Student Spotlights

This week's #StudentSpotlight shines on Jonathan A. Teinor, an aspiring medical student currently enrolled in the GeorgeSquared Advanced Biomedical Sciences joint program at George Mason University and Georgetown University Medical Center. As a nontraditional student preparing for medical school, Jonathan sought a program that would lay a solid foundation for his future career. The GeorgeSquared program's rigorous curriculum, closely aligned with the first year of medical school, immediately appealed to him.

Jonathan offers valuable advice to aspiring students, urging them to follow a similar path of persistence and seizing opportunities, especially through active engagement with professors and exploration of research interests. He expresses gratitude to Dr. Robin Couch for his effective teaching methods in biochemistry.

Looking ahead, Jonathan's post-graduation plans involve applying to medical schools, confident in the preparation he's received through the program. With his strong foundation and determination, Jonathan is poised for success in his medical career.

This week's #StudentSpotlight is on Virginia Lopez, a graduate student in Mason’s Chemistry Program. Motivated by her desire to understand the molecular basis of biomedical issues like Alzheimer's, Virginia chose a path in chemistry and sees this as a way to gain insights into larger societal challenges.

Virginia was drawn to Mason Science for its collaborative research opportunities, and under Dr. Lee Solomon's mentorship, she has delved into electrochemistry, collaborating across disciplines and utilizing a fellowship for the Quantum Science Center.

Post-graduation, Virginia plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, aiming for a future in the industry. Her advice to aspiring students is to remain persistent and seek out opportunities, especially by engaging with professors and exploring research areas of interest. Virginia's journey exemplifies the spirit of Mason Science, a dynamic community where students like her thrive, fueled by curiosity and determination

Today's spotlight is on Nikita Lad, an accomplished PhD Candidate in Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University. Originating from India, Nikita's academic journey, from Microbiology to Bioanalytical Sciences, showcases her diverse expertise. Excelling in regulatory affairs, she now focuses on sustainability in higher education. Nikita pioneers a survey tool to assess the impact of coursework on students' sustainability literacy, contributing to Mason's commitment to innovative research. Engaging with the National Science Policy Network, she's a Science Diplomacy Fellow and Scholar-in-Residence, embodying Mason's dedication to global impact. Mason Nation is proud and inspired by her leadership, guiding new members.

Meet Alonso Gabriel Ogueda-Oliva, a standout Mathematical Sciences Ph.D. candidate and one of the brilliant minds in the second cohort of IDIA Predoctoral Fellows George Mason University! His groundbreaking project, 'A New Data-Driven Machine Learning Framework to Predict Dynamics of Infectious Diseases,' integrates social sciences and predictive analytics to revolutionize our understanding of disease spread. With a mission to address health disparities and improve public health interventions, Ogueda-Oliva is charting new territories in computational research. 

Learn more about the project.

Welcome Shahrier Huq, our new Mason Science Student Ambassador! A sophomore majoring in Computer Science and international student from Bangladesh, Shahrier embodies Mason's diversity and global perspective. With a passion for leadership and building connections, he's eager to assist students in overcoming college life challenges. He's dedicated to promoting the exceptional STEM opportunities at Mason and fostering a welcoming community. Through mentorship and workshops, he's committed to supporting fellow students in their academic journey.Here's to a great journey ahead with Shahrier!

Meet Admadzai, an outstanding example of triumph through adversity! From Kabul, Afghanistan, to George Mason University, she tackled challenges with grace and determination. Mason's Early Identification Program guided her journey, offering essential resources and mentorship. As she pursues her Biology major, Admadzai reminds us that education has no boundaries. Let's applaud her courage and resilience, celebrating her embodiment of the pursuit of knowledge against all odds!

Meet Madison Mateo, an Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences undergrad with a burning passion for geology and paleontology. Starting her journey as a volunteer at geological survey sites in North Dakota, she is now a regular at M-NCPPC Dinosaur Park, known for its rich and diverse fossils. Madison's love for dinosaurs and fossils shines brightly as she educates visitors and assists in crucial site excavations. Over the summer, Madison made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing a 3-foot-long tibia of an Acrocanthosaurus, an Early Cretaceous predator. This significant find has reshaped our understanding of dinosaurs in North America. Madison’s work has opened doors to prestigious opportunities, including an invitation to a paleontological resource inventory in Yellowstone. 

Learn more about the discovery. 

Meet Kaitlyn Kutz, this week's #StudentSpotlight. Kaitlyn is not just your average chemistry enthusiast; she is a vibrant member of the Women's Rowing team and a fantastic chemistry tutor. She loves how chemistry helps her understand the world around her and enjoys the logical and challenging problems she gets to crack. Dr. Ward’s Organic Chemistry 2 is her favorite class so far, where each mechanism is a new puzzle to solve and a new opportunity to learn.

As a tutor, Kaitlyn finds joy and satisfaction in guiding other students through difficulties in the subject. Beyond the chemistry lab, she also found a passion for the water with Mason's Women's Rowing team. She loves the discipline and motivation it brings to her life, complementing her academic goals.

Kaitlyn is not stopping here; she dreams of becoming an organic chemist. She is the perfect example of hard work, teamwork, and supporting the community at Mason. Her story shows the university's lively atmosphere, where students like her not only survive but thrive and inspire others.

Meet Brianna Tilghman, head STAR (Student Teachers and Research Assistants) for the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS). Brianna fell in love with the CDS department when she took CDS 130 with Dr. Ralph Romanelli. She was engaged with the coursework and was excited to further her knowledge of computation and data sciences. While she was taking CDS 130, the STARS in her class were incredibly helpful. They encouraged her to apply to the STARs program and the rest was history. For Brianna, the best part about being a STAR is helping and supporting students, and seeing how excited they get when they finally start to understand a difficult problem.

Brianna would like to shout out Natalie Lapidot-Croitoru! A hardworking, funny, and caring woman who deserves appreciation! She also offers a shoutout to all of the CDS faculty!

Meet Fariha Askar, a Computational and Data Science student who helped create NECX, a multi-platform service for policing, uniting victims, officers, and stakeholders on a centralized platform. NECX helps streamline workflows, keep victims informed, and foster a safer community with innovative software solutions.

The idea was born when Communication major Arastalis B. Choudhury sought a better way to communicate with the police in non-emergency situations. Choudhury and Askar teamed up, and NECX was born, thanks to the resources from the Mix at Mason.

Learn more about the initiative.

Kimberly Todd, a master's student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in conservation science and policy, was recently featured in "Focus on the Future," a series that seeks to highlight the early career scientists who conduct research at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Currently, she is involved with the ongoing swift fox reintroduction program at the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in north-central Montana.

Read more about Todd and her experience with the Smithsonian Zoo.

This past spring, our #MasonScience PhD students made a near sweep at the 2023 Three-Minute Thesis competition. The conference, hosted by GAPSA, Mason Graduate Student Life, and Mason's Graduate Division, showcased scholarly, research, and creative works from Mason graduate students across disciplines through posters, oral presentations, and creative, visual, and performing arts.

The winners include:
-First Place: Steven Zhou, College of Humanities and Social Science: “Measuring Profiles and Patterns of Leadership Behavior”
-Second Place: Amy Rose, Geography and Geoinformation Science: “Hyperspectral Signature Development for Aircraft-Induced Clouds from Aerial and Ground-Based Sensors”
-Third Place: Doreen Peters, Environmental Science and Policy: “Using Dragonfly Exuviae as a No-Kill Approach to Monitor Mercury along the Freshwater Potomac River”
-People’s Choice: Patricia Sinclair Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience: “Energy and Aging: The Estrogen Connection”

Congratulations to all the winners, and kudos to all the participants!

This week, the spotlight is on Anyah Skipwith. Anyah just completed the GeorgeSquared (G2) program and earned a certificate in Advanced Biomedical Sciences. She chose the G2 program after hearing positive remarks about the program from a close friend who had recently graduated. The G2 program not only helped Anyah discover what study techniques worked best for her, but it also boosted her confidence. After underperforming in undergrad, she was filled with self-doubt. But after changing her mindset and finding what works best for her, she started to see her hard work pay off in the program. Anyah is proud of her progress throughout the program and is now a better and more confident student. This newfound confidence leads her to start the Georgetown Physiology summer master's program. By the end of August, she will have her Master’s degree.  

Fun fact: Anyah is incredibly passionate about reproductive health! She founded @thehappycatinc , an LLC geared to combat the shame and stigma of female genitalia through education.

Anyah also offers a special thank you to all of the GeorgeSquared faculty for helping her throughout the process and to her peers for their support.

The spotlight is on Afraz Shirazi today! Afraz is an Advanced Biomedical Sciences (GeorgeSquared) student who served as co-class president for this year’s cohort. He found his way to the GeorgeSquared (G2) program after being denied by all the dental schools he applied to after undergrad, despite having a competitive DAT score and experience shadowing in a dental office. While he was initially disappointed, he was not ready to give up. He researched different post-bac programs and decided to apply to GeorgeSquared because he was intrigued by the curriculum and impressed by the provided resources.  

As he wraps up the program, Afraz says “it was the best decision I made for my future.” GeorgeSquared has helped him develop his vital skills, build his academic confidence, and has taught him new study skills that will help in the future.  

For anyone considering the GeorgeSquared program, “take the leap and apply!” Afraz goes on to say, “despite the dense material and heavy coursework, the support and dedication from the faculty are unparalleled.”  

After finishing the program, Afraz plans to continue his education at Georgetown University to obtain his Master’s degree. He plans on applying to dental school this upcoming cycle while continuing to work in a dental office to build his clinical skills and knowledge.  

Finally, Afraz offers a special shoutout to the faculty and staff who supported him during his time at G2, including Dr. Hahn, Dr. Couch, and Ms. Wever.

The spotlight is on Ashley Robertson this week! Ashley is graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) . She chose ESP thanks to the amazing faculty and the classes they offer. She always felt supported by the department and was often encouraged to step outside of her comfort zone.

One of her proudest moments at Mason was earning the Boren Fellowship for the 2022-23 academic year to study abroad. Thanks to the fellowship, Ashley is conducting her master’s thesis research at Ewha Woman's University in Seoul, South Korea.

After she graduates in Fall 2023, Ashley hopes to find a job within the federal government to work on energy policy issues.

To conclude this #StudentSpotlight, Ashley offers a shoutout to  Alpha Kappa Chi , Dr. Jennifer Sklarew , Dr. Ted Hsuan Yun Chen , Dr. Karen Akerlof , and Dr. Younsung Kim !

Meet Wren Bell , an Environmental and Science Policy  alum who graduated in December 2022 with a major in environmental science and policy concentrating on ecological science with minors in conservation studies and computer science.

Wren's interest in stream ecology began when she watched a video of a stream scientist standing in waders, chest-deep in a stream, in Dr. Cindy Smith's Biomes and Human Dimension’s class. When she took Dr. Amy Fowler's Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology class, it confirmed for her that she wanted to work with these amazing organisms. In her microbiology class with Dr. Jennifer Salerno, she learned techniques that would benefit her in her current role as a Field Technician for  Prince William Country Watershed Management Division.

In addition to her passion for stream science, Wren has always advocated for people with disabilities, especially those like her who rely on mobility devices. Wren is very visible with her disability because she feels fortunate to have the opportunity to work in these fields and wants others to know that they, too, can be a scientist or ecologist, regardless of physical ability.

Meet Alex Murphy, alum,  Environmental Science and Policy. Alex graduated from Mason in May 2022 as an environmental science major with a concentration in ecological science.

His classes, experiences, and research he participated in at Mason prepared him to land a great job right after graduation at the  Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District where he is currently a Conservation Specialist.

In this position, Alex has ample opportunities to do fieldwork and computer work in GIS, soil nitrogen modeling, nutrient management planning, erosion management planning and other conservation strategies.

He also has access to state, local, and federal databases, which allows them to collaborate in a multidimensional way with professionals in the field. Alex routinely networks with natural resource professionals across the Commonwealth and is learning a great deal about state programs, environmental laws and regulations.

The classes he took at Mason prepared him well. Microbiology with Dr. Salerno, for example, showed him how microbes, an essential resource in aquatic food webs, are reliant on water quality. Soil Ecology with Dr. Ahn gave him the knowledge to understand soil characteristics and diversity, which he now uses in conservation planning. And his policy-infused ecology classes with Dr. Smith showed him how they implement conservation practices for important ecological areas.

PWSWCD is dedicated to hiring passionate individuals who strive to improve our environment. If you would like to learn more, you can reach him at alexmurphy@pwswcd.org

Meet Valentina Chirico a BAM student studying Geology in the Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Science (AOES)  department. She chose AOES because their philosophy and approach to learning stood out to her. The professors and her classmates also cultivated a safe space that enriched her academic experience.

She chose the geology concentration because the classes span over several disciplines within geology, giving her exposure to a broader array of sub-disciplines. This encouraged her to pursue an accelerated master's, since it is a fantastic opportunity for her to slowly begin working on graduate-level classes as well as thinking about her Master's research.

“The program has enabled me to begin my career in research early on, and I've been able to make connections with important professionals.”, says Valentina

During the Fall 2022 semester, Valentina got the opportunity to travel to Lawrence, Kansas, with her graduate advisor, Dr. Geoff Gilleaudeau , where they worked with the Kansas Geological Survey to analyze a core from the Permian Basin.

After graduation, she hopes to work for a few years, possibly with the USGS or a state geological survey, to practice her research skills and better understand where her passion within Earth sciences truly lie. She also plans to pursue a PhD and would love to eventually become a professor to spread the good word of geology!

Meet Brian Smith, an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Atmospheric Sciences. He chose AOES due to the various opportunities available to pursue internships and conduct research while in the program, which are immensely beneficial to students looking to work in the field of Atmospheric Science.

"One of the things that stood out to me about the department was its diverse faculty and its wide range of expertise in atmospheric science." The department's program boasts smaller class sizes, providing students with more individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and a greater sense of camaraderie with their peers and department faculty. During my time in the program, I have formed a close friend group and have made incredible connections with professors and others in the AOES department."

Brian also serves as the president of @WeatherClubatMason, which he helped reestablish alongside three other Atmospheric Science students in 2022. He encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to attend the club's weekly "Weather and Coffee" hangouts on Mondays at 4 p.m.!

Kai Huang, a Doctoral Student in Climate Dynamics, recently won First Place in a Student Poster Presentation at the 11th Symposium on the Madden-Julian Oscillation and Sub-Seasonal Monsoon Variability.

Kai's presentation was on “Captured QBO-MJO Connection in the CESM2 Subseasonal Prediction System with a Stratospheric Nudging.” He has done #MasonNation very proud!