that equipping BARC with a lower quality camera lessened how surveilled the participants felt, without compromising sociability or engagement.

De Costa worked on her project as a member of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Human-Agent Collaboration Lab, led by psychology professor Eileen Roesler, which studies human-robot and human-AI interaction. De Costa is very focused on maintaining privacy while keeping the benefits of human-robot collaboration.

“Robotics is advancing at an extraordinary pace, often without full consideration of the people who ultimately interact with these technologies. Being given the opportunity to raise important questions about human autonomy, privacy, and ethics in a government space, particularly at the Capitol in Richmond, was incredibly meaningful to me,” she said.

Senior Emily Keung, a chemistry major with a biochemistry concentration and member of George �鶹��Ƶ's Nanoelectronics Research Group, presented her project “2D Diselenide Nanomaterials as Emerging VOC-Adsorbing Platforms for Low-Emission Cosmetic Technologies.” The project found that certain 2D materials could reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in consumer goods such as hair spray or dry shampoo.

VOCs contribute to air pollution and may irritate sensitive groups. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs can also cause serious health issues, making Keung’s research particularly important.

“It was especially meaningful to discuss my research with attendees from outside the university, including policymakers and researchers, and to see genuine interest in how undergraduate research can intersect with public health and materials science,” she said.

She credits her experience at the Nanoelectronics Research Lab, under the guidance of Ethan Ahn, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with teaching her the skills needed to present her work confidently.

Honors College student and neuroscience major Sofie Strompf’s research, under her mentors Lance Liotta and Marissa Howard at George �鶹��Ƶ's Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, focused on cancer cells’ survivability tactics.

Her project, titled “Extracellular Vesicle Export of Activated Tumor Suppressor Proteins Following Mitophagy Induction,” found that cancer cells remove damaged organelles and an essential tumor suppressor protein called p53, which allows the cells to evade the body's cancer-suppression mechanisms.

As a senior, Strompf has had several opportunities to present her research over the past four years, including at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2024 and 2025, with grants from OSCAR’s Undergraduate Student Travel Fund. She said attending NURVa was particularly meaningful for her this year, as her state delegate, Gretchen Bulova, was able to attend and see her work.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to present to my delegate, especially as a representative of �鶹��Ƶ," Strompf said. “I think I nearly cried when she told me that she was impressed with my work and complimented my research communication skills.”

After she graduates, Strompf plans on pursuing a PhD in neurodegenerative diseases.

Learn more about the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research

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Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)

College of Engineering and Computing

Students

Oscar Ferrufino is January Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:27:15 +0000

Oscar Ferrufino is January Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 14:27

January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino is a member of �鶹��Ƶ’s Essential Employees group, so he is one of the first to respond when severe weather is forecasted. A heavy equipment operator in Facilities Management, he has been an integral part of the Facilities and Campus Operations department for almost 20 years. Since 2006, his work has helped make George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses a better place.

President Washington with January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Oscar can always be counted on to support our team, even if it is 2 a.m. with wind howling and snow flying. He is there and at the forefront without any complaints,” said Erich Miller, grounds program manager.

“Oscar demonstrates a level of stewardship, commitment, and service to the university who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Amy Millman, executive assistant to the vice president in Facilities and Campus Operations.

“Oscar has a wealth of grounds knowledge and professionally completes any assigned task. It is a pleasure to work alongside him, no matter what type of task we’ve been assigned,” said Archie Nesbit, senior grounds supervisor.

Kevin Brim, waste and recycling supervisor, said, “Every day, Oscar goes above and beyond in service to our university. I have never heard Oscar say he doesn’t have time to help a colleague or coworker.”

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I was looking to move back to the area after moving away for a few years. I had close to 20 years' experience in a university setting, so when I searched for openings, I was happy to see there were positions available at George �鶹��Ƶ. I applied and traveled here for the interview and was hired from there.

Best day on the job:

Any day, but the best days are when I get to help colleagues in other shops that need assistance.

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

Flexibility with my schedule. I was able to take time off when my kids were little.

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

I love fishing and biking.

Topics

Facilities

Tourism and Events Management Program

Fulbright enables tourism professor to share her expertise in Tajikistan

Katarina Benson — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:21:50 +0000

Fulbright enables tourism professor to share her expertise in Tajikistan Katarina Benson Tue, 11/25/2025 - 11:21

Sue Slocum, professor in the Tourism and Events Management Program at �鶹��Ƶ, received a Fulbright Specialist Program award in support of a project on how best to prepare students for jobs in Tajikistan’s tourism economy. She went for a month to advise and collaborate with faculty from the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan.

As part of this initiative, titled “Enhancing the Level of Competence of University Faculties,” Slocum identified opportunities for enhanced research and partnerships to support increased tourism development in Tajikistan. She also provided training related to teaching pedagogies and outcomes, and educational technologies to support classroom learning.

Students were taught new tourism strategies. Photo provided

The Fulbright Specialist Program is part of the larger Fulbright Program established by the U.S. Department of State and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to pair highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad. Initiatives under this program were short-term projects, ranging in length from two to six weeks. �鶹��Ƶ 400 academic researchers and professionals participate annually in the program.

As a Fulbright Specialist award recipient, Slocum presented a series of lectures for both university faculty and students related to several types of tourism—most notably sustainable tourism, including integrated tourism models and visitor management strategies—and the specific needs and challenges of each. She taught for four hours a day, six days a week. She also presented at two conferences, teaching professionals about tourists’ use of technology for marketing purposes and how “to showcase development [and] accomplishments to the traveling public.”

Slocum took time to travel Tajikstan. Photo provided

“Most of my students were from small villages and had been exposed to tourism,” Slocum said. “The curriculum on sustainable development was very well received, and the students were excited to be able to apply some of what I taught to their home communities.”

She also gave a lecture to support faculties commitment to publishing
in SCOPUS academic journals, which the university was just beginning to explore.

“I also took four days to travel to Haft Kul [in the Pan Mountains] and Pajikent. Not only did it give me an opportunity to be a tourist in a country where I was teaching tourism, it also allowed me to spend time with villagers impacted by tourism. The sights were stunning, and the people were some of the friendliest I have ever met,” Slocum said.

Topics

Fulbright Scholars

College of Education and Human Development

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:24:27 +0000

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 10/28/2025 - 17:24

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is the associate director for �鶹��Ƶ Undergraduate Education's University Studies Program and has been a part of the department since 2008. From teaching the first UNIV College to Career course in 1998 to her responsibilities today, she has been an essential part of University Studies. She is also an alumna, having earned her MEd in Counseling and Development from George �鶹��Ƶ. For her ability to do it all, while championing kindness and positivity, Nash has been named November Employee of the Month.

Jackie Nash, November Employee of the Month, was recognized at a virtual ceremony with President Gregory Washington. Photo provided

“Having worked with Jackie for the past 15 years, I have seen firsthand her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and deep commitment to student success,” said Elena Chiru, director of career advising in University Career Services.

Rachel E. Lindsey, assistant director of career education in University Career Services, said, “Since I began in my role, Jackie has been my “go-to”—a source of expertise, sharing institutional knowledge and providing thorough, thoughtful (and timely!) answers to even my most frustrating and complicated questions. She remains an invaluable thought partner in navigating complex issues.”

“Jackie is a dedicated partner to many faculty and staff members who teach UNIV courses,” said Ann Garner, assistant director of career advising in University Career Services. “She deserves to be recognized for the commitment she exhibits every single day to George �鶹��Ƶ students and the larger George �鶹��Ƶ community!”

Katie Clare, director of well-being programs, said, “Jackie is a long-time George �鶹��Ƶ employee who is an integral member of the community and who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen.”

Nina Cox, career advisor and career preparation courses instructor, praised Nash’s commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the George �鶹��Ƶ community.

“Jackie has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of the career courses. Her prompt and reliable assistance has been invaluable to me and the students,” said Angelica Newham, career advisor in University Career Services. “Her ability to uplift and inspire those around her is a testament to the positive and collaborative work environment she fosters.”

How did you come to George �鶹��Ƶ:

My first career was in corporate human resources for 11 years. In the fall of 1997, I contacted the University Career Services office to volunteer with job search preparation activities such as resume writing and interview preparation. I instantly loved it and immediately enrolled in [Counseling and Development’s] counseling master’s program. I piloted the first College to Career course in the spring of 1998 and have taught several career and transition UNIV courses since then. After completing the master’s degree, I went on to work toward my doctorate in holistic college student development. For the last 17 years I have been an associate director for the University Studies Program.

Best day on the job:

It is a tie between being thrilled to talk with anyone who will listen about our University Studies Program (this is our 36th year and we have served more than 65,000 George �鶹��Ƶ students!), and any time that I have been able to assist students in their college journey!

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

Hands down, it is the connection with not only students, but especially with fellow �鶹��Ƶ colleagues with whom I have built long-standing and very meaningful collaborations and friendships.

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

Along with being an avid reader (especially all things mystery) and a lifelong backgammon player (other board and card games, as well), I am a devoted sports championship enthusiast. It started with the famous 2006 �鶹��Ƶ Patriots road to the NCAA basketball championship! My favorites are March Madness and the Little League World Series Championship. I also spend as much time with my three grown sons and family as possible.

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

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Topics

Undergraduate Education

Field of career dreams: Grad student spends summer identifying and protecting native plants

ckearney — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:48:10 +0000

Field of career dreams: Grad student spends summer identifying and protecting native plants ckearney Tue, 09/02/2025 - 13:48

Growing up in Winchester, Virginia, Jordan Edlich would often visit Blandy Experimental Farm on field trips as a child. Now a graduate student in environmental science and policy at �鶹��Ƶ, Edlich just spent a summer interning at the farm, which is also the State Arboretum of Virginia, cataloging native plants. One of Edlich’s main goals for their master's research is to create a local floristic survey to help the rehabilitation and revitalization of native plants in Northern Virginia.

Why did you choose George �鶹��Ƶ and how did you decide your major?

Graduate student Jordan Edlich surveyed the arboretum’s native meadow by sections, documenting populations and locations of plant species. Photo provided

I chose this program because it provides students with both the background of environmental science and the political and social tools to address environmental problems. I also grew up in the area and have always been passionate about conserving our local biodiversity. I am looking forward to helping preserve and strengthen regional biodiversity.

What projects have you been assigned during your internship?

My main project at the State Arboretum of Virginia, also called Blandy Experimental Farm, is closely related to my master's research. Using old maps and a GPS device, I surveyed the arboretum’s native meadow by sections, documenting populations and locations of plant species in each section. I was also able to rediscover a rare plant species that the arboretum curators can now conserve and collect seeds from. These include the Green Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera) and the Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora), native plants not originally planted at Blandy. After I conducted the plant survey, I also wrote up a management plan of how best to conserve native plant communities in the meadow and tactics for establishing more of these communities in the future.

How have your courses at George �鶹��Ƶ helped prepare you for the internship?

My courses at George �鶹��Ƶ have allowed me to think about my work at Blandy from various points of view. While I was studying plants from a scientific botanical lens, I was also helping in restoration projects that related to my studies of the logistics of solving conservation-related problems. Practicing ecology from different scientific, political, social, and economic views has helped me understand more about how Blandy is able to successfully work as an arboretum and a conservation entity.

George �鶹��Ƶ graduate student Jordan Edlich (left) working at the Blandy Experimental Farm. Photo provided

How does this internship tie into your career goals?

My career goals include working in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. This internship directly helped me better understand how to survey and maintain native biodiversity. I could even see myself returning to Blandy in the future, continuing to work in curating and conserving the arboretum's native habitats. This internship gave me both the hands-on skills in how conservation and restoration projects are done, and the resources for understanding the logistics behind these projects. I hope to use these skills to conduct similar projects of my own in the future.

What advice would you give to students starting an internship?

Don't be afraid to explore a field or a type of career that you know little or nothing about. Not only did this experience allow me to become more of an expert in native plants, but it also helped me realize that this was a field I wanted to pursue and continue working in. I would not have been able to know how much I enjoy this field of work and research without trying it first as a beginner. Just the ability to be adaptable and willing to learn new things is a strong ability to have in your career.

You mentioned you’ve had a long relationship with Blandy. What have you done with them over the years?

On summer breaks during my bachelor's, I volunteered at Blandy Farms and assisted with maintaining their native plant trails. Volunteering in projects to remove invasive species and protect native habitats gave me a way to make a direct beneficial impact on my local environment. It was nice getting to know the local arboretum curators and other volunteers who had the same passion for protecting our regional biodiversity. This would ultimately help guide me further toward a career in conservation work. When I applied for the internship, those same curators remembered me and were excited to have me back as a summer intern. Everyone at Blandy was passionate about their work and always willing to teach me something new. I am grateful for how much Blandy has taught me over the years and how it has inspired my academic and career path.

Learn more

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Tyrone Johnson is September Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:27:25 +0000

Tyrone Johnson is September Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 08/25/2025 - 14:27

Tyrone Johnson has worked as the clinical laboratory manager in �鶹��Ƶ’s Student Health Services (SHS) for the past two years. For his dedication to putting students at ease, his work ethic, and his positive impact on the office overall, he is being recognized as the September Employee of the Month.

President Gregory Washington with September Employee of the Month Tyrone Johnson. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Nandini Koka, SHS executive director, has found Johnson’s leadership in the lab invaluable. “He has streamlined our processes, improved the overall efficiency, and ensured that students’ needs are met promptly and accurately,” she said. “His dedication to student care reflects his strong sense of service and empathy, which is a hallmark of his work ethic.”

“Tyrone Johnson is all the things you want in a dedicated employee,” said Cameron Hoffman, nurse practitioner in SHS. “He immediately puts students at ease during typically stressful situations, such as blood draws or testing in general.”

Erin Wisman, associate medical director of SHS, said that “whether he is assisting students who are anxious about a blood draw or working with the clinical team to solve complex operational challenges, Tyrone's demeanor is consistently calm, thoughtful, and respectful.”

“Tyrone makes a positive impact just by walking into the room,” said Lois Doyle, lead nurse in SHS. “I appreciate his humor and ability to get along with everyone.”

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I followed a former co-worker here.

Best day on the job:

Every day is my best day because I get to do what I love doing. Today is pretty remarkable after receiving notification of this honor. I have worked as a laboratory professional for 37 years, and this is a first for me.

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

My daily interactions with the students that come to SHS for care. I also love working with my workers and training them to work in the lab.

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

I enjoy cooking, traveling, and spending time with my grandchildren.

Topics

Student Health Services

College of Engineering and Computing

Fulbright awards expand George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff perspectives

Katarina Benson — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:50:52 +0000

Fulbright awards expand George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff perspectives Katarina Benson Mon, 08/04/2025 - 10:50

Each year, academic professionals teach and conduct research abroad through the highly competitive Fulbright Scholar Program. �鶹��Ƶ has a rich history of sending and hosting faculty and staff through the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State. This year, Frank Krueger of the College of Science, Nathalia Peixoto of the College of Engineering and Computing, and Yali Pan of the Office of International Programs and Services, received Fulbright awards.

Krueger is working with Tamagawa University.

Krueger, who is a professor of systems social neuroscience, received a Fulbright Scholars award to conduct social neuroscience research in Japan. Based at Tamagawa University in Tokyo, he will also be working on a project about cross-cultural relations to explore people’s perception of trust between the United States and Japan using epigenetic research.

“The interdisciplinary and cross-cultural nature of this Fulbright experience perfectly complements my research philosophy and will significantly advance my work,” said Krueger, who has previously collaborated with Tamagawa University.

“The George �鶹��Ƶ students participating in this research effort will develop a neurologically-based understanding of how individuals across cultures reflect the trust they do or don’t feel,” Krueger further explained.

Peixoto collaborated with Ugandan entrepreneurs. Photo provided

For Peixoto, spending a month in Uganda fulfilled a lifelong dream to go to Africa and has been incredibly rewarding. “I had never been to this continent, despite feeling like I belong here,” she said. “I am originally Brazilian, and I have always heard that Brazil has the largest population of people of African ancestry who live outside of Africa. Many Brazilians consider Africans our cousins, but I don’t know any Brazilians who have ever visited Africa. Now it is clear to me that I really needed to come.”

During her time in Africa, Peixoto, who holds a joint appointment in neuroscience with George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Science, has also connected with the Ugandan business community, consulting on critical health and community projects.

Pan in a Korean hanbok during the program. Photo provided

In Pan’s role as assistant director of engagement and assessment in the Office of International Programs and Services, she provides programs and initiatives to help international students adjust and feel connected to the �鶹��Ƶ community. Pan was awarded an International Educator's Award to attend a two-week higher education administration seminar in South Korea.

“I saw this as a valuable opportunity to learn more about South Korea—a country that consistently ranks among the top five senders of international students to George �鶹��Ƶ,” said Pan. “I also have a deep appreciation for Korean culture and cuisine, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.”

Pan said she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Fulbright International Education Administrator program and believes it was valuable to her work at George �鶹��Ƶ. “Opportunities like this—designed specifically for higher education administrators to gain a systematic understanding of international education—are rare, and this experience was truly transformative.”

Join the �鶹��Ƶ Nation

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Campus News

College of Science

University Life

Fulbright

Telecia Taylor is August Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:22:39 +0000

Telecia Taylor is August Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:22

Telecia Taylor has been an integral part of the �鶹��Ƶ Honors College since 2019. Now the assistant director of student programming and engagement for the college, she has been awarded August Employee of the Month for her dedication to fostering community and providing support for her students.

"Every day I'm grateful to know that Telecia is there for our students,” Honors College Dean Zofia Burr said. “She designs fun and relaxing activities that bring our students together, and she makes them all feel they belong.”

Taylor and Dr. Washington during the award ceremony. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Anthony Hoefer, Honors College associate dean for student engagement, admissions, and administration concurs. “Telecia is responsible for developing and implementing co-curricular programs that both foster a vibrant and inclusive community and broadly support student success in the Honors College,” he said. “Particularly for our residential students, she is the daily face of the Honors College.”

Taylor also gets rave reviews for her programming from the Honors College students. One residential student wrote: “Telecia Taylor plans so many meaningful events that get residents engaged, and her presence is always so cheerful and welcoming. I can truthfully say that the events and trips that I have gone on with Telecia have changed my life.”

Her colleagues also emphasized the impact of the initiatives she has created.

"Telecia has worked tirelessly to enhance the first-year student experience within the Honors College. She has proposed and implemented many initiatives to promote inclusive and meaningful social connections and professional pathways for her students," said Nadeen Makhlouf, term assistant professor in the Honors College.

“Every semester she creates opportunities for our faculty, staff and administrators to engage with Honors College students beyond the classroom,” Assistant Dean John Woolsey said. “The interactive social events she plans really help to create a sense of community and contribute to a larger culture of inclusion on campus.”

“Telecia is the go-to person in our department when creating opportunities to engage with students. She has shaped an environment where our students feel supported and empowered,” said Jasmyne Rogers, associate director for student support and retention.

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I came to �鶹��Ƶ in 2019 after working in University Housing at Georgia Southern University. The work that I do with residential learning communities has a special place in

my heart, and with [this region] being home, I did not hesitate to apply for my position in the Honors College.

Best day on the job:

Witnessing moments of connection between students. No matter how big or small the interaction is, I like to see our students come together in community, especially while they are enjoying new experiences.

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

I enjoy the collaborative nature of campus life. While working with my colleagues in Honors and offices across campus, we recognize that we are here to support the students and help them grow into the best version of themselves.

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

I like to find new dessert spots, especially if ube or matcha is on the menu.

Topics

Honors College

Innovation Awards recognize George �鶹��Ƶ researchers

ckearney — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:00:11 +0000

Innovation Awards recognize George �鶹��Ƶ researchers ckearney Thu, 06/26/2025 - 11:00

In May, �鶹��Ƶ celebrated its research enterprise with Innovation Awards. Hosted by the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, the event recognized researchers, a start-up, and those who received and/or licensed a patent in the past two years.

From left, George �鶹��Ƶ researchers Lance Sherry, Mikell Paige, and Craig Yu received Innovator Awards. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“We're deeply committed to fostering a research environment that encourages innovation and supports discovery,” said Provost James Antony in his opening remarks. “We want to ensure that the faculty have the tools, the partnerships, and the resources that they need to take their ideas further.”

Antony also commended the researchers for mentoring George �鶹��Ƶ students. “You set a powerful example for emerging scholars. You show them what it's like to be both a researcher and a changemaker.”

At the event, the university awarded its second �鶹��Ƶ Lifetime Disclosure Award, which recognizes a researcher with the most innovation disclosures. The first recipient was Lance Liotta, codirector and cofounder of the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM). It was Liotta who presented this year’s award to his CAPMM cofounder and codirector Emanuel Petricoin.

Petricoin, who joined George �鶹��Ƶ in 2005, is a cofounder of four life science companies: Theranostics Health Inc., Ceres Nanosciences Inc., C-4 Diagnostics Inc., and Perthera Inc. He also is a coinventor on 40+ patents and has published more than 350 peer-reviewed publications.

CAPMM's Kelsey Mitchell with Paula Sorrell, associate vice president of innovation and economic development. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

This year’s �鶹��Ƶ Start-Up of the Year went to Mingkui Wei, an associate professor in the Department of Cyber Security Engineering, and his company CyberMirage. CyberMirage, which started as a collaborative research project involving researchers in network security with experts from both academia and industry, offers solutions to protect websites against web content theft and copyright infringement.

Three groups of researchers received George �鶹��Ƶ Licensed Technology Awards, which celebrates when a protected intellectual property, such as a patent, is licensed by a company.

Kathryn Laskey of the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) and Paul Houser of the Geography and Geoinformation Science Department in the College of Science had their prototype system licensed by Global MapAid, a nonprofit working in Africa. The technology maps groundwater to help small farmers locate better wells and create soil conservation programs.
Leading biotechnology tools provider Targeted Bioscience licensed a tissue collection method patented by the CAPMM team of Liotta, Alessandra Luchini, Marissa Howard, and biosciences PhD candidate Purva Gade.
Toronto-based Affinity Diagnostics licensed a method for sequestering and/or isolating analytes of interest from an oral fluid, also developed by a CAPMM team. Researchers Ahana Byne, Fatah Kashanchi, and Kelsey Mitchell joined Luchini, Liotta, and Howard on this award.

The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact also gave out Innovator Awards in the categories of sustainability, biohealth innovation, and digital innovation.

CEC’s Lance Sherry was recognized with the Innovators Award in Sustainability for his work with contrail mitigation. His pioneering research and technologies have not only enhanced flight safety and operational efficiencies but have also addressed aviation's growing efforts to track and mitigate the environmental impacts and to quantify their CO2 equivalency.

The College of Science’s Mikell Paige was recognized with the Innovators Award in Biohealth Innovation for his groundbreaking work in biochemistry at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, drug discovery, and molecular design. His work focuses on designing small molecules that target computational modeling and biochemical assays to produce drug development in meaningful and practical ways.

Craig Yu of the College of Engineering and Computing received the Innovators Award in Digital Innovation for developing groundbreaking systems that redefine how people interact with virtual and augmented spaces. Through his research, Yu has developed a more human-centered approach to navigation, designing digital pathways that take into account physical effort and make virtual experiences more natural and inclusive.

“At George �鶹��Ƶ, we’re not just advancing research—we’re building a culture of innovation that has real-world impact,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “These awards are about honoring the bold ideas and the committed people who move the university’s research forward—and outward—into the world. They represent the spirit of innovation that defines our university: impactful, collaborative, and driven by a desire to make a difference far beyond our campus.”

The awards the researchers took home for patents and licensed technologies have a special design. They are Plexiglas hexagons with magnets so researchers can add to their award over the years as they receive patents/licensing.

The researchers and teams behind 19 George �鶹��Ƶ patents were also recognized.

Compositions and methods for laser capture microdissection—Virginia Espina, Lance Liotta, and Alessandra Luchini
Collapsible fluid collection system for point-of-care diagnostics—Marissa Howard, Liotta, Luchini, and Kelsey Mitchell
Honey proteomics for honeybee disease and environmental biomonitoring—Liotta and Luchini
Antimicrobial peptides and related methods—Shravani Bobde
Molecularly imprinted particles—Barney Bishop, Mrinalini Ramanan, and Yaling Zhu
Systems and methods for coordinating travel through traffic lights—Melvin Friedman and Brian Mark
Impactor platform allowing freefall upon impact—David Cerri
Recombinant host cell with heterologous nucleic acids encoding SHREK proteins—Deemah Dabbagh and Yuntao Wu
Methods for breast cancer treatment—Emanuel Petricoin and Julia Wulfkuhle
Anti-fibrotic agent—Mikell Paige and Gregory Petruncio
Using Wi-Fi infrastructure to predict locations and contacts—Janusz Wojtusiak
Methods and systems for system call reduction—Kun Sun
Systems and methods for improved aircraft safety—Lance Sherry
Exertion-aware path generation—Lap-Fai (Craig) Yu
Complex user authentication factor integrating a sequence of fingerprints and a personal identification number—Massimiliano Albanese
Small molecule inhibitors of SLC25A1—Mikell Paige
Mining all atom simulations for diagnosing and treating disease—Mohsin Jafri
Antimicrobial peptides and related methods—Monique van Hoek
Look-up table containing processor-in-memory cluster for data-intensive applications—Sai Manoj and Sathwika Bavikadi

Research at George �鶹��Ƶ

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