As an integral part of the greater community, George Mason University has continually strived to build and maintain a multitude of partnerships, provide a variety of services and programs geared toward the region we serve, and explore research that enhances the quality of life for all.
Through Community Connections, you can learn more about how Mason engages with and enhances our shared community.
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Students in the Community |
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Students Tackle Language Barriers at Fairfax Courthouse |
Traversing the legal system is difficult for most people. Mix in a language barrier and the experience is beyond frustrating.
Fifteen volunteer students from the Jurisprudence Learning Community (JPLC), one of five learning communities in the Schar School of Policy and Government, are spending time in the hallways and offices of the Fairfax County Courthouse conducting a survey project aimed at helping the court understand the accessibility needs, particularly language and translation accessibility, of its users. Learn more.
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Sharing Knowledge with the Community |
Community organizations can tap into George Mason's expertise through the Mason Speakers program. Over 100 faculty and staff members provide lectures and presentations on various topics to organizations and businesses free of charge. Learn more.
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Research for the Community |
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New research utilizes machine learning to support Alzheimer’s caregivers
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A new study from George Mason University's College of Public Health explores using artificial intelligence to predict social isolation among caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. The research is set to significantly impact health informatics and caregiver support. Learn more.
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Engineering professors research impacts of Baltimore Key Bridge collapse |
Since the March 26, 2024, Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, George Mason professors Elise Miller-Hooks, Alireza Ermagun, and Shanjiang Zhu have received two National Science Foundation RAPID grants to study the cause and impact of the collapse as well as potential preventative methods for the future.
The Port of Baltimore is one of two main ports in the region that is critical for transportation, businesses, and network optimization.
A primary objective of the RAPID grants is to archive data that is at risk of perishing if not collected in time. The data collected from these projects will support future research on traffic, travel behavior, logistics, and supply chains from different perspectives. Learn more.
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Researching the effect of smartphone-free schools in Virginia |
Virginia K-12 students who returned to school this fall may be confronted with smartphone-free hallways and classrooms as part of new state cellphone bans sweeping across the United States. Nora McDonald, an assistant professor in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at George Mason University, is teaming up with Prince William County Public Schools to try to understand how students, teachers, administrators, and parents are reacting to these bans and the policies' long-term implications. Learn more.
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Classroom in the Community |
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Scalia Law School Student Assists Veteran at Hearing |
Danny Jenkins, a third-year Antonin Scalia Law School student, played a crucial role, through the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS), in helping a former servicemember take a substantial step toward securing the benefit he was owed.
“This unique opportunity allowed me to step outside the classroom and make a real difference in someone’s life,” said Jenkins.
Since its founding in 2004, M-VETS has become a national model for similar clinics at law schools. Learn more.
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Tony Skinn, George Mason University's Men's Basketball Head Coach, dropped by the “Connect with County Leaders” podcast, hosted by Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill, to discuss the team’s growth, challenges, and Skinn's vision for the future. Listen.
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Alumnus on the Frontlines of Global Security and Terrorism |
Mahmut Cengiz, PhD ’10, is an associate professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government. He utilizes his 15 years of experience in law enforcement, focusing on counterterrorism and trafficking cases, to prepare the next generation of international security professionals. In his law enforcement career, Cengiz saved more than 300 victims of human trafficking. Learn more.
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Alumna went from Intern to CEO of National Running Organization |
Jay Ell Alexander, BA Communication ’08, joined Black Girls RUN!, a national running organization, as a PR intern in 2012. In 2018, she bought the company and has been the owner for the last six years.
Black Girls RUN! aims to bring Black women to the pavement in terms of endurance and raise awareness of the health disparities they face. Learn more.
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Tyler Javonillo is the newest member of the State Government Relations team. Before joining George Mason in September, he worked in Richmond for the Former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Eileen Filler-Corn in several capacities, including as Deputy Chief of Staff.
As George Mason’s Assistant Director of State Government Relations, Tyler works closely with Lauren Posey, Director of State Government Relations, to develop and execute strategies that promote relationships with key stakeholders and advance the university’s priorities in Richmond.
Since joining George Mason, a typical day for Tyler has included tracking and attending General Assembly committee meetings, reviewing and synthesizing policy reports, and meeting with state officials to advocate on the university’s behalf.
Tyler’s ties to George Mason go back to his parents. Like many George Mason students, his mother was a first-generation student. With the university’s commitment to supporting first-generation students, Tyler’s mother earned her bachelor’s degree while working nights at a local Giant pharmacy and being an active parent.
“Some of my earliest memories are sitting with her in class on the Fairfax Campus and attending her graduation at the Patriot Center [now EagleBank Arena],” he reminisced. “It’s a full circle moment to work here and represent George Mason in Richmond.”
A late night of channel surfing led to Tyler’s introduction to the inner workings of government and politics. One summer night, he landed on C-SPAN and watched a re-airing of the floor debate for the Affordable Care Act in the House of Representatives.
He realized, “Whether I was involved or not, people in government were making decisions that would profoundly impact my life. That moment ignited my passion for public service.”
When he’s not working the halls of the General Assembly, Tyler enjoys spending time with his family camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia.
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