Trailblazers

Mason researchers Jeffrey Moran in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rémi Veneziano in the Department of Bioengineering, and Monique van Hoek, a microbiologist in the School of Systems Biology, won the NBIB R21 Trailblazer award. The team will research methods to dissolve harmful biofilms.

In 2006, George Mason University alum Anousheh Ansari, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering ’88, traveled to the International Space Station for an 11-day expedition and the first female private space explorer, first astronaut of Iranian descent, first Muslim woman in space, and fourth private explorer to visit space.

In January, Nikyatu Jusu, assistant professor of directing and screenwriting in Mason’s Film and Video Studies Program, had her first feature film, “Nanny,” premier at the Sundance Film Festival, where she was awarded the Grand Jury Prize.

For the past decade, Mason alum Germán Perilla, cofounder and director of the Honey Bee Initiative, has led Mason’s honey bee efforts.

George Mason University alum Charniele L. Herring has made history with her barrier-breaking career in Virginia state politics.

George Mason University’s Edward Maibach is one of the most influential scientists working on climate change.

A remarkable journey has brought Mason Professor Jagadish Shukla from his childhood in rural India to world prominence as a climate researcher.

When the George Mason University senior Dacheka Kolcum heard about the August 2021 earthquake that devastated Haiti, she immediately jumped into action to help by creating a GoFundMe page that raised $5,000 to help provide basic necessities for those most adversely impacted by quake.

As a forensic nurse and former death investigator State of Maryland’s medical examiner’s office, Mason researcher Katherine Scafide has long served people who fell victim to violence.

George Mason University sociology student Charlotte Woodward has tirelessly advocated for the rights of people with disabilities—and she is being recognized for her efforts.