George Mason University mathematician receives Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award
Congratulations to Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, professor of mathematical sciences, on receiving the Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). This award honors educators who inspire and foster high school women’s engagement in technology and computing.
The NCWIT AiC Educator Award recognizes Seshaiyer’s dedication to computing and technology, as well as his leadership in the classroom. The official notification stated, “You are being recognized for your demonstrated interest and aptitude for computing and technology, the leadership you’ve shown in your classroom, and your aspirations to pursue technology throughout your future journey to solve problems and positively impact humanity.”
“I have dedicated significant time and energy to mentorship because I believe it is essential not only to personal and professional growth while also to creating an environment where all students—regardless of background—have the tools to succeed and make meaningful contributions to their fields,” Seshaiyer said. “I strongly believe that students are not just consumers of education; they are also producers of information.”
Throughout his career, Seshaiyer has been an advocate for scientific curiosity and has mentored countless students at George Mason University and beyond. One of his key initiatives is mentoring high school and undergraduate students in the popular, College of Science sponsored Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP), where participants conduct hands-on research in the university’s cutting-edge laboratories. Many of the high school students mentored by Seshaiyer from this program have already published their work in peer-reviewed journals, presented at premier national and international conferences, and even won top awards at mathematical modeling contests following their ASSIP experience.
Two students from this past summer’s ASSIP program earned recognition at the 2025 NCWIT AiC High School Affiliate Awards for their regions (Maryland and Virginia). One of these students was also recognized nationally, joining a select group of only 400 high school students across the country to receive this honor.
This is not Seshaiyer’s first recognition for his dedication to education. In 2022, the Council on Undergraduate Research awarded him the Inclusivity Award for his efforts in broadening access to the mathematical, computational, and statistical sciences. The following year, he was awarded the Advanced Career Mentor Award for his exceptional mentorship of undergraduate students.
Seshaiyer also played a key role in the 2023 X-STEM NOVA event, where he spoke to approximately 2,000 middle and high school students about the power of viewing the world through the lens of mathematics and data.
In addition to his teaching and mentorship roles, Seshaiyer has contributed to STEM education at the state level. In 2021, he was appointed to the Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Board, where he works to unify the state’s vision for STEM education. He currently serves on the AI Task Force established by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
Learn more about Seshaiyer and his past efforts:
- Padmanabhan Seshaiyer’s bio
- Two George Mason faculty appointed to Virginia AI task force (2024)
- George Mason University’s College of Science partners with the Shenandoah Valley Virginia educational institutions to launch new Lab School focusing on high schoolers' data literacy (2024)
- Padmanabhan Seshaiyer declared winner of 2022 CUR Inclusivity Award (2022)
- Seshaiyer turning math haters into lovers at SciFest (2022)
- Applying Mathematical Principles to the ‘Real World’ (USA Science and Engineering Festival (2022)
- Seshaiyer named to new state STEM Education Advisory Board (2021)
Learn about College of Science programming that fosters future generations in STEM
