Lauren Reuscher

This campus greenhouse is powered by the sun—and student innovation

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:11:48 +0000

This campus greenhouse is powered by the sun—and student innovation Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/23/2025 - 13:11

Gardening season is here, and those with green thumbs are preparing their planting strategy for the season. In any garden, plants need basic essentials to grow: sunlight, soil or nutrients, air, and water.

Through a new solar array at �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus, the sun will play double duty in the successful growth of plants. Solar energy will power the Presidents Park Greenhouse with the electricity it needs to support the plants growing inside.

The Presidents Park Greenhouse uses hydroponics and aquaponics to grow produce on campus. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Designed by student researchers and partially funded by a research grant, the solar array will help offset the energy consumption for the equipment and temperature controls in the greenhouse, which uses hydroponics and aquaponics to grow produce on campus.

A team of 10 George �鶹��Ƶ student researchers applied for support from the Patriot Green Fund, an annual sustainability fund provided by Facilities and Campus Operations to make George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses more sustainable through infrastructure improvements. The Patriot Green Fund covers $20,000 of the total $185,000 project cost. The remainder of the budget is provided by Facilities and Campus Operations.

“This student-led project is designed to reduce electricity costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide educational and volunteer opportunities for the George �鶹��Ƶ community,” said Demin Zhu, Patriot Green Fund program manager with University Sustainability.

The Presidents Park Greenhouse operates year-round and produces approximately 1,000 pounds of fresh lettuce and salad greens annually, which are served on campus at Ike's dining hall. Other fruits, vegetables, and herbs are donated to the George �鶹��Ƶ community through free produce pickups.

Students are a driving force behind greenhouse operations, working inside for service hours, internships, and experiential learning. They have the opportunity to learn about the greenhouse’s hydroponic and aquaponic food production systems.

“The electricity from the solar panels will feed into the greenhouse to power our fans, pumps, cooling system, and grow lights,” said Doni Nolan, greenhouse and gardens program manager with University Sustainability. “The electrical equipment helps us grow lettuce, baby greens, tomatoes and more in the greenhouse to provide local sustainable ingredients to our dining halls.”

The ground-mounted solar panels will be installed outside the greenhouse and are expected to offset more than 80% of the electricity it requires. The solar array is estimated to produce more than 22,000 kWh per year. The panels will reduce the building’s annual greenhouse gas impact by 13.8 metric tons of CO₂, which is about equal to the carbon footprint of 2.2 typical single-family homes.

The concrete pad under construction will accommodate the new solar array for the Presidents Park Greenhouse. Photo provided

The students developed the project under the guidance of several George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff, including Nolan, Christy Hogan, who is senior director of university asset management in Facilities and Campus Operations, and Colin Reagle, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

George �鶹��Ƶ currently has one other on-campus solar array, at �鶹��Ƶ Square. Vertical solar panels on the face of Fuse demonstrate how a solar array can be integrated into a building’s design in an urban setting. A vertical solar array requires less space and captures sunlight from multiple directions throughout the day. The array produces about 1% of the electricity used by the building and is part of a range of sustainable features that help Fuse meet LEED Platinum standards.

The installation at President’s Park expected to be complete by early June.

Crystal Bowers, BS Mechanical Engineering ’23, was one of the students who led the solar array project during her time at George �鶹��Ƶ.

“Working on the Solar Greenhouse Project was one of the most impactful experiences of my time at �鶹��Ƶ,” said Bowers. “It not only deepened my understanding of sustainable infrastructure and project management, but also demonstrated the power of collaboration in transforming ideas into tangible, lasting change on campus.”

Learn more about the Greenhouse and Gardens

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Sustainability

Patriot Green Fund

University Sustainability

mechanical engineering

College of Engineering and Computing

�鶹��Ƶ as a Living Lab

George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:47:31 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025 Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:47

Congratulations to the �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff retirees from October 2024 to April 2025. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years of service.

We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

October 2024

Mary Liles, School of Art, 5 years, 6 months

Wendy Watkins, Office of University Audit, 7 years

November 2024

Robert Counts, Office of University Registrar, 30 years, 1 month

Stephen Morehouse, Student Centers, 16 years, 4 months

December 2024

Jane Barton, Antonin Scalia Law School, 32 years, 1 month

Daryl Corley, �鶹��Ƶ Enterprise, 5 years

Dennis Herring, Facilities and Campus Operations, 32 years, 5 months

January 2025

Corinne Hurst, Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, 32 years, 3 months

Julie Roberts, Department of Economics, 9 years, 3 months

February 2025

Maria Amaya de Amya, Housing and Residence Life, 15 years

John Arnett, Information Technology Services, 32 years, 11 months

Robert Baker, School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management, 19 years, 5 months

Orrin (Tony) Barton, University Police, 25 years, 5 months

Michael Briggs, Information Technology Services, 20 years, 4 months

Magdaleno Castillo, Facilities and Campus Operations, 9 years, 7 months

Calvin Chandler, University Police, 21 years

Cheng Cheu, Information Technology Services, 25 years, 2 months

Manuel De Paz Hernandez, Housing and Residence Life, 15 years

Deborah Goodings, College of Engineering and Computing, 15 years, 4 months

Wally Grotophorst, University Libraries, 42 years, 5 months

David Hart, Schar School of Policy and Government, 20 years, 5 months

Nina Joshi, Counseling and Psychological Services, 27 years, 1 month

Mills Kelly, Department of History and Art History, 23 years, 4 months

Linda �鶹��Ƶ, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 7 years, 4 months

Curtis McNay, Information Technology Services, 25 years, 10 months

Debbie Penny, Information Technology Services, 34 years, 9 months

Art Pyster, College of Engineering and Computing, 8 years, 5 months

Joyce Rose, College of Engineering and Computing, 21 years, 7 months

Louise Shelley, Schar School of Policy and Government, 17 years, 5 months

John Stout, Center for Earth Observing and Spatial Research, 26 years, 9 months

Clare Talbert, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 29 years, 1 month

March 2025

Jeanette Blanchard, Information Technology Services, 39 years, 1 month

Timothy Caldecott, GMU-TV, 12 years

Christina Lehnertz, Office of International Programs and Services, 19 years

Susan Muller, Smithsonian–�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation, 16 years, 6 months

April 2025

Naomi Arlund, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, 18 years, 10 months

Dolores Horn, Department of Cyber Security Engineering, 19 years, 7 months

Dina Lozano, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 25 years, 5 months

Cheryl Medina, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, 17 years, 6 months

Warren Prescott, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 16 years, 11 months

Joyce Price, University Libraries, 19 years, 1 month

Dennis Stater, Biomedical Research Lab, 14 years, 8 months

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Retirement

Human Resources

Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the dedication of faculty and staff

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:52:55 +0000

Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the dedication of faculty and staff Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/16/2025 - 14:52

�鶹��Ƶ’s Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of faculty and staff in support of the university's values and mission. Awards are sponsored by Human Resources and other university departments.

A ceremony honoring this year’s awardees was hosted on the Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, April 15. View the complete list of award recipients.

John Crocker of Risk, Safety, and Resilience received a Presidential Citation for his service to a fellow employee during a medical emergency. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

This year’s awards included several new categories and garnered a 146% increase in nominations compared to last year, reflecting the university’s culture of engagement and appreciation. Learn more about Reward and Recognition programs at George �鶹��Ƶ.

The Sustainability Hero Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals and teams who have gone the extra mile to seek creative solutions that have promoted healthy, sustainable living or reduced George �鶹��Ƶ’s environmental impacts.

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Housing and Residence Life, received the Sustainability Hero Award. Photo provided

Sustainability Hero Award

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Special Projects, Housing and Residence Life

Makenzie Gold Quiros was recognized for leadership, collaboration, and partnership with Patriot Packout, the annual campus move-out program that helps divert items from the waste stream and reallocates them to those who can use them. Donations include household items, food, clothing, and more.

Gold Quiros played an instrumental role in integrating Patriot Packout into Housing and Residence Life operations. Collaborating with members of the Patriot Packout planning committee to develop marketing and educational materials about the program, Gold Quiros' efforts helped spread the word among residential students.

The result was increased awareness and participation in the program. In 2024, Patriot Packout received more than 13,000 pounds of donations, more than double the amount received in 2023 (5,700 pounds).

“Makenzie’s incredible leadership to grow and integrate Patriot Packout within Housing and Residence Life operations dramatically improved the amount of goods and supplies diverted away from trash incineration, reducing the university’s environmental impacts while putting useful donations into the hands of George �鶹��Ƶ Patriots,” said Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist with University Sustainability.

New this year, the Wage Employee Service Award recognizes non-student wage staff who have consistently demonstrated excellence, dedication, and exceptional organizational citizenship, contributing significantly to the university's operations and mission.

Rose Aubery, Office of Admissions, received the Wage Employee Service Award. Photo provided

Wage Employee Service Award

Rose Aubery, Transfer Admissions Assistant, Office of Admissions

Rose Aubery has served as an invaluable resource for prospective transfer students, offering personalized guidance through the complex transfer process. Aubery’s unwavering commitment to supporting students—especially those balancing work, family, and personal challenges—has made a lasting impact.

Putting students first, Aubery ensures that every student she assists receives tailored support and clear, accurate information. She helps them understand the admissions process, explains pathways to a degree, and empowers students in their journey to higher education.

“Rose is a source of positivity and helps many students find their way to a bachelor’s degree at George �鶹��Ƶ, students for whom higher education might otherwise not be an option,” said Melissa Bevacqua, director of admissions for transfer recruitment in the Office of Admissions. “Her work is impactful and makes a difference for students, for our team, and our university.”

Wage Employee Service Award

Susan Bannan, Recruitment Specialist, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations

Susan Bannan, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, received the Wage Employee Service Award. Photo provided

Susan Bannan has transformed talent recruitment in her office by streamlining operations, reducing external search costs, and improving the candidate experience. Her proactive, customer-focused approach has supported George �鶹��Ƶ’s billion-dollar campaign, �鶹��Ƶ Now, and contributed to long-term talent retention.

“One of Susan's most notable contributions is her unwavering commitment to ensuring that candidates have a positive experience with �鶹��Ƶ,” said Sara Snyder, associate vice president for administration and finance in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations.

“She meticulously manages the recruitment process, providing clear communication and support at every stage. Her efforts have resulted in a seamless and enjoyable experience for candidates, which has been instrumental in attracting top talent,” said Snyder.

Learn more about Reward and Recognition at George �鶹��Ƶ

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Faculty and Staff News

Human Resources

Outstanding Achievement Awards

In a muddy turtle rescue at the Potomac Science Center, slow and steady wins the race

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:38:49 +0000

In a muddy turtle rescue at the Potomac Science Center, slow and steady wins the race Lauren Reuscher Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:38

�鶹��Ƶ’s Potomac Science Center on Belmont Bay is a destination for environmental science research within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Wildlife abounds on the waterfront habitat.

Slightly inland from shore, on a recent day in early March, the retention pond next to the center needed to be emptied to make changes to the drainage system. As the water was slowly pumped out, the pond became mucky, muddy, and messy during the process.

Though draining a pond can be important for maintenance, the process may inadvertently harm the wildlife that make their homes in these human-made water features. The �鶹��Ƶ Nation was ready to rescue some of the creatures affected.

Undergraduate student Rylee Ledoux helped rescue turtles from the pond at the Potomac Science Center. Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

Tanya Finch, who works with the nonprofit Animal Education and Rescue Organization (AERO), led the turtle rescue with help from nearly 20 George �鶹��Ƶ student, faculty, and staff volunteers. AERO helps rescue and rehabilitate native Virginia wildlife, and the volunteers caught and rehomed turtles and fish into the Occoquan River.

Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

Finch and George �鶹��Ƶ volunteers conducted a similar turtle rescue early last fall, when another pond near the Potomac Science Center was drained for maintenance. Many turtle species need to be near water for survival, and they sometimes need help getting there.

During the recent turtle rescue event, volunteers spent the day collecting nearly 60 turtles from the pond. The species rescued included painted turtles, musk, red-eared sliders, cooters, and a large snapping turtle.

The rescue efforts continued as more turtles emerged.

The next day, graduate student Rachel Kelmartin saw a contractor in the pond area, struggling to remove more turtles from the mud. Kelmartin is studying environmental science and policy and works in the Fisheries Ecology Lab—so she is accustomed to going into the water and getting to work. Kelmartin put on waders, helped net another 25 turtles, and released them into the Occoquan River.

“I once counted over 250 turtles on the banks of the drainage pond in a single day,” Kelmartin said. “This little pond has the capacity to support a lot of life.”

“I once counted over 250 turtles on the banks of the drainage pond in a single day,” Kelmartin said. “This little pond has the capacity to support a lot of life.” Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

During winter, turtles burrow into the mud for brumation, which is similar to hibernation in mammals, Kelmartin said. After the pond was drained and the sun warmed the mud, the turtles started to emerge.

Walking trails meander around the Potomac Science Center and are frequently used by local residents. “Many of the turtles are habituated to humans, and during warmer months, they watch walkers ambling along the trail,” said Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy. “Belmont Bay residents were pleased to see that so many turtles were rescued and relocated.”

Volunteers rescued at least 85 turtles after the pond was drained, rehoming them in the Occoquan River. Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

Rylee Ledoux, an undergraduate student majoring in environmental science, also joined the rescue effort. She said the hands-on experience made her reflect on the ways that habitat disruption affects wildlife.

“Experiences like this not only reinforce what I’ve learned in my studies, but also highlight the importance of staying engaged and advocating for thoughtful environmental practices,” Ledoux said.

Learn more about the Potomac Science Center

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Potomac Science Center

Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP)

College of Science

Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center

Conservation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Science and Technology Campus

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Science and Technology Campus

College of Science

College of Engineering and Computing

College of Education and Human Development

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Strategic Direction

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: CJ Minteer

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:52:27 +0000

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: CJ Minteer Lauren Reuscher Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:52

CJ Minteer

Job: Director of Procurement, George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

In a perfect world, student-athletes have everything they need to reach their potential on the court or field, in the pool, or on the mat. �鶹��Ƶ staff like CJ Minteer support their success and training. As the director of procurement for George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics, Minteer carefully manages and supports the equipment needs of student-athletes across the university.

CJ Minteer supports George �鶹��Ƶ student-athletes by ensuring they are equipped for success. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Making every dollar count: Minteer arrived at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2021, taking the role of equipment manager. He has been in his current role, director of procurement, since 2022. Minteer administers the purchase of approximately $1 million of athletic gear each year for student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

“This includes everything from T-shirts, to hoodies, footwear, accessories, backpacks, and more,” said Minteer, who manages the university’s contract with Adidas. That contract covers most of the uniforms and apparel provided for George �鶹��Ƶ’s teams.

Minteer also manages contracts with companies that provide equipment to the teams— baseball bats and helmets, basketballs, golf clubs, and track and field equipment.

Backing the team: Supporting student-athletes and their success makes the job meaningful.

“Helping our student-athletes with any issues they have with the apparel, and making sure that everything is up to snuff on game day, are important parts of the job,” said Minteer. “We want the athletes to look and feel their best.”

Field of dream (jobs): Minteer grew up around college sports, and landing a job in the equipment realm feels like a home run to him. “I've grown up with sports my whole life, “said Minteer. “My dad has been a football coach for over 20 years, and I knew that I ultimately wanted to work in sports.”

Be true to your school: Minteer was introduced to equipment management in college, when he worked as a student employee for James Madison University’s football team. He was eager to get involved any way he could. “I wanted to be on board with anything I could do to help out, even if it was volunteering,” Minteer said.

He studied sport and recreation management at James Madison and continued working as a part-time equipment manager after graduating, until he came to George �鶹��Ƶ for a full-time role.

Dressed to impress: When it comes to uniform design, Minteer balances multiple factors and priorities. Design ideas come from the coaches, as well as Minteer. The designs must follow the university’s overall brand and trademark guidelines to create a cohesive look across teams.

The finished products also must hold up to the heavy demands of sports. “These uniforms are very high quality, and they're meant to last a long time,” Minteer said.

Built for the big moments: Minteer enjoys working behind the scenes to create products that the student-athletes will use during their biggest moments. “There's nothing quite like this job,” Minteer said. “It is very behind-the-scenes. You see your work done on game day and at practice. Seeing all the gear and all the uniforms that the athletes wear, it's all done by us.”

Turning on a dime: Minteer says one of the biggest challenges in the equipment realm is athlete turnover. In the NCAA, student-athletes frequently transfer schools, and the trend continues to grow. This can be tricky when jersey and equipment orders are placed far in advance.

“We can do inventory as frequently as possible, but you never know who is going to leave or stay,” said Minteer. In a time crunch, they have workarounds. “We have extra jerseys. We can do tackle twill or screen printing on uniforms, so we have something a little bit quicker than having Adidas customize it,” he said.

Biggest fan: Outside work hours, Minteer follows and supports George �鶹��Ƶ teams. “I'll be in the dugout at the baseball and softball games,” Minteer said.

One of his most memorable moments was watching the softball team win the conference championship in 2023 in New York. “I drove five hours to go see them that day,” Minteer said. The championship went to a second game, for 18 total innings. It was a long day, and Minteer drove back home that same night.

He said it was worth it. “It was so uplifting to be there the first time our team won the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship for softball,” Minteer said. “That was a moment that I’ll never forget, and feeling like I was a part of it.”

More about George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

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Faculty and Staff News

Athletics

Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:27:59 +0000

Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream Lauren Reuscher Thu, 02/20/2025 - 10:27

When it’s time to clear out the garage or basement, some people might host a yard sale, selling old clothes, furniture, or housewares—whatever needs to go. After a successful yard sale, they might hope to have some extra pocket money.

Selling or redistributing surplus items from a public university is a bit more complicated, but the payoff is worth it. Since the arrival of Steve Pulis, purchasing manager in Facilities and Campus Operations, �鶹��Ƶ has earned more than $1 million in surplus property sales—including furniture, equipment, and more.

In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University. Photo by Facilities and Campus Operations

Pulis started working at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2017 and has helped the university add money to its general fund by effectively managing the commonwealth’s surplus sales process.

We are careful stewards

Pulis earned a Silver Impact Award from his department for his efforts to partner with units inside and outside the university to increase the amount of surplus property sold, donated, or otherwise diverted from the waste stream.

As a result, George �鶹��Ƶ is now ranked at number 7 among higher education state agencies for total surplus sales in the Commonwealth of Virginia through GovDeals.

Shopping for “free”

Commonwealth agencies must follow strict procedures when it comes to the reallocation of surplus property. When offices and departments at George �鶹��Ƶ no longer need equipment, furniture, or other supplies, those items are declared as “surplus.”

Staff from Central Receiving, part of Facilities Management, pick up the unneeded items and store them in the warehouse on the Fairfax Campus. Surplus items are made available to internal departments and other state agencies for free. Pulis is often contacted by university departments and state agencies seeking specialized items.

“In some cases, I do reach out directly to other state agencies to see if there is an interest to transfer the items from George �鶹��Ƶ to the agency,” Pulis said.

Steve Pulis, purchasing manager, Facilities and Campus Operations. Photo provided

Going once, going twice . . .

Surplus property may be sold at auction through the GovDeals website, and this is where the earning really happens. Pulis examines the resale market to determine whether an item will sell at auction.

The sale of surplus state property through auction or direct sales sends money back into the university’s general fund.

“Steve has increased the amount of university surplus sold through GovDeals by roughly $69,000 a year,” said Kat Sirotin, director of purchasing and fiscal services in Facilities and Campus Operations. “Initiatives like this help infuse funding back into the university’s general fund while also supporting our sustainability goals by diverting used equipment and furniture from the waste stream.”

Giving items a new life

Decommissioned spaces are one source of surplus property. Upon the closure of the university’s instructional site in Loudoun, and the former library space in the Johnson Center, university staff planned for the repurposing or sale of surplus items.

Another recent surplus sale? Extra personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased during the COVID pandemic, such as disinfectant wipes, masks, and wipe dispensers. Items not sold on GovDeals were donated to Serving Each Other, a nonprofit organization that distributed items to clinics, assisted living facilities, and to support hurricane relief in North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Surplus property also results from regular upkeep and replacement of furniture and equipment. In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University, an HBCU near Petersburg, Virginia.

Going where help is needed

When students move out of their residence halls, the Patriot Packout offers an easy way for them to donate unwanted items, instead of tossing them into the trash. Through Pulis’ efforts, some of those unwanted items are sold on GovDeals, transferred to other state agencies, or donated to nonprofit organizations.

In accordance with state policies and procedures, Pulis helped redirect clothing, furniture, and household items from the Patriot Packout to Serving Each Other, which directed the items to displaced individuals impacted by a fire at a housing development in southeast Washington, D.C.

Repurposing for a purpose

After receiving a request to remove furniture from Fenwick Library’s A Wing, Pulis came up with a creative way to repurpose the items. He collaborated with the City of Fairfax Fire Department and asked if they could use the furniture for their training exercises. The answer? “Yes.”

Sometimes, surplus property gets to take a heroic turn in its second life.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Sustainability

Facilities

Housing and Residence Life

Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:17:30 +0000

Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave Lauren Reuscher Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:17

As director of contracts and special projects for Auxiliary Services and Operations at �鶹��Ƶ, Buz Grover manages the university’s contracts for print, mail, and on-campus banking and ATMs. He also coordinates oversight of camps and youth programs on campus.

Buz Grover during an expedition in Crystal Cave, part of Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

On the job, Grover has managed plenty of new and experimental projects. When faculty and staff returned to campus during the COVID pandemic, he led the creation of a temporary, on-campus child care facility where the children of faculty and staff could attend virtual school while their parents worked, known as the Patriot Learning Pod.

Outside work, Grover’s expeditionary spirit goes beneath the surface. As a volunteer with the Cave Research Foundation, Grover explores caves on federal lands, mapping the unknown twists and turns of the earth’s darkest—and coolest—corners.

How did you get started with this hobby? How long have you been doing it?

As a result of my misspent youth, the town I grew up in “invited” me to take part in a diversionary program modeled after Outward Bound. We’d head into the woods with the town’s police officers and members of a local Special Forces reserve unit to learn outdoor skills like climbing and rappelling. I eventually became one of the program’s leads.

Several years later, I moved to Champaign, Illinois, where I worked as a lead cook and kitchen manager at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. That area of the Midwest is known as the flatlands; there is absolutely nothing to climb up or rappel down. There are, however, caves that you can rappel into and ascend out of. I got connected with a local cave “grotto” group.

Expedition participants gather in Crystal Cave’s Grand Canyon within Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

One of my fellow cavers was involved with the Cave Research Foundation (CRF). The CRF is an elite group of cavers, so I was surprised when I was asked to attend an expedition in the mid-1980s. I’ve been caving with the CRF for more than 40 years and am now a Fellow with the organization.

Entrance to Crystal Cave in Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

When and where do you participate in these adventures?

The CRF is chartered by the National Park Service to explore caves on federal land. I do most of my work at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. The CRF has mapped over 400 miles of cave at Mammoth Cave, making it the longest known cave on the planet and a prominent tourist destination. I have also spent time at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

Given the length of Mammoth Cave, it can take 8–10 hours to get to an unexplored part of the cave. Once there, we spend at least eight hours surveying and exploring new parts of the cave. It takes longer to get out than it did to get in, so it’s not uncommon for a trip to last 24–30 hours. The longest trip I’ve been on lasted 36 hours. Mammoth Cave expeditions happen almost every holiday weekend, with the exception of Christmas.

What lessons have you learned?

The power of effective teamwork and the importance of supporting the group effort. I cooked professionally when I began with the CRF and swore I’d never take on the surface job of camp management, as it was too much like my day job. But returning to camp after long, exhausting trips underground only to find glops of unidentifiable mush, I decided it was time to share some of my cooking skills with the CRF.

Grover has provided provisions during many expeditions, including Thanksgiving turkeys. Photo provided

For close to 40 years, I’ve been cooking for the Thanksgiving expedition, smoking turkeys with all the fixings for 35–60 cavers each year. I’m working on a CRF camp manager’s manual to codify and pass on effective caver care and feeding techniques.

What have been the most meaningful or memorable experiences?

I’ve confronted what I thought were my limits and exceeded them. I’ve crawled through wet, muddy chert tubes for hours, waded in hip-deep water censusing crayfish, read my compass and clinometer in water-filled passages with limited breathing space, fractured a finger and then completed a 100-foot climb, among many other challenges.

A substantial amount of scientific inquiry has occurred at Mammoth Cave and other project areas. None of it can happen until folks like me go in and map the cave, as that allows the scientists to identify where their inquiries took place.

As a parent, it’s been wonderful to watch my children grow up attending CRF expeditions and become cavers themselves. I don’t think they realized it at the time, but my kids were in “school” for the length of any expeditions they attended, learning lessons that stuck with them well after we returned home.

I’ve formed lifelong friendships with fellow cavers, entrusted my life to them, as they have entrusted theirs to me. There are few other endeavors where you and a couple of friends can go out and be the first people to explore a portion of the planet. Few people get to make that claim, and I count myself as fortunate for being able to be one of them.

Grover at the former Crystal Cave ticket office in Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

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Breaking down the composting process

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:46:23 +0000

Breaking down the composting process Lauren Reuscher Thu, 01/23/2025 - 09:46

Cindy Smith, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, took her EVPP 302 Biomes and Human Dimensions students to a composting facility last fall to give them a front-row seat for food and yard waste recycling.

Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

In the course, students examine human impacts on ecosystems. Because human activities often have a harmful effect on ecosystems, Smith also aims to show students positive, real-world examples of how humans can help mitigate these impacts.

“I want students to experience successful programs that are doing positive work, like keeping yard and food waste out of our landfills where the breakdown would produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas,” said Smith.

The field trip also offers insight into a career path for those interested in sustainability.

The Convertus composting facility, located in Manassas, Virginia, produces certified compost, mulch, and soil amendment products in bulk. The facility can process 80,000–100,000 tons of organic waste per year. This includes yard waste, tree branches, and food and restaurant waste.

A milk hauler dumps excess or expired milk products, which Convertus uses in the composting process. The students noted that it made the area smell like vanilla creamer. Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

During the field trip, students watched stages of the composting process, from the delivery of waste to the grinding, mixing, aerating, screening, and composting. They observed the different effects of various materials.

“The students were surprised to see a red tint in the leachate pond [during our visit], which resulted from red wine waste being processed,” said Smith.

�鶹��Ƶ sends compostable scraps from multiple sources to the Convertus facility. Food waste is collected from campus dining and retail locations and Bigbelly Solar Zero Waste Stations. Two pilot programs collect compost materials in the form of paper towels from restrooms at the Facilities complex at Fairfax, and food waste from Katherine Johnson Hall at the Science and Technology Campus.

“It's great to see all this organic waste getting recycled into an economically viable product, rather than buried in a landfill or sent to a waste water treatment plant,” said Smith.

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Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Nandini Koka

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:37:27 +0000

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Nandini Koka Lauren Reuscher Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:37

Nandini Koka, MD

Job: Executive Director, Student Health Services

Dr. Nandini Koka, executive director of Student Health Services at �鶹��Ƶ. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Nandini Koka joined �鶹��Ƶ in April 2023 as executive director of Student Health Services, where she leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. As a medical doctor with training in family medicine and urgent care, she is passionate about helping patients get better quickly and enhancing access to care.

At the largest and fastest-growing public research university in Virginia, Koka has found a place where the need for that care continues to grow.

The doctor is in: In her role, Koka provides direction and leadership for Student Health Services to ensure students receive quality clinical care. She also serves as a medical advisor and resource to campus leaders on health-related matters. In a post-pandemic world, where many aspects of health care remain an urgent community need, her input is essential across George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses.

Helping the student body: Koka knows that learning is not confined to the classroom, and some of the biggest lessons can address a fundamental part of students’ lives: their health.

“I am excited to work at George �鶹��Ƶ because of the opportunity to care for a diverse student population,” said Koka. “I want to help guide students as they become advocates for their own health and create goals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Appointments on the books: Last year, Student Health Services had 16,500 student interactions—this includes in-person and telehealth visits, lab work, and nurse triage interactions across the Fairfax, �鶹��Ƶ Square, and Science and Technology campuses.

Koka knows this number could go even higher. One of her primary goals is to increase awareness of the health services available to students.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is creating awareness around Student Health Services and the fact that we are a full-service medical clinic,” said Koka.

Addressing the body and mind: “We continue to see the need for mental health care as a challenge in the community,” said Koka. “Student Health Services has a unique approach to behavioral health, as we utilize a collaborative care model.”

Dr. Koka leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In this model, medical providers partner with behavioral health counselors to co-manage the care of students. Koka says that this team approach has given students more touchpoints with clinicians and provides a more holistic care model.

Additionally, all patients who visit Student Health Services are given a mental health screening at their first visit, and once a year thereafter. Primary care providers are a key point to identify concerns related to mental health.

Finding ways to make it cost-free: Sexual and reproductive care is another critical area of need at Student Health Services. “We have partnered with a community organization to provide free sexually transmitted infection (STI) services to students throughout the semester,” said Koka. “We continue to look for ways to expand access to services for our students.”

Fostering a supportive community: A dynamic campus community is what brought Koka to higher education. “I have been able to interact with our students and see their excitement about being here at George �鶹��Ƶ and wanting to be a part of this community,” said Koka.

Rest as part of health: Outside of work, Koka enjoys spending time with her family. “Our two daughters keep us busy with soccer and dance, and we have fun going to the games and watching the performances,” said Koka. To relax, she might go for a run, play with her dog, or try out new recipes.

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Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave

How did you get started with this hobby? How long have you been doing it?

When and where do you participate in these adventures?

What lessons have you learned?

What have been the most meaningful or memorable experiences?

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Breaking down the composting process

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Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Nandini Koka

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