Science and Technology Campus machine shop manager Johnnie Hall embodies George Mason University value “students come first.” The machine shop is regularly used by registered student organizations, researchers, and students alike, and Hall frequently works evenings and weekends to work with their schedules. He is also a mentor to Mechanical Engineering Department’s capstone design students, who often comment that they would not be able to complete their projects on time if not for his assistance.
Hall also helped facilitate the department’s move to the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building (LSEB). “It would not have been possible without Johnnie's efforts packing and labeling, disassembling equipment, fielding questions from the project team, fielding questions from faculty, students, and staff, all the while maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude and staying on top of his typical duties running the machine shop,” said Leigh McCue-Weil, professor and chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department.
One notable moment during the move was when the loading docks were snowed in, and he personally began clearing snow until he could flag down a snowplow to assist. “Rather than complaining, Johnnie simply grabbed a shovel and began digging out the loading dock before the movers and riggers arrived,” added McCue-Weil.
“Johnnie has been a reliable ‘jack of all trades’ for the College of Engineering and Computing always willing to step in where needed in support of our strategic goals,” said Arthur B. Pyster, professor and associate dean for research in the college. “He was one of the first technicians to lend his expertise to Mason's Nanofabrication Facility and the College of Engineering and Computing's Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).”
Joyce Rose, CEC’s operations manager, said, “Johnnie is exemplary. We wish we had more employees just like him! During Johnnie's time at Mason, he has gone above and beyond what was expected of him.”
“In my mind, Johnnie can be considered ‘employee of the day’ every day of the year. Whenever you ask him for a favor, you can count on him 100%,” said mechanical engineering professor Nathan Kathir.
Volgenau School of Engineering Divisional Dean Ariela Sofer said, “I constantly get comments about how great Johnnie is!”
How did you come to Mason:
I started working at Mason in August of 2018 as a part-time machine shop technician. Before working at Mason, I had gone through a trades program focused on welding at my local community college on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I jumped at the chance to apply my skills and learn more along the way. Since then, I have had the chance to be a part of some amazing student and research projects.
Best day on the job:
My favorite day has always been our Mechanical Engineering Department's senior Capstone Day. It's such a rewarding experience getting to showcase all of our students' hard work that I have had the opportunity to be a part of.
What do you like best about working at Mason:
My favorite part about working at Mason is being able to give students a chance to try new things they might have never had the chance to. It's such a great feeling seeing our students learn new skills in our workshop that they can take with them in life.
What do you like to do when you’re not working:
When I am not working, I enjoy playing music at home on my synthesizer. I also enjoy taking car rides in my 1985 Toyota Celica.