Mason Science students share their campus experiences
Daria “Dasha” Maslyukova
BS, Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Honors College
What are you most proud of regarding your time at Mason: “I’m most proud of helping support the Virginia Environmental Justice Summit for three years, being a trip leader for the ecosystem restoration project to Florida through the [Social Action and Integrative Learning] SAIL Alternative Spring Break trips, and working at the Potomac Science Center in Dr. [Amy] Fowler's lab,” said Maslyukova, a first-generation student and EIP alumna.
“I’ve highly enjoyed volunteering as student chair of the Patriot Green Fund, evaluating student and faculty applications to improve sustainability at Mason. Some of my favorite projects have been funding for establishing Mason's Arboretum and the Arcadia art installation.”
What you learned outside the classroom: “Student Environmental Justice Alliance (SEJA) showed me how much you can learn from fellow students and community leaders,” said Maslyukova, who also spent two semesters at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conversation.
What’s next: “This summer, I’ll be working for the USGS Wetland Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry Laboratory. In August, I’ll start a master’s degree in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech.”
—Mariam Aburdeineh
Maanvi Vij
BS, Neuroscience
Honors College
What are you most proud of regarding your time at Mason: “I was a trip leader for the Alternative Spring Break trip about HIV and AIDS. It was over Zoom because of the pandemic, but this experience was very special for me, as I was able to lean into my interest in public health and advocacy by working with community partners from all over the world. We had many nonprofit leaders speak to us about their research and resources, and we learned how HIV and AIDS intersect with policy, housing, and racial and social factors.”
How you surprised yourself at Mason: “I was in a sorority, president of a medical organization, and studied abroad. Going into college, I wanted to do all of these things, but I wasn't sure if I could. I'm pleasantly surprised at what I was able to accomplish these past four years, despite COVID.”
What you learned outside the classroom: “I learned the importance of having a support system outside of your family. Maintaining relationships was something that I prioritized. Having people to cheer you on is so important.”
What’s next: “I am headed to George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences to start medical school.”
—Lauren Reuscher
Read about the campus experiences by other graduates at Mason.
