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College of Science STEM Programs Honored with Statewide “Programs That Work” Awards

Laura Powers

The Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition (VMSC) selected two George Mason University College of Science initiatives for its 2025 “Programs That Work” Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to STEM education across the Commonwealth. The awards were presented in May at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond.

Both award-winning programs are coordinated by Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and a leader in STEM education.

In the Teacher Category, the Virginia High School Teacher Data Science Institute was honored for its role in equipping high school educators to teach data science. In 2025 alone, the program supported the implementation of high school data science courses in more than 125 schools, more than any other state. This effort is expected to prepare approximately 4,000 students with essential data literacy skills as they enter higher education. Seshaiyer is also advising similar initiatives in other states including Oregon, Arizona, and Iowa.

In the Student Category, the Sustainable Student Pathways in Data Science and Computing Applications for the Commonwealth program was recognized for its long-term impact on student engagement. Over the past four years, students have participated in mentored research with faculty, earning college credit, completing capstone projects, and gaining externship experience. This initiative played a critical role in launching the Data Science and Computing Applications Lab School in the Shenandoah Valley, one of Virginia’s College Partnership Lab Schools.

These recognitions underscore George Mason University’s ongoing commitment, under the guidance of Seshaiyer, to expanding access to high-quality STEM education across Virginia and beyond. By empowering both teachers and students, the university is helping to shape a future-readyworkforce equipped with the skills to navigate an increasingly data-driven world.

Learn more about Seshaiyer and his past efforts:

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