Prince William County

When the mosquitos bite, the Biomedical Research Lab bites back

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

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

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

Farhang Alem. Photo by Creative Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Biomedical Research Lab

In This Story

Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

Topics

Research

College of Science

College of Public Health

Biomedical Research Lab

Prince William County

Science and Technology Campus

Disease Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Governor's School at Innovation Park

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Campus News

K-12 Partnerships

Prince William County

Manassas

Manassas Park

Science and Technology Campus

Governor's School at Innovation Park

9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:12:01 +0000

9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages Lauren Reuscher Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:12

�鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the 12^th annual �鶹��Ƶ Nation 9/11 Day of Service. Since its inception, the day of service has been an opportunity to reflect on the value of individual contributions toward social change and the ways in which individuals can support their community through service projects.

The �鶹��Ƶ Nation 9/11 Day of Service took place across locations on the Fairfax Campus, with an opening ceremony and luncheon in the Johnson Center. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Over 200 George �鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, staff, and alumni joined the day’s activities. Service activities occurred across campus, a service fair provided a chance to learn about year-round volunteer opportunities, and a luncheon honored first responders, active members of the military, veterans, and volunteers.

The event was hosted by University Life, and the planning team included campus partners from departments and offices around the university.

George �鶹��Ƶ ROTC's Patriot Battalion Color Guard at the 9/11 Day of Service ceremony. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Service activities included a clothing, diaper, and wipe drive for Women Giving Back; a book drive to benefit the City of Fairfax Regional Library; assembling blankets and chew toys for the Prince William Animal Shelter; creating cards and flower pots for a local assisted living community, working in the campus Greenhouse and Gardens, and more. In partnership with Van Metre Companies, volunteers put together almost 300 snack bags to support children at Pattie Elementary School in Prince William County.

Volunteers work in the Innovation Food Forest for the 9/11 Day of Service. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Fourth and fifth grade students from Pattie Elementary also participated in the event. Members of the school’s P.O.P. Club (Paws of Positivity), a before and after school service club, visited George �鶹��Ƶ for the day. Thanks to a grant from the Harvey S. Lowe, Jr. and Susan Hitchcock-Lowe Foundation, the university provided transportation, lunch, and project supplies for the students.

Students from Pattie Elementary School shared remarks on stage. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

During the opening ceremony and luncheon, students from Pattie Elementary took the stage to share what 9/11 means to them—children who, like many of today’s college students, were not born before September 11, 2001.

Students from the Pattie Elementary School P.O.P. Club joined the service activities. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“In the P.O.P. club, we give back to our community through acts of service. Service is a way to show kindness and make our communities better. Whether it’s helping a friend, cleaning up trash, or doing something nice for someone, every little act of service counts. When we serve others, we spread positivity and help make the world a better place. So today, let’s think about how we can help out and make a positive change, just like so many people did on that day. Together, we can make a big difference.” –Trey, Pattie Elementary School student

Watch a video from Prince William County Public Schools to learn more about the P.O.P. Club and their visit to George �鶹��Ƶ.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Prince William County

Volunteerism

�鶹��Ƶ ROTC

Community Service

Empowering girls in STEAM at the Potomac Science Center

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:31:16 +0000

Empowering girls in STEAM at the Potomac Science Center Lauren Reuscher Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:31

�鶹��Ƶ’s Potomac Science Center hosted the Girls in STEAM Empowerment Conference on Thursday, February 29. This annual event welcomed 60 middle school students for a day of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). The event promotes STEAM careers for young women through engaging discussions and hands-on activities.

The Girls in STEAM Empowerment Conference was cosponsored by �鶹��Ƶ, Schneider Electric, Prince William County Public Schools, The NEED Project, Dominion Energy, Iron Mountain Data Centers, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, and ACI Solutions. Pictured: Abigail Weigel, Schneider Electric. Photo by PEREC

Students learned about energy science and engineered energy efficient structures. All the student attendees came from five Title I schools in Prince William County.

The National Energy Education Development Project (The NEED Project) led two energy workshops. Participants built and tested the efficiency of a mocked-up “thermally insulated house” and generated and measured electricity conducted through various objects.

Middle school students engaged in hands-on STEAM activities along the waterfront of the Potomac Science Center. Photo by PEREC

A panel of women in STEAM shared stories about how they came into their careers and responded to student questions. The panel included Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy and director K-12 partnerships for the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC).

�鶹��Ƶ Professor Cindy Smith (second from left) with Prince William County Schools staff Melinda Landry, Jeanne Jabara BS Biology ‘80, MS Environmental Biology ‘83, and Jess Doiron. Photo by PEREC

The Girls in STEAM Empowerment Conference is cosponsored by �鶹��Ƶ, Schneider Electric, Prince William County Public Schools, The NEED Project, Dominion Energy, Iron Mountain Data Centers, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, and ACI Solutions.

Conference space at the Potomac Science Center. Photo by PEREC

Visit the Potomac Science Center

More about Women's History Month

Topics

STEAM

Women's History Month

Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP)

Prince William County

K-12 Partnerships

Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center

Picture This

Campus News

Potomac Science Center

�鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County Public Schools expand EIP collaboration

Colleen Rich — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:48:44 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County Public Schools expand EIP collaboration Colleen Rich Wed, 01/31/2024 - 14:48

A shared approach to improving individual student outcomes and leaving lasting positive impacts on families, communities and society at large is what initially brought �鶹��Ƶ and Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) together for the Early Identification Program.

Denise Huebner, associate superintendent for Prince William County Schools; Khaseem Davis, executive director of �鶹��Ƶ's Early Identification Program; Anaid Shaver, supervisor of college and career services for Prince William County Schools; and Charlena McCuin, the coordinator of community and business engagement/SPARK for PWCS. Photo by Fathima Samsudeen

Additional funding secured by SPARK, the education foundation for PWCS, will expand that life-changing collaboration and fully support an additional 20 EIP students from Prince William County starting this spring, said EIP Executive Director Khaseem Davis.

“As a public school system, they really value EIP,” he said.

Prince William County Public School representatives were on hand along with �鶹��Ƶ officials at Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus on Jan. 27 to welcome the newest members of the EIP community.

EIP, which has produced more than 2,000 graduates since its inception in 1987, provides access to educational resources for middle and high school students seeking to become the first in their families to attend college.

Services include free SAT prep, afterschool tutoring, mentoring, help with college essays, exposure to various careers, and a three-week summer academy.

Current �鶹��Ƶ students and EIP alums Kalkidan Negussie and Ian Solano speak to the new members of the EIP community of their experiences in the program. Photo by Fathima Samsudeen

A $55,000 grant from the Tides Foundation to SPARK funded additional PWCS student participants. The Tides Foundation is a San Francisco-based nonprofit and philanthropic organization.

As a result, there are now 153 EIP students in the PWCS system, and just under 800 in the overall program, with plans to expand further.

Carol Flenard, the deputy superintendent for PWCS, lauded EIP for being a “beacon of hope and opportunity” that empowers first-generation students to dream of higher education and to achieve it with distinction.

“This program is more than an academic pathway,” Flenard said. “It is a commitment to closing the opportunity gaps that often challenge motivated, talented first-generation students.”

“They really gave me so much support, and they didn’t give up on me,” said Ian Solano, an EIP alum who is now a freshman international security and law major in the Schar School of Policy and Government at �鶹��Ƶ. “I learned that I have more potential than I ever realized. I don’t know where I’d be without EIP.”

EIP receives support from �鶹��Ƶ’s corporate alliances and individual donors, as well as its collaboration with seven local public school systems in Prince William County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Arlington, and the City of Alexandria.

The program’s year-round academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, and leadership training opportunities prepare students for higher education and more productive lives afterward.

“A lot of people don’t get to work in a job where they get to see the direct impact they can make,” Davis said. “Being part of EIP, you see that impact, and the impact is profound.”

Of the 127 EIP students who graduated from high school last spring, 125 went on to college. Of those, 93 were admitted to �鶹��Ƶ, with 37 of those enrolling. Most of those who did enroll received partial or full academic scholarships.

There are currently more than 200 EIP alums attending �鶹��Ƶ.

In This Story

Topics

Campus News

Early Identification Program (EIP)

K-12 Partnerships

philanthropy

Prince William County

SciTech’s ‘social butterfly’ retires after 30 years of service

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:11:34 +0000

SciTech’s ‘social butterfly’ retires after 30 years of service Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/05/2023 - 13:11

Molly Grove, SciTech Campus. Photo by Ron Aira

After more than 30 years of service, Molly Grove, the associate director for Community and Local Government Relations at �鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus, is retiring.

Grove’s �鶹��Ƶ journey began in 1992 as a part-time coordinator, planning the university’s Commencement and convocation ceremonies. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as a “social butterfly” and the “face of the SciTech Campus.”

“Molly has been the SciTech Campus’ lifeline to the community, working with business, government, and education leaders since its beginning. She’s left an indelible fingerprint on SciTech,” said Ron Carmichael, the campus’ director of administration and operations.

In addition to relationship-building, Grove leads event planning at SciTech. She was especially busy in the past year, coordinating the triple groundbreaking of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, Innovation Town Center, and University Village in honor of �鶹��Ƶ’s 50th anniversary.

“There have been so many wonderful memories during my time at �鶹��Ƶ,” Grove said. “I will always look back at representing the university in the community with great affection.”

Grove served on many business and civic boards on �鶹��Ƶ’s behalf. She was involved in the launch of Leadership Prince William, a nonprofit organization focused on training individuals and organizations to enrich the community through collaborative leadership. In 2008, she was a member of Leadership Prince William’s introductory class. She went on to serve as co-chair of its Board of Regents.

�鶹��Ƶ’s rewarding relationship with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce is due largely to Grove’s efforts. As chair of the Prince William–Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce, she co-managed the 2010 merger of that chamber with the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The Prince William Chamber has been a great partner for �鶹��Ƶ,” Grove said. “Many of our efforts at SciTech were supported by the chamber including �鶹��Ƶ’s 50th Anniversary Celebration that was held last fall.”

One of Grove’s chief accomplishments was the conceptualizing of a statue to honor former senator Charles J. Colgan for his 40 years of service in the Virginia Senate. Colgan was a staunch supporter of higher education and played a pivotal role in securing land for the establishment of the SciTech Campus.

The statue’s unveiling in 2016 coincided with Colgan’s 90th birthday. Seven former Virginia governors, two former lieutenant governors, and a congressman were among the distinguished guests in attendance at the dedication ceremony.

“Seeing the smile on the senator’s face when he stood next to his life-size statue at the installation was an unforgettable moment,” Grove said.

With retirement ahead, Grove plans to spend more time in her garden, crafting, and improving her golf game. She’s especially looking forward to doing some landscaping.

“I love getting on my John Deere to mow my three acres,” she said.

“Molly has provided me with advice and guidance every step of the way,” Carmichael said. “I wish her all the best in this new phase of her life. She will definitely be missed.”

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Retirement

SciTech Campus

Prince William County

�鶹��Ƶat50

�鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus is about to be transformed

Colleen Rich — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:01:07 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus is about to be transformed Colleen Rich Mon, 04/25/2022 - 15:01

In This Story

Gregory Washington

The groundbreaking for the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the much-anticipated Innovation Town Center and University Village at Innovation projects took place on Friday, April 22, on �鶹��Ƶ's Science and Technology Campus in Manassas. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

�鶹��Ƶ’s 50th anniversary celebration continued Friday, with the official unveiling of a project designed to transform its Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.

The university broke ground on a new Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the much-anticipated Innovation Town Center and University Village at Innovation projects, which will allow the SciTech Campus to provide a full array of academic offerings and university life experiences for students and community members.

Officials from project partners Stanley Martin Homes and Castle Rock Partners LLC joined state, local and university officials among the roughly 200 guests on hand to usher in the new era.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building, a 132,000-square-foot facility, will support students enrolled in STEM-H majors. Rendering by EYP Architecture & Engineering

“We come together not just to break ground on the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, the Innovation Town Center, and the University Village at Innovation,” �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington said. “But we’ve actually come together to break ground on a true commitment, a shared vision that will empower and attract students and faculty, that will serve the nearby community, and spur economic development in this region. The success of Prince William County and �鶹��Ƶ are indeed intertwined.”

Other speakers included Jeanine Lawson, Brentsville district supervisor from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors; Tom Twomey, division president from Stanley Homes; Tim Kissler, principal at Castle Rock Partners; and Luke Torian, a state representative representing Virginia’s 52nd District in the House of Delegates. Trishana E. Bowden, �鶹��Ƶ’s vice president for advancement and alumni relations, served as the program’s host.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building, a 132,000-square-foot facility, will support students enrolled in STEM-H majors, such as but not limited to kinesiology, materials science, forensic science, bioengineering and mechanical engineering.

With a scheduled completion date of August 2024, the $75 million facility will include specialized instructional labs, classrooms, experiential learning collaboratories, and faculty and administrative offices to support growing student and faculty communities on the SciTech Campus.

“The scholarship and research that will take place in our Life Sciences and Engineering Building will deepen the academic footprint on this campus,” Washington said.

Ron Carmichael, the director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus, called the additions significant.

President Gregory Washington addressed the roughly 200 guests on hand to usher in the new era. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

“It will contribute greatly to the expanded student presence and programming on campus,” he said.

With the addition of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the simultaneous development of the Innovation Town Center, the SciTech Campus will provide a residential campus experience to students enrolling in relevant STEM-H programs beginning their freshman year and extending through their PhD work. The Stanley Martin portion of the Town Center will offer 1,100 townhomes for sale, while the Castle Rock portion of the Town Center will include potential student residence halls.

Retail stores will be available in the heart of the Town’s Center first floor, while the second floor will include residential, office and research space, Carmichael said.

“It’s going to have the amenities for students, faculty and staff that we’ve needed for the last 25 years,” Carmichael said.

University and local officials believe the increasingly vibrant SciTech Campus will serve as a magnet to attract new and existing businesses in Prince William County’s Innovation Park, advance the region’s innovation industries and drive associated economic growth.

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in early May.

“It’s a really, really big deal for us,” Washington said. “The Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the private development planned for this campus will re-imagine and re-form this campus and this region. It is indeed a big deal.”