Latest News

How this Supreme Court Pick Could Cement Trump's Real Economic Legacy

Steven Pearlstein, a George Mason University Robinson Professor of Public Affairs, writes that Democrats should be most concerned that a court including nominee Brett Kavanaugh could overturn "Chevron vs. Natural Resources Defense Council."

U.S. Faces 'Crisis of Governance' on Immigration

Schar School of Policy and Government professor Justin Gest says U.S. policymaking on the immigration issue has been paralyzed because of the polarization of our politics.

Was Trump's NATO Strategy Shrewd or Folly?

Was President Donald Trump a shrewd operator at the recent NATO summit, or was his bluster part of an attempt to undermine the post-World War II political and economic order?

Supreme Court's Travel Ban Decision Opens Door to Wider Implementation

The recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed President Trump’s travel ban might one day be used as a precedent to erect barriers against other countries, a George Mason University professor said.

Collecting Our Thoughts: Selected Insights from Recent Schar School Op-Eds (June 2018)

If President Trump were to pardon everyone involved in his campaign’s alleged collusion with Russia, including himself, the only remedy would be impeachment.

What’s the Link Between the United States' 'Zero Tolerance' Border Policy and its Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council?

The United States is moving away from concerns for the defense and promotion of fundamental human rights and is giving cover to authoritarian leaders to pursue an antidemocratic, antihuman rights agenda, a George Mason University professor said.

Cybercrime at the World Cup: A Very Real Threat to US Citizens

Schar School professor James Pfiffner says U.S. citizens traveling to Russia for the soccer tournament should not even trust well-established Wi-Fi systems in hotels.

From Nuclear Reactors to Biodefense: Meet Schar School PhD Candidate Greg Witt

Greg Witt is a fourth-generation engineer who, just three years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Penn State, worked his way up to being the lead reactor systems engineer on new nuclear plants for Westinghouse Electric Company in Pittsburgh.

Intelligence Experts Hayden and Jaffer Face Off at Hoover Institution

“Post-truth is pre-Fascism,” Michael V. Hayden told Jamil Jaffer, quoting from his new book, “The Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in an Age of Lies.”

Will North Korea Give Up its Nukes? Schar School Professor Colin Dueck Discusses

The North Korean government will not easily give up its nuclear weapons because doing so would remove their most potent security guarantee and negotiating leverage, a George Mason University professor said.

‘Truth on Trial’ at the Schar School

The concept of honesty in the media was examined earlier this month when the Schar School hosted a two-hour, multiple-panel afternoon of discussion called “Truth on Trial: Implications for Communicators, Ethics and the Collapse of Institutional Trust.”

Rozell: A Modest Proposal on Gun Violence. Let’s Get the Facts.

In a Roanoke Times op-ed, Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell writes that gun violence should be treated as a public health threat, one that deserves a rigorous, scientific, and national approach.

Conference Explores the Science of Political Networks

Some 185 attendees from around the academic world took part in June in the 11^th Annual Political Networks Conference and Workshops, presented this year at Founders Hall by the Schar School, the American Political Science Association’s Political Networks Section, and the National Science Foundation.

Amending the Constitution on Pardon Power

Schar School of Policy and Government professor Jeremy Mayer writes in an op-ed that an amendment which gives Congress the ability to overturn pardons in a 30-day window is worth discussing in the wake of President Trump's assertion he can pardon himself.

The Schar School and College of Education and Human Development Launch a New Master's-Level Track in Education Policy

Leading scholars and education policy practitioners from George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and the Schar School of Policy and Government will help students understand how education policy is debated, created and implemented in a new master's-level program emphasis area this fall.

How to Negotiate Your Salary

Discussing money is considered very taboo in our society, and you may be intimidated by the thought of negotiating for a salary after you receive a new job offer.

Ebola Vaccine: What Took So Long?

Christopher K. Brown, the 2018 Outstanding Biodefense Doctoral Student award winner, says in an op-ed in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, that the perceived roadblocks to creating and distributing an Ebola vaccine are endangering possibly hundreds of thousands.

A Split on Whether Trump Can Pardon Himself

Schar School professor James Pfiffner says it is doubtful Trump can pardon himself, citing two principals in the Federalist Papers.

Thinking About Retirement? Consider Working a Little Longer

Research by a team that included Schar School professor Sita Slavov, program director of the PhD in Public Policy, is examined in this story about retirement strategies.

5 Reasons Why an On-Campus University Program is Best for Veterans

As a Marine Corp veteran and alumnus of the Schar School of Policy and Government's Master's in Organization Development and Knowledge Management, I am passionate about helping fellow veterans transition from military to civilian careers.

Collecting Our Thoughts: Selected Insights from Recent Schar School Op-Eds (May 2018)

If there is one country that has been in the vanguard of both demographic decline and the political exploitation of the frustrations it engenders, it is neither Japan nor any of the countries just discussed.

As Population Growth Slows, Populism Surges

George Mason's Schar School of Policy and Government professor Philip Auerswald co-authors an op-ed that uses the differences between urban and rural areas to explain how populism rises when fertility rates decline.

Richard Kauzlarich: Trump Perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Playing to his Base

By relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, President Trump has thrown a monkey wrench into the Israeli-Palestinian dispute that will be very difficult to overcome, a George Mason University professor said.

Schar School Government and International Politics Major Josephine Neulen Lands a Book Deal

Josephine Neulen suspects her interest in studying the rise of populism in Western Europe stems from her ancestry: Her mother is French and her father is German.

Ebola Threatens to Infect Congo's Presidential Elections, Says Schar School Visiting Professor Lazare Sebitereko Rukundwa

Ebola has killed 19 people and infected 39 more in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last month. Despite this being the ninth time the deadly virus has struck the region since it was identified in 1976, the fear is rising again that another devastating outbreak could kill thousands.

Schar School Hosts Screening, Panel Discussion of Obama's 'The Final Year' Feature Documentary

An audience of about 120 got an advance peek at a new HBO documentary depicting the last months of the Obama administration's foreign policy team last Thursday at Founders Hall auditorium in Arlington.

Schar School Assistant Director Matt Green Honored as George Mason Employee of the Month

What he does: As assistant director of undergraduate student services for the Schar School of Policy and Government, Green helps students achieve success at Mason and set in motion their post-graduation plans.

Professor Richard Kauzlarich Discusses How It Looks for the U.S. to Back Out of the Iran Nuclear Deal

By pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, the United States, under the Trump administration, has shown it can be untrustworthy when it comes to upholding its treaty obligations, a George Mason University professor said.

Developments on the Korean Peninsula are Important for Iran

In a Q&A, Schar School of Policy and Government professor Richard Kauzlarich says he is worried China and Russia might see normalized relations between North and South Korea as a threat to their leverage on the peninsula and take steps to undermine the process.

A Scramble for Cash in Senate Races

4 Tips for Enhancing Your Resume

As a Schar School graduate student, you should have a solid resume that showcases your previous educational experience, professional work, and involvement.

Schar School Professor Travis Wins University Civic Involvement Award

Political science professor Toni-Michelle C. Travis is the recipient of the Jack Wood Award for Town and Gown Relations.

Schar School Provides Preview, Discussion of HBO's Obama Documentary 'The Final Year'

Members of the George Mason University community will get an advance look at a new documentary that examines the political and personal intrigue of the Obama administration's last year in office when the Center for Security Policy Studies hosts a screening of HBO's "The Final Year."

Gen. Michael Hayden Has One Regret: Russia

Collecting Our Thoughts: Selected Insights from Recent Schar School Op-Eds (April – May 2018)

From the New York Law Journal: Trump, trade and national security. "The last major trade war was launched by two Republican lawmakers, Smoot and Hawley, in the 1930s, spurring the Great Depression and World War II. It also ended the reign of Republican presidents with the election of President Roosevelt and his new era of reciprocal trade agreements."

Welcome Humphrey Fellow Lazare Sebitereko Rukundwa to the Schar School

The Schar School of Policy and Government is honored to host Lazare Sebitereko Rukundwa, a Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program recipient, who will be with the School until June 8, 2018.

Former Governor Makes His Debut as a Schar School of Policy and Government Professor

Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) made his debut as Distinguished Visiting Professor at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government Wednesday afternoon.

Schar School's Terry Clower Discusses the Good and Bad of Robbing Highways to Pay for Metro

Virginia will contribute its share to a dedicated funding source for Metro. But two-thirds of the $154 million commitment—more than $100 million—is coming at the expense of road construction and maintenance in Northern Virginia, and that is a problem, a George Mason University professor said.

How to Be Successful in a "Last Minute" Internship Search

Picture this: after a hectic start, the semester is winding down, and after trudging through midterms and preparing for finals, you realize you've neglected that big goal you set for yourself—securing an internship.

Schar School Undergraduate Students Showcase Research Projects at the Undergraduate Research Fair

With George Mason University's ranking as one of the top research institutions in the country, earning a coveted R1 designation in the "Highest Research Activity" category by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the Schar School is positioned to truly be a part of policy in action, working to produce research of consequence that solves key issues that impact the lives of citizens and nations.

The Schar School's Hayden Center Sits Down with Showtime's Homeland Creators and Cast to Talk Espionage in Pop Culture

The idea for the final program of the first year of the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy and International Security's "Truth Tellers in the Bunker" series was to do something a little more light-hearted than the previous, very serious programs that examined the timely theme.

At Mason Forum, Lech Walesa Calls for Citizens, Nations to Take Action

Lech Walesa would like two things to happen: Super power nations need to restore world order, and the world's youth needs to become leaders for change.

Tackling Northern Virginia's Opioid Epidemic

George Mason University on April 19 hosted a daylong symposium to examine ways to eradicate the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia, an event that gathered stakeholders from around the state and federal government, including Gov. Ralph Northam and U.S. representatives Barbara Comstock (VA-10) and Gerald Connolly (VA-11).

How Social Media Built the Case for Trump's Strike on Syria

Gregory Koblentz Named One of the Top Potential PhD Supervisors in Biodefense and Global Health Security Fields

Gregory Koblentz, director of the Schar School of Policy and Government's graduate programs in biodefense, is named by Tom Inglesby, Director of the Center for Health Security of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, as one of the top potential PhD supervisors in the biodefense and global health security fields.

How Governments Can Combat Ransomware Computer Hacks

The recent attack on Atlanta's computer system disrupted service in at least five of the city's 13 departments. Civil workers were reduced to the pre-computer era of longhand.

Trump's Instincts Are Right: We've Got to Get Out of Syria. Will He Stick to His Gut?

Trevor Thrall op-eds that America's track record of foreign intervention since 9/11 makes it clear that leaving Syria is easy to wish but hard to do.

A Soft Nuclear Weapon Aimed at Government

Frank Shafroth of George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government op-eds about how municipalities are unprepared to respond to Ransomware attacks, and protective steps that can be taken in this new era of digital extortion.

Schar School Professor Louise Shelley Details the National Opioid Crisis for Congress

During her testimony before the U.S. Helsinki Commission in late March, Schar School of Policy and Government professor Louise Shelley told members of Congress how the opioid epidemic in Europe differs from that in the United States.

Is the Post Office Making or Losing Money Delivering Amazon Packages?

Schar School's No. 3 Grad School Ranking Built on a Broad Foundation

For Mark Rozell, dean of George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, the distinctive characteristic of the school's master's programs in security studies is their academic breadth combined with practical applications.

How Not to Choose MSU's Next President

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe Joins Mason's Schar School as a Distinguished Visiting Professor

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is pleased to announce the appointment of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe as Distinguished Visiting Professor.

Is Virginia Missing Out on Federal Grant Money?

Opinion: It's Time to Make Peace in Syria

Mason Professors Explain What a Russian Cyber Attack Might Look Like and How to Mitigate It

A new alert from the Department of Homeland Security details actions by the Russian government targeting government installations inside the United States.

How America Fell Behind the World on Immigration

US News & World Report Ranks the Schar School #3 for the Best Graduate Program Concentrations in Homeland/National Security and Emergency Management

In the 2018 annual rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the Schar School of Policy and Government earned the coveted #3 spot for best graduate program concentrations in Homeland/National Security and Emergency Management.

Trump Cabinet Turnover Sets Record Going Back 100 Years

A Schar School Force at the 79th Annual American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Conference

The Schar School of Policy and Government was front and center at this year's annual American Society for Public Administration meeting, held in Denver, Colorado, March 9-13.

Policy Professors Consider Consequences of Rex Tillerson's Ouster

When it comes right down to it, President Donald Trump had no choice but to push Rex Tillerson out as Secretary of State, a George Mason University professor said.

To Defend Against Hostile Nations, America Needs Fierce Cyber Power

In an op-ed, Michael Hayden writes that until the United States authorizes robust and sometimes destructive responses to cyber attacks, its cyber power will remain "in the barn."

Leading the Way for Schools, Businesses to Shape Students' Career Paths

For Arne Duncan, the key to successfully educating and preparing students for career paths is relevance.

The Dread and the Awe: Crispr's Inventor Assesses Her Creation

Schar School professor Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley and biodefense doctoral student Saskia Popescu review two new books on the emerging science of gene editing.

Dean Rozell Analyzes Barbara Comstock's Reelection Bid

Fat Leonard's Crimes on the High Seas

Wesley Clark, Michael Hayden Discuss the U.S.-Russia 'Cold War 2.0'

Monday evening about 300 students, staff members and faculty attended a 90-minute policy talk about foreign relations at George Mason University's Founders Hall auditorium in Arlington, Va.

Marylanders Want Redistricting Reform; Will They Get It?

Beyond College: Preparing Young Students for the Working World

Tillerson Urges Mason Students to Travel the World

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made a special stop at George Mason University on Tuesday ahead of his official five-country visit to Africa, addressing students, faculty, and staff at the Harris Theatre on the Fairfax Campus.

Trump and the Parameters of Executive Privilege

In an extensive interview, Schar School of Policy and Government Dean Mark J. Rozell explains that executive privilege is a "murky concept" because of a lack of guidance in the Constitution and legislatively as to its exact parameters.

Top 5 Tips to Ace Any Interview

Interviews are generally high stress situations for most people, but, unfortunately, interviewing is a mandatory part of the job search process that eventually gets the candidate the job.

'Maybe the Russians Are Still Messing with Our Heads'

Michael Hayden, former CIA director and head of the Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security at the Schar School, sounds off on the Russia investigation and President Trump's potential complicity.

Gen Michael Hayden Discusses Iran with Former US Senior Intelligence Official at Policy Corner Event

On 29 January, the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security hosted a conversation between General (ret) Hayden and the former National Intelligence Manager for Iran (NIM-I), Norman Roule.

Gen. Wesley Clark, Michael Hayden Deliberate a New Cold War with Russia

How much did Russia interfere with the 2016 presidential campaign? What does it mean that Russia has its largest foothold in the Middle East in decades in Syria? Are we entering another Cold War with Russia?

Border Patrol's Checkpoints Overlooked in Debate Over Wall

The Schar School's Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera believes that if a wall is built, immigrants would just find other ways to enter the U.S.

Mason's Schar School Programs Ranked Among World's Best for International Relations Careers

Foreign Policy Magazine this week named two of George Mason University's graduate degree programs among the Top 50 in the world for careers in international relations.

Congress's Dysfunction May Already Be Battering the DC Area's Economy

The Stephen S. Fuller Institute's monthly Washington Coincident Index, a broad measurement of the area's current economic health, dipped 1 percent in December.

The Schar School's Dr. Ahsan Butt Showcases Recent Book at the Stimson Center

The Schar School's Dr. Ahsan Butt was hosted at the Stimson Center, where he also serves as a Nonresident Fellow, to discuss his recently published book, Secession and Security: Explaining State Strategy Against Separatists.

Governor's Fellowships Application Deadline: March 18

The deadline for submitting an application for the Virginia Governor's Fellows Program is Sunday, March 18. The fellowship is open to rising college seniors, graduating seniors or those enrolled as degree candidates in a graduate or professional school.

Organization Development Master's Student Finds Her Passion

Jacquelyn Ingros speaks frequently at education events around the Washington, D.C., region, explaining why pursuing a postgraduate degree can be vital to personal and career development, despite the challenges that come along with it.

Biodefense PhD Student is Awarded the Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Fellowship

The Biodefense Graduate Program in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is proud to announce that PhD student Yong-Bee Lim has been selected for the prestigious Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Fellowship (ELBI) program within the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Robots-vs-Robots are Complicating Trading on the Stock Market

Schar School of Policy and Government professor Steven Pearlstein writes that with a bit of intelligent regulation, we could have a financial system that is simpler, less risky, less expensive, and less susceptible to manipulation.

Schar School Professors Give a Parade of Reasons to Reconsider a Full-Scale Military Procession

President Donald Trump desires a large-scale military parade though the streets of Washington, D.C., and top brass at the Pentagon are scrambling to come up with options as to when, where and what to include.

Not Applauding the President is Not Treason, a Mason Professor Explains

President Donald Trump's characterization that those who did not stand or applaud his remarks during the State of the Union address were performing a treasonous act reminds George Mason University professor James Pfiffner of another national leader, Louis XIV of France.

Schar School Professor Explains why the Fight Between the Turks and Kurds is Dangerous for the United States

Turkey's advance into a Kurdish enclave in northern Syria is not just another dustup in the war-torn Middle East. If it continues or escalates, it could have a major impact on U.S. relations with a valued NATO ally, and perhaps disrupt the ongoing fight against ISIS, a George Mason University professor said.

Snow Day in Fairfax County? Mason Public Administration Alumnus Makes the Call

Some days Jeffrey Platenberg is a hero to hundreds of thousands of children. Those are the days he makes the call to delay the start or close Fairfax County's schools for inclement weather.

Biodefense PhD Graduate Presents Dissertation to the Transportation Research Board

Dr. Nereyda Sevilla ('17), a biodefense PhD program graduate from the Schar School of Policy and Government, presented the results of her dissertation at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 97th Annual Meeting held January 7–11, 2018, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Mason Nation Takes its Message to Richmond's Elected Leaders

This year's Mason Lobbies Day takes place Wednesday, Jan. 31, when a bus of green-and-gold clad Patriots travels from the Fairfax Campus to the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond for a day-long visit.

What it Means to Censure a President

President Donald Trump's vulgar characterization of Haiti and African nations has prompted the Congressional Black Caucus to announce it plans to introduce a measure to censure him.

What happens if the federal government closes for business?

If the federal government shuts down, the economic impact on the Washington, D.C., regional economy will depend largely on the length of time workers are away from their jobs, a George Mason University professor said.

Fuller delivers an update to the region's economic future

In the face of decreasing federal spending and the damage inflicted by the 2013 budget sequestration, the 2030 Group of business leaders in the Washington, D.C., region called on Schar School of Policy and Government economist Stephen S. Fuller to lead a research team to study ways to spur economic growth.

Leohana Carrera Gained Real-World Experience as a Rangel Summer Fellow

Every year, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program brings the best undergraduate students to the nation's capital for a six-week program that provides experiential opportunities towards a career in international affairs.

Is it Time to Bring Back Earmarks?

It might be time to bring back earmarks. Did earmarks, as part of doing business in the United States government, add pork barrel projects to the budget process? Sure. Were they abused and traded for bribes and political favors? Of course.

Figuring out What is or Isn't a Valid Ballot in Virginia

Deciding the outcome of a tied Virginia House of Delegates race by pulling a name out of a stoneware bowl should force the state General Assembly to better codify what constitutes a valid ballot, a George Mason University professor said.

Washington Post-Schar School Poll Accurately Predicts Outcome of Jones-Moore Race

The Washington Post-Schar School poll, in its second survey beyond Virginia politics, proved remarkably accurate in gauging voter sentiment in Alabama's senatorial race.

Schar School Grad Puts her Stamp on Postal Investigations Job with a Biodefense Innovation

When the U.S. Postal Inspection Service assigned forensic chemist Stephanie Smith to a temporary assignment to support the Security and Crime Prevention Group, one of her first duties was to write the job description of a new permanent scientific advisor position.

Scholars Believe Moving U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem Could Cost Lives

The United States' recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's rightful capital, and plans to relocate the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv, could prompt a violent reaction from the Arab and Muslim worlds, a George Mason University professor said, and decrease U.S. influence in the Middle East.

Schar School, Washington Post polls now reach beyond Virginia to include national issues

A little more than a year into a Virginia-oriented political polling partnership, George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government and the Washington Post have expanded the scope of polling to include surveys on topics with national interest.

Changes in Tax Plan, ACA Could Have 'Devastating Effect' on Rural Poor Mortality Rate

Higher taxes and more expensive health care could have "a devastating effect on the rural poor and those on Indian reservations," said Tonya Neaves, director of the Centers on the Public Service at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government.

Global Entrepreneurship Rankings Measure Nations' Investments in Themselves

How countries invest in their own economic futures is key to raising the standard of living, developing innovation and avoiding internal and external conflicts, said George Mason University professor Zoltan Acs.

Mason, Stanford Researchers Join Forces to Study the Science, Benefits, and Dangers of Genome Editing

Researchers at George Mason University and Stanford University have teamed up to assess the risks, benefits and governance of the emerging field of genome editing.

Zimbabwe Coup a Response to Corruption, 'Disintegration of Society and Economy'

Is the coup in Zimbabwe good or bad news for the country and its people?

Virginia gubernatorial campaign managers offer frank insights in post-election forum

Some 250 people turned out Monday night for a post-election post-mortem from the campaign managers for Virginia's gubernatorial candidates at George Mason University's Arlington Campus.

Through Scholarships, Paying it Forward to Fellow Veterans

Two hundred forty-six dollars a month seemed like a lot of money to Chris Jones in 1974. That was the amount of the veterans' stipend he received when he enrolled in college after finishing a six-year stint in the U.S. Army. But just as important as the amount was the fact that the college, San Jose State, gave him a three-month advance on the stipend to cover his living expenses while he started classes.

Schar School Senior Joe Russell a Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

Joe Russell said he is trying — really trying — to not think too much about the interview that could change his life.

Anne Holton Adds to her Family's Mason Legacy

The first time Anne Holton was on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus after being hired as a visiting professor, the former Virginia Secretary of Education made sure to walk to the plaza dedicated to her father.

4 Reasons You Should Be Paying Attention to Borders

This concept appears simple enough in theory, yet it is often riddled with complexities, nuances, and conflict in practice. On maps, borders appear as mere lines across a page. There are treaties negotiating their placement. In some countries, borders are delineated by walls and demilitarized zones; in others, they pass through cafes and towns.

Hayden Center Inaugural Event Addresses the Global Attack on Facts and Truth

More than 300 audience members turned out Monday night at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., for the first event of the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. The 90-minute panel discussion, "Truth Tellers in the Bunker: Evidence-Based Institutions in a Post-Truth World," focused on how those committed to delivering fact-based information are under attack around the world, and intentionally so.

Follow the Money: Recommendations for Fighting the Business of Opioids

As the White House declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government releases its recommendations for combating the illicit businesses behind the epidemic.

Schar School Professor Nominated for US Postal Service Board of Governors

On October 26, 2017, the White House announced the nomination of David C. Williams, a distinguished visiting professor within the Schar School of Policy and Government, for the Board of Governors of the US Postal Service.

Stephen Fuller Makes Washington Business Journal's '2017 Power 100'

The Washington Business Journal's annual ranking of influential local business leaders list, the Power 100, includes Stephen Fuller, director of the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at the Schar School of Policy and Government.

'Clout: Womanpower and Politics' at the Schar School

The second annual Tolchin Symposium at Mason's Schar School in Arlington on Oct. 17 featured a panel of women in powerful positions discussing why more women are not in positions of power.

Hayden Center for Intelligence Aims to Illuminate Espionage

Retired four-star Air Force General Michael V. Hayden has been director of the National Security Agency, the principal deputy director of National Intelligence and director of the CIA.

The Real Reason Your Health Care Costs an Arm and a Leg: Cost Pushers

As another health care reform proposal wends its bumpy way through Congress, George Mason University professor Jeremy Mayer has identified what he believes is the real reason health care in America is the most expensive in the world: cost pushers.

With a Hot Restaurant and a New TV Show, Rose Previte Finds her Public Policy Master's Degree Still Pays Off

Rose Previte arrived in Washington, D.C., ready to change the world through politics, or open a restaurant, whichever came first.

The U.S. is Not Ready to Handle Nuclear Radiation Sickness from a Bomb, but Here's How

No U.S. city is prepared for the casualties, chaos and destruction that would follow a nuclear detonation, write Schar School professor Gregory Koblentz and Mary Sproull, a doctoral candidate at George Mason's Schar School of Policy and Government and a biologist with the Radiation Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.

Top 5 Challenges in Emergency Preparedness: An Island Perspective

Emergency preparedness is a constantly changing field, dedicated to being, literally, ready for anything. Whether it is an act of terrorism or a natural disaster such as a hurricane, having the necessary people and resources in place is key to effectively keeping a population safe.

The Fuller Institute Presents Inaugural Economic Forum

Noted George Mason University economist Stephen Fuller updated his 2015 regional economic roadmap for an invited group of 250 business and policy leaders at an inaugural conference hosted by the Schar School's Stephen S. Fuller Institute for Research on the Washington Region's Economic Future on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The Making of a Student Body President: Meet David Kanos

Say this for David Kanos: He thinks big.

The George Mason University senior hopes one day to be an ambassador from his native Nigeria to the United States, United Nations or China. Perhaps he could hold public office in Nigeria, he said. Perhaps he could even be his country's president.

Rozell: Candidates Set Example in 'Civil and Substantive' Gubernatorial Debate

Viewers across Virginia tuning in to Tuesday night's televised debate between gubernatorial candidates Ralph Northam (D) and Ed Gillespie (R) heard a "civil and substantive" discussion of issues important to the commonwealth, said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Face-Off in Debate Hosted by the Schar School

George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce joined to present the second of three televised gubernatorial debates between Ed Gillespie (R) and incumbent Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at Capital One Bank in McLean, VA.

Mason helped Nothing But Nets director find her focus on global health advocacy

Ten years ago, a child in sub-Saharan Africa died from malaria every 30 seconds, but largely due to the introduction of insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets, that number has decreased to one child every two minutes. The United Nation Foundation's Nothing But Nets campaign has been a critical driver of that change, and George Mason University alumna Margaret Reilly McDonnell is the program's director.

Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Square Off at Debate Presented by Mason's Schar School

George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce are presenting the second of three televised gubernatorial debates between Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Capital One Bank in McLean.

MPA Cohort Creates Social Media 'Toolkit' for Virginia's Elected Officials

State and local government leaders in Virginia now have a guidebook on how to use social media to reach their constituents, thanks to a capstone project undertaken by master's students at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government.

Hot Topics in Biodefense – What You Need to Know

Biodefense is a fascinating field that marries public health, political science, policy, and science. While we used to think of biodefense as a response to bioterrorism, recent years have expanded its role to account for all infectious disease threats, regardless of origin.

Mason receives multi-million dollar Center of Excellence Award from the Department of Homeland Security

George Mason University has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security to lead its Center of Excellence in Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis.

The Washington Region's Declining Economic Brand

The Stephen S. Fuller Institute for Research on the Washington Region's Economic Future at the Schar School of Policy and Government recently released a report examining the region's declining competitive position relative to its peers since 2010.

U.S. Ambassadors Urge Congress to Fund Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

One hundred and sixty-three former U.S. ambassadors, including Professor Richard Kauzlarich of the Schar School of Policy and Government, sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging them to support full funding in fiscal year 2018 for the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The cost of abandoning the Paris climate agreement

By abandoning the Paris agreement on climate change, the United States risks missing out on up to $23 trillion in climate-smart investment opportunities worldwide, a George Mason University professor said.

Andrew Light honored for environmental work with inaugural award

Climate change is one of the most crucial issues of our time, and one of the most complex. University Professor Andrew Light has captured international attention for his work in helping to create global solutions to this problem.

Study looks at long-term trauma as a cause of civil war

The idea for his doctoral dissertation came to Erik Goepner in 2010 when he was an Air Force officer working in a remote village in Afghanistan.

In Memoriam: Paul Posner

Paul L. Posner, 70, Professor and Director of the Masters of Public Administration program at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. He is survived by his wife Arlene, daughter Jenny, and two grandsons, who have appreciated cards, good wishes, and visits from colleagues and friends during the past few weeks.

Schar study reveals ways Arlington can address traffic concerns

A new study by students in George Mason University's Transportation, Policy, Operations and Logistics master's program identifies gaps in Arlington County's passenger and freight delivery systems and makes recommendations designed to improve the growing Northern Virginia county's transportation systems.

George Johnson, 4th president of Mason

George W. Johnson, George Mason University's fourth and longest-serving president, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.

Mason experts explain the perils of leaving the Paris climate agreement

It is not yet clear if President Donald Trump will pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, though The Washington Post reported at least one White House official said he is leaning toward withdrawal.

Schar School Advances the Political Discourse with the Lieutenant Governor Forum

Keeping in tradition with D.C. area residents' high level of interest in political discourse, on May 23, 2017, the Schar School of Policy and Government presented a cosponsored forum with all Virginia Lieutenant Governor candidates at George Mason University's main campus in Fairfax, Virginia. The event was moderated by the Dean of Schar School Mark J. Rozell.

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton joins Mason faculty

Fairfax, Va. (May 25, 2017) - George Mason University is announcing that former Virginia Secretary of Education and former first lady Anne Holton will join the faculty as a visiting professor.

How serious is the North Korean weapons threat?

The missile North Korea fired into the Sea of Japan on Sunday caused the United Nations Security Council to hold a closed-door meeting to discuss the ramifications. While the missiles Pyongyang is testing do not carry munitions, they do represent a danger, said George Mason University's Ming Wan, a professor of East Asia security and Sino-Japanese relations at George Mason's Schar School of Policy and Government.

Mason experts available to comment on Trump turmoil

There is no indication the turmoil surrounding Donald Trump's presidency will die down any time soon. Between the probe into Russian influence in the presidential election and whether Trump was involved in obstruction of justice with the firing of James Comey, journalists must get behind the scenes and at times explain complicated legal and political issues.

Measuring current White House turmoil against Watergate

The troubles surrounding President Donald Trump are leading to some heated rhetoric, including Sen. John McCain saying the Russia probe is becoming "Watergate size," and Rep. Al Green calling for Trump's impeachment on the House floor.

Schar School hosts Virginia lieutenant governor candidates

Northern Virginia residents will have a chance to hear from the candidates for Virginia's next lieutenant governor during a forum presented by the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. It's the only such opportunity in advance of the June 13 primary election.

Mason PhD student's research could change disease response, especially when air travel is involved

Nereyda Sevilla believes she has a way to change how authorities and the public respond to disease outbreaks perceived to be transmitted by air travel. If she's right, it could potentially save billions of dollars in misdirected federal and state money and give millions of air passengers more precise information about infections.

In memory of James Martin Scott

Last month we lost the Honorable James Scott (1938-2017), also known as "Landslide Jim." Mr. Scott served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years and in the Virginia House of Delegates for 22 years. More importantly for us and for Mason, he received his MPA in 1982 and helped establish the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Researching the Effects of Affirmative Action

Tameka Porter, a recent George Mason University PhD graduate, studies the effects of affirmative action at elite universities. It's a timely area of research as the public debate over preferential admissions policies continues.

Mason climbs in Best Value College rankings

George Mason University has been named a "Best Value College" by Forbes, which prominently noted the university's position in the highest tier of research universities as assessed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Student Research at Schar

Schar School students at all levels – undergraduate, master's, and doctoral – tackle the challenging problems of our time both in the classroom and beyond.

Here's what the area missed—temporarily—thanks to the federal funding agreement

The brinkmanship in the federal government is over, at least until September, as Congressional negotiators reached an agreement to fund the government through that month.

Truman Scholarship helps clear a path for Mason junior

Joe Russell might just run for public office one day. For sure he will be an advocate for civil and voting rights.

Justin Gest on Minority Political Behavior

Dr. Justin Gest, assistant professor and expert in minority political behavior, embodies the Schar School's commitment to the pursuit of academic research directly relevant to the world's policymakers. Two of his most recent publications illustrate well how our faculty have a foot in the realms of theory and practice.

Syria's Chemical Weapons Kill Chain [Op-Ed: Foreign Policy]

There's a long list of Syrian officials with blood on their hands -- but the culpability goes all the way to the top.

Pandemics, Personnel, and Politics: How the Trump Administration is Leaving Us Vulnerable to the Next Outbreak [Op-Ed: Global Biodefense]

Within months of President Barack Obama taking the oath of office in January 2009, he was confronted by a novel strain of H1N1 influenza spreading throughout North America and then the world. At the same time that the United States was mobilizing to respond to the first flu pandemic of the 21st century, the Obama administration was attempting to fill senior positions within key Federal agencies with qualified, knowledgeable individuals. Although the United States is not currently facing a pandemic, this situation could change quickly and dramatically. China is currently experiencing its fifth and largest outbreak of Asian lineage avian influenza A (H7N9) virus ("Asian H7N9"). According to the Influenza Risk Assessment Tool (IRAT), Asian H7N9 is the influenza strain with the greatest potential to cause a global pandemic.

Sarin and sentimentality: Trump and Assad's emotional chemistry [Op-Ed: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists]

Last fall, over a single week in the battle for Aleppo, 96 Syrian children were killed. Across Syria in 2015 and 2016, at least 1,200 children were killed (but possibly many more). Why then, after 27 children died in Tuesday's alleged chemical attack in the Syrian province of Idlib, did an emotionally charged President Trump, highlighting that "beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack," abruptly reverse his noninterventionist stance on Syria, thrusting the United States into a risky conflict against the Russian-backed government of Bashar al-Assad?

Digital Disinformation in Central Asia

The United States Government invests billions of dollars to advance economic development and civil society in post-Soviet Central Asia. Despite this commitment, public perception of the U.S. in these countries is in decline.

A Study of Presidential Power

Presidential candidates promise to change policies "with the stroke of a pen" as soon as they get in office. Schar School scholars explore how often that actually happens.

Can Bill Gates rescue the Bioweapons Convention? [Op-Ed: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists]

Global efforts to combat bioterrorism and strengthen international health security face a major crisis: The 1972 Biological Weapons Convention is in dire financial straits.

Religion & International Affairs in a Changing Policy Environment

The first weeks of Donald Trump's presidency saw the new U.S. administration initiating changes likely to reshape the policy environment—perhaps quite drastically—around many issues at the intersection of religion and international affairs. From the introduction of various forms of religious discrimination with respect to immigrants and refugees, to an intensified implementation of the Global Gag Rule in the realm of international reproductive health, to talk of repealing the Johnson Amendment, it is clear that the presence and of role of religion in public life is shifting in significant ways.

Dr. Francis (Frank) Fukuyama Returns to the Schar School

It was "old home evening" at the Schar School on March 30 when Francis (Frank) Fukuyama returned to the site of his early career successes (1996-2000) to provide the annual Harold Gortner Lecture in political science. As such, many friends and former colleagues joined in welcoming Dr. Fukuyama back to where he started his academic career.

Can the Democratic Party Be White Working Class, Too? [Op-Ed: The American Prospect]

While Hillary Clinton was losing Montana by more than 23 points, Steve Bullock was elected governor running as a progressive Democrat. What can the rest of us learn from Montana?

From El Salvador to the White House, via Mason

The note appeared on Wilberg Rivera's phone while he was eating at Ike's on the Fairfax Campus. It was the White House, informing the George Mason University freshman that he'd been accepted into a paid internship position and that he needed to schedule a background check.

President Solís of Costa Rica Speaks at the Schar School

The Honorable Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, the 47^th President of the Republic of Costa Rica, was on the Arlington Campus recently for two events sponsored by the Schar School.

Tip sheet: The realities and complexities of Brexit

The United Kingdom will officially leave the European Union on March 29, 2019.

The split (commonly known as Brexit) from the 27 other countries is not likely to be without acrimony, said Kevin Matthews, a professor of European history at George Mason University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. In fact, he said, there isn't even an agreement on how negotiations should proceed once they get underway.

Iraqi citizens are off the travel ban, but questions remain as to the ban's overall effectiveness

The Trump administration's new executive order that redefined an immigration and travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries is designed to avoid the chaos of the first travel ban in late January. Among the new provisions: Iraqi citizens have been dropped from the embargo.

Organs for Transplant: Expanding Sources and Ethical Considerations

On March 9, the Schar School of Policy and Government hosted a research workshop exploring organ transplant policy. Convening scholars from both within and outside Mason, participants explored new avenues for research into the ethics, security, and disparity issues surrounding organ transplants. Topics ranged from organ trafficking and the implications of donor compensation to methodological modeling and trafficking prevention.

Mason Represented at Biothreats Conference

On Feb. 6, four George Mason Biodefense students attended the American Society for Microbiology's (ASM) Biothreats Research, Response, and Policy Meeting in Washington, D.C. The conference brings the country's most notable scholars in biological threats to understand the risks posed by infectious diseases and what we can do to fight against them.

Symposium on 21st Century Threats

The Symposim on 21st Century Threats and Integrated Emergency Operatinos was held December 12, 2016 at George Mason University's Founders Hall, which brought together more than 300 public safety professionals from across Commonwealth of Virginia and the National Capital Region. The goal of the Symposium was to provide a venue for public safety professionals to discuss best practices and lessons learned for the first responder community. Learn more.

Schar School Alum Elected to New Hampshire Legislature

Mark King received a Master's degree from Geroge Mason University's Organizational Development and Knowledge Management (ODKM) program in 2015, but he's not only a proud Mason alumnus. He's also a newly elected member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Read his story.

Previous real-world experience informs Terry Clower's economic forecasts

It was the collapse of the job market in the early 1980s that put Terry Clower—who spends his days studying the vagaries of employment and other economic dynamics—on the path to the position he holds now as director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University.

Biodefense PhD writes 'groundbreaking' thesis on cyber warfare

It took six years—eight, if you count the two to get the master's degree—for Craig Wiener to receive his PhD in biodefense from George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. Along the way he commuted thousands of miles from home to class, worked full time for the U.S. government, served as teaching assistant to one of the country's foremost national security experts and got married to a George Mason alumna. Read the full story.

Energizing Change: Schar School Senior Fellow Helps Student Take Energy Research to the Next Level

Professors hope that their students will use the concepts taught in class to contribute to ongoing conversations about the most pressing issues of our time. Dr. Jennifer Sklarew tells her students: "Study the energy portfolio in any city or any country," she says, "and look at what types of challenges would cause difficulties for transitions in energy use." Learn more.

New Global Politics Fellows Coordinator Shares Ideas for Program's Future

Mary Denlinger recently joined George Mason University as the new coordinator of the Global Politics Fellows program, which gives  Mason undergraduate students the opportunity to take classes at the Arlington Campus, home of the Schar School of Policy and Government, and gain professional internship experience. She shared some ideas that she is exploring and considering for the program's future. Learn more.

Turning Points, Polls and Explanations: Schar School Takes a Look at Virginia's Role in the 2016 Election

After Virginia Votes, a forum hosted by George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government and the Virginia Public Access Project, looked at some of the key highlights of the 2016 Presidential Race, how Virginia played a role in the results, how the Republican and Democratic campaign offices in Virginia were affected, and what the potential way forward will be. Learn more.

Schar School offers Military Family Opportunity to Focus on Service-Oriented Careers

Marjorie Thomas' husband, Henry, was wounded in Afghanistan in 2011. He was awarded a Purple Heart and subsequently received a medical retirement. She is now pursuing her MPA degree at George Mason University with support from the Schar School's ERPi Patriot Scholarship for veterans and dependents of veterans. Read her story.

Schar School, Washington Post Announce Partnership on Virginia Politics Polls

George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government and the Washington Posthave joined forces to conduct a series of political polls in Virginia over the next year, forging a strategic partnership that will illuminate voter sentiment on a broad range of political and public policy issues. The Washington Post–Schar School polls will focus on elections, views of political leaders and key policies that are important to citizens of Virginia. Learn more.

Two Governors Help Dedicate Mason's Schar School

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Ohio Gov. John Kasich helped the George Mason University community dedicate the newly named Schar School of Policy and Government on Monday, recognizing long-time Mason supporter Dwight C. Schar for his generous gift to the school. Learn more.

Making Her Voice Heard

From a very young age, Parisa Pirooz understood the power of speaking up. "I grew up with relatives who, in their home country, either held executive seats in government or were detained for arguing against unjust government policies," she said. "Both extremes taught me that if a desire for political change exists, then one must act as a political force that elevates the ability to be heard." Read her story.

Call to Political Activism was Music to Her Ears

Lauren Scheiderer's interest in politics sparked at age 10 when she developed what she described as a fascination with the Beatles. Reading up on the band led her to also investigate the rebellious 1960s. "I liked the spirit of activism and how much change was going on and how tumultuous everything was," said Scheiderer, an incoming George Mason University freshman. "It was exciting and something I wanted to be involved in." Read her story.

Beyond WMDs: Schar School professor tells UN Security Council about dangers of emerging technologies

George Mason University professor Gregory Koblentz this week warned the United Nations Security Council of the rise of several new technologies that may make it easier for terrorists such as ISIS to acquire and deliver weapons of mass destruction that could devastate large populations around the world. Learn more.

Professor Stephen Ruth Celebrates 25 Years of Connecting the Rural and the Poor

The village of Nangi in western Nepal is as remote as it is beautiful. It takes up to nine hours to reach the next large town from Nangi's location 7,300 feet up in the Himalayas. The farmers who make up the bulk of the population of 800 use yak to plow their fields, and traditions there are centuries old. In 2006, village leaders suspected that health care, education and farming methods could be improved by using the internet. Nangi leaders, led by Mahibar Pun, a villager who studied in the United States, received funding from the International Center for Applied Studies in Information Technology (ICASIT), led by Professor Stephen Ruth, at George Mason University to facilitate their efforts. Learn more.

Meet Judith Wilde: COO of the Schar School

Judith Wilde, the new chief operating officer of the Schar School of Policy and Government, is one of the leading authorities in the structure of employment agreements for university presidents and K-16 English Learners. Her work is an example of policy research in action. Learn more.

PhD Student Wins Essay Contest

Public Policy PhD student Hong Zhang, who won first place in the Bretton Woods Committee student essay contest. The winning essay was titled, "Maintaining Relevance for the IMF in Asia: A Forward-looking Approach toward Regional Partners." You can read it here.

Finding Beauty in Details

As the Senior Director for Corporate Public Policy for the Deutsche Post DHL (DPDHL) group in the South Asia region, Pritam Banerjee wears many hats, including managing government and regulatory relationships, working with stakeholders in the logistics industry, and assisting customers in finding solutions for their regulatory challenges. "For me, nothing connects the world more intensely than the rather drab and routine everyday transactions that take place between peoples across borders," he says.  Read his full story.

Students Give Green Light to Transportation Information Start-Up

Students in Jonathan Gifford's Practicum in the Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics graduate course this spring were given this assignment: Research existing and possible transportation information technologies in seven cities and one state and apply critical thinking to make recommendations to the client, in this case Washington, D.C. start-up TransitScreen. Learn more.

Janice R. Lachance Speaks at the Schar School

Janice R. Lachance served as this year's Schar School of Policy and Government Harold Gortner Distinguished Speaker.  Hon. Lachance, who is a former Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Learn more.

Susan Tolchin, Beloved Professor and Scholar, Passes Away

We mourn the passing of Susan Tolchin, University Professor Emeritus, who passed away on May 18 at the age of 75. She retired from Mason in 2014 after 16 years as the most senior woman faculty member in the School of Public Policy. Learn more.

Service Dog Awarded Honorary Diploma

He's two-feet tall, has a wet nose, and loves a good belly rub. Railey Quiltstrom Dog-Jolliff, a hard-working service dog, "graduated" from George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government on Friday and received an honorary diploma. Learn more.

Mapping the future of the Schar School of Policy and Government

Mark J. Rozell was appointed dean of the Schar School in March with a mission to raise the school's profile to attract the best students and compete with longer-established policy and government schools around the country and in the National Capital Region. The $10 million gift from Dwight Schar is likely to go "much farther than many more substantial-sized gifts would in other contexts," said Rozell. Learn more.

Philanthropist Dwight Schar is a Builder in Every Sense

Ever the entrepreneur, Dwight Schar supplemented his post-college teaching career by selling homes on weekends. Eventually the urge not only to sell homes but to build them eclipsed his drive to teach, leading to a position with builder Ryan Homes. From 1969 to 1973, Schar helped turn the developer into one of the largest builders in his Midwest territory. Now, his gift will build the Schar School of Policy and Government into one of the most transformational schools of its kind. Learn more.

School Receives $10 Million Gift from Dwight Schar

Businessman and philanthropist Dwight C. Schar has pledged $10 million to the university's School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs. Schar is known in the greater Washington metropolitan area for founding and leading NVR, Inc., the region's largest residential homebuilder. The school will be renamed the Schar School of Policy and Government. Learn more.

Hayden Discusses his Memoir "Playing to the Edge"

General Michael V. Hayden discussed his bestselling memoir, "Playing to the Edge: American Intelligence in the Age of Terror" with a packed audience in Founders Hall. General Hayden, former CIA and NSA director, and current Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School, participated in a panel discussion with Dean Mark Rozell, Professor Jeremy Mayer, and Georgetown Law Professor Laura Donohue. The General signed copies of his book afterwards. View photos and watch the video recording.

PhD Graduate Wins United Nations Transnational Crime Fellowship

Schar School PhD graduate Nazia Hussain has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship by the United Nations University-Centre for Policy Research in Tokyo. Hussain will conduct research on organized crime and violent extremism for the UN's conflict management efforts. Learn more.

Helping People Around the World through International Development

Alumna Alexis Katzelnick-Wise started her M.A. in Political Science, with a concentration in International Relations, in 2008 and took advantage of the Schar School's global course offerings. She immersed herself in international development classes, even going abroad to Switzerland and South Africa to further cultivate her global focus. She now helps people all over the world at the private international development company, Chemonics International. Read her story.

Two Biodefense Students Earn Prestigious Fellowship

Two students from George Mason University's Biodefense program have been named Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) for 2016 by the UPMC Center for Health Security, the leading think tank in the United States in the fields of biodefense and global health security. Francisco Cruz, a 2015 graduate of the master's program in Biodefense, and Siddha Hover, a current PhD student in Biodefense, have earned this highly competitive fellowship. Learn more.

Making Her Voice Heard

From a very young age, she understood the power of speaking up. "I grew up with relatives who, in their home country, either executive seats in government or were detained for arguging against unjust government policies," she said. 

Grad Informs Biosecurity/Biodefense Policy

Lindsey Childers is riding high with her career. "I absolutely love what I do right now," she said. "I feel like I am making a difference in the world."

The Schar School Hosts First Annual Undergraduate Research Fair

Schar School undergraduate students showed off their impressive work from the year. Eight students enrolled in our honors seminar  presentes their research papers in 30 minute presentations.  Forty students who participated in the Undergraduate Research Assistants Program (URAP) presented research posters on the projects they've been working on with their mentors this term. View photos.

New Zealand Ambassador Headlines Schar School Wine Tasting Event

A great time was had by all at the 5th Annual Schar School Policy (and Tasting) of Wine. This year's event highlighted the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), featuring fine wine and food from New Zealand. The Honorable Tim Groser, New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States, provided a brief presentation. View photos.

Analyzing Politics in Downtown D.C.

George Mason University senior Ryan Thornton is at his desk in the Washington, D.C., offices of Quorum Analytics at 7:30 every morning. Learn more.

David C. Williams Joins the Schar School Faculty

David C. Williams, the recently retired Inspector General of the US Postal Service (USPS OIG), will join the Schar School of Policy and Government as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Policy. He will begin teaching classes in the Fall, helping students understand government oversight issues. Learn more.

Mark Rozell Named Dean

Dr. Mark J. Rozell has been named Dean of George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. He will be the founding dean of the School. In addition, he will hold the Ruth D. Hazel and John T. Hazel, M.D., Faculty Chair in Public Policy. Learn more.

Peace Ops Grad Helps Revitalize Community Ravaged by Drugs

An effervescent 67 year-old on her first day of class, Gail Johnson had already excelled in several fields before starting this degree – her third – including considerable stints in the Navy, the nonprofit arena, education, business, and motherhood. Ever curious, and realizing she had a slim window to reap some educational benefits from her late husband's military service, the degree title spoke to her on a deep level. Now she wants to go where the action is. Learn more.

Presidential Management Fellows Finalists Announced

The 2016 class of finalists for the Presidential Management Fellows programs was recently announced, and sixteen George Mason University students and recent alumni have been named as finalists. Mason's Schar School of Policy and Government accounted for half with eight finalists. Learn more.

Mason achieves top research ranking from Carnegie

George Mason University is now ranked among the highest research institutions in the country by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Learn more.

MPP Degree Leads to Dream Job

Rachel Moynihan wakes up every day and goes to her dream job. She is an Advocacy and Communications Specialist at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where her efforts contribute to the empowerment and improved health of women and young people around the world. "I feel so grateful to do what I love," she says. Read her story.

ICP Grad Making a Difference in Africa

It was his enduring curiosity that contributed to Jean-Guy Afrika's enrollment in the International Commerce and Policy (ICP) program at the School of Government, Policy, and International Affairs. A Rwandan with a keen attraction to the nuts and bolts of global economics, he wanted his graduate studies to concentrate on how the forces behind globalization could be applied to bring about rapid development to his country as well as to the whole of Africa. Read his full story.

Groundbreaking Mason Study Reveals Huge Economic Impact of Local, Regional Parks

For Paul Gilbert, executive director of NOVA Parks, there are "two big, giant numbers" to take away from the just-released study that details the impact of the nation's local and regional parks: $140 billion in economic activity and 1 million jobs. That is what local and regional parks generated in 2013, the latest year in which data was available, according to a first-of-its-kind study by George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Read more.

Grad Informs Biosecurity/Biodefense Policy

Lindsey Childers is riding high with her career. "I absolutely love what I do right now," she said. "I feel like I am making a difference in the world." As an onsite consultant to the USDA National Security Policy Staff, Childers works with a respected team of public and private sector professionals on issues relevant to global stability, biosecurity, emerging disease threats, and more. Her achievement is a testament to the courage to change course.

ODKM Grad Becomes Leading Consultant

As a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Michael Donoghue is tasked with everything from supporting Project Management Operations to strategic planning for agency-wide functions. It's a position he came to assume after a decade's worth of rising through the PwC ranks following an 11-year stint in the military. Donoghue cites his time at Mason's School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs (SPGIA) with being a vital factor in his rise to the top. Read his full story.

Biodefense PhD Become Decorated Nuclear Scholar

Focused and undeterred, Craig Wiener is now finalizing his PhD in Biodefense with specializations in National Security Technology Policy, International Security, and Counter-proliferation. He has two credits left and is halfway through his dissertation with the hope of finishing up in April. In the meantime, he holds a position at the Department of Energy and is also working as a graduate teaching assistant and lecturer for security and intelligence matters for General Michael Hayden, an SPGIA Distinguished Visiting Professor and retired U.S. Air Force four-star general for the last four years. Read his full story.

Alumna Combines Science and Policy

Biodefense alumna Kathleen Danskin's work at GAP Solutions, Inc., is helping to get disaster-stricken communities back up on their feet. Her role – supporting the Science Preparedness program for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR) – serves the health needs of people recovering from ruin. Read the full story.

Public Policy and IR programs Ranked #1 in the DC Area

For the second year in a row, Graduateprograms.com has ranked Mason's Public Policy and International Relations programs as #1 in the DC area! Our Public Policy program ranks 11th nationally and International Relations ranks 8th nationally. Read the full story.

Political Science PhD Lives His Passion

Arnaud Kurze's road to his PhD started at the University of Hagen in Germany. He was working on his master's and was intent on finding the perfect doctorate program. An advisor suggested he look into George Mason University's then-brand new Political Science program, and he was instantly hooked. "The Political Science PhD program at George Mason was up-and-coming and vibrant," says Arnaud. "It also had a great faculty-student ratio, which was really key for me intellectually and academically." Read the full story.

Study: Former Workers are Happier, Healthier After Retirement

It's a question just about everyone faces at some point: Will I remain healthy and will I be happy after retirement? The answer, according to a new study co-authored by public policy professor Sita Nataraj Slavov, is a qualified yes. Read the full story.

Peace Operations Grad Helps Those in Need

Turana Baghirova has no ordinary job. As a protection field officer for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Azerbaijan, she helps to trace those who went missing during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, unearthing their fates and bringing closure to their loved ones. Turana is an alumna of George Mason University's Peace Operations master's program, a unique course of study that prepares students to reestablish or preserve peace in areas rattled by conflict or natural disaster. Read the full story.

Dean Rozell Teaches at Japanese University

Dean Rozell's two-week course was on the intersection of religion and politics in the United States. The class featured students not only from Japan but also France, Norway, and Sweden. For the students there, it was an opportunity to learn about a topic they would not be exposed to in classes taught by their regular AIU faculty. Read the full story.

Student Wins Prestigious Internship

Katie Garay, a government and international politics major, is wrapping up a prestigious 10-week internship at the U.S. Embassy in Panama. She's putting her Spanish language skills to use each day and does much of the work of a full-time Foreign Service officer. She calls it 'pinch-me-I'm-dreaming' sort of experience. Read the full story.

ICP Program Alumna Takes Her Career in a New Direction

Alison Germak was already working in the communications department at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) when she decided to pursue a master's from George Mason University's School of Government, Policy, and International Affairs to change the trajectory of her career. Read the full story.

Biodefense Alumnus Shapes the Debate and Influences National Security Policy

Brian Mazanec's résumé reads like something out of a Tom Clancy or Ian Fleming thriller. He is an Assistant Director for the Defense Capabilities and Management team at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) where he leads a portfolio of small teams that review various issues, largely at the request of Congress. Read the full story.

MPA Graduate Keeps Fairfax County Running

If you live in Fairfax County, chances are you've benefited from James Patteson's hard work without even knowing it. The 2001 Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate is the director of the county's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, which is responsible for Fairfax's public infrastructure. Read the full story.

Professor Louise Shelley Awarded Inaugural Carnegie Fellowship

George Mason University professor Louise Shelley has been named an inaugural 2015 Andrew Carnegie Fellow from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Professor Shelley's winning proposal to Carnegie addresses the illicit economy that is undermining the sustainability of the planet. Read the full story.

Peace Operations Student Plans to Work on Ethnic and Security Issues

For a self-proclaimed "small-town graduate from Missouri", Connor Gary's life has been anything but insular. A current student in the Peace Operations master's program at George Mason University's School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs, his résumé is stocked with overseas travels and remarkable appointments, including stints in the corporate world, radio, and Peace Corps. Read the full story.

Professor Stephen Fuller: Greater Washington's Economy is Being Left Behind

At the prestigious 23rd Annual Cardinal Bank and George Mason University Economic Conference, Schar School Professor Stephen Fuller said that the Greater Washington economy is at risk of trailing other major metros if there isn't more regional cooperation and diversification away from government-related business. Read this article to learn more about his economic forecast for the Washington, D.C. region.

Eleven Schar Students Named Presidential Management Fellows Semi-Finalists

Congratulations to the 11 students and recent graduates from the Schar School of Policy and Government who were selected as semi-finalists for the 2015 Presidential Management Fellows program. See who was selected.

Center for Regional Analysis report urges Washington area to expand its global reach

Washington may be home to embassies and diplomats from countries the world over, but when it comes to business, the region is failing to realize its potential on the international stage. A new report, released this month by George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis, criticizes the region's economic reliance on the federal government and suggests ways it can become a bigger player in the global marketplace. Click here to read the article.

Mason Wins Grant to Support South African Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Efforts

The Terrorism, Transnational Crime, and Corruption Center (TraCCC), housed in Mason's School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs and directed by Dr. Louise Shelley, will support South African authorities and law enforcement efforts globally in tracking and disrupting transnational horn smuggling networks. Read the full story.

Professor Paul Posner receives the George Graham Award for Exceptional Service to the Academy

The George Graham Award for Exceptional Service to the Academy was created in 2006 by the National Academy of Public Administration.  Named for the National Academy's first president, the award is meant to recognize Fellows who have provided a continual and extraordinary contribution to help strengthen the Academy and make it a more respected organization.

Schar School Professor Paul Posner was a recipient of the award in recognition of his leadership of NAPA's Presidential transition project in 2012 in addition to his long term leadership of the work NAPA has done on the federal system and intergovernmental management.

Online Magazine Brings New Life to Arab Studies

Established a few months before the Arab uprisings began, Jadaliyya (the Arabic word for "dialectic") has become a reference for many professors in the field of Middle Eastern Studies. It aims, in the words of the founding editor, Bassam S. Haddad, to offer a scholarly, left-of-center "counterdiscourse" to the mainstream conversation about the Arab world. Rather than viewing the region through the lens of United States foreign-policy debates, Jadaliyya includes contributions from artists, activists and academics from many disciplines. Though it publishes in four languages (English, Arabic, French, and Spanish), Arabic readers make up a third of its audience, and most of the editors are of an Arabic background. The goal is to "write about the region from an inside-out perspective," said Mr. Haddad, who directs the Middle East studies program at George Mason University. Read the full story.

Far Out: Mason Students Take Internships to New Heights

Internships at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum are providing an almost-out-of-this-world learning opportunity for two George Mason University students. The experience also could help them land dream careers. Read the full story.

Alumnus Credits Mason with Degree, Internship, Job, and Now Fellowship in Japan

It wasn't too long ago that Howard Stone was learning about the world and making foreign friends on the international-themed fifth floor of the Commonwealth residence hall on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. Now Stone is in Japan, learning the language and developing connections in the Japanese government that he will continue to foster when he returns to his job at the Justice Department next year. Read the full story.

Transportation Students See Express Lanes Behind the Scenes

Schar School Transportation Policy, Operations, & Logistics students were offered the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the U.S. Headquarters of Transurban. Read the full story.

Choosing a Life of Public Service

We should all be lucky enough to enjoy our jobs as much as Denise Turner Roth, BA Government and Politics '99, does hers. "I look forward to coming to work every day," she says, "and every day I have an experience where I go back and say, 'Wow, I just did that.'" She even enjoys the commute into Washington, D.C. "It's got great views of all the monuments." Read the full story.

Study abroad experience: Brittany Davey, GVIP major

Budapest, Hungary study abroad experience interview with Brittany Davey. Read the full story.

A Degree Program that Addresses Wicked Problems

Biodefense policy is a complex, multidisciplined course of study that is more important now than ever, demanding familiarity with everything from biology to government to disease outbreaks. The program addresses what George Mason University professor A. Trevor Thrall calls "wicked problems" with no good answers. Read the full story.

As Scotland Votes on Independence, Schar School Professor Plays Vital Role

After four decades in the classroom, a George Mason University macroeconomics professor is putting theories into practice that could change the economic future of Scotland and the lives of its 5.5 million citizens. Read the full story.

Mason Transportation Center, Student Hope to Impact Metro Silver Line Parking

A PhD student at George Mason University's School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs, is working on a study that may have impact on parking at Silver Line Metro stops. Read the full story.

Why Policy Schools Really Matter

This is great rebuttal to the Washington Post's recent piece on the value of policy schools. Read the full story.

Mason Students Cycle Cross-Country for People with Disabilities

It is 2,889 miles from Seattle, Wash. to Washington, D.C. That's more than 40 hours by car—or a whole summer on a bike—for Jeffery Gorenshtein, Dylan Reed and Bryan Bott. Read the full story.

Policy Students Take on Transportation Challenges

This is a real-world exercise—not a theoretical classroom discussion—that might conceivably create changes in how people move from one place to another. Read the full story.

The Peace Corps Ranks Mason as a Top 10 Program

The Peace Corps ranked George Mason University #7 in 2014 rankings of top Master's International programs for Peace Corps volunteers.

Former Workers are Happier, Healthier After Retirement

It's a question just about everyone faces at some point: Will I remain healthy and will I be happy after retirement?

Championing Teen Moms

Nicole Lynn Lewis, MPP '06, knows what it feels like to juggle life as a teen parent and college student.

ERPi Scholarship Profile: Marjorie Thomas, MPA

"I just want to make it to the finish line. There seems to be a new obstacle in my path every time I move ahead. I've had to rearrange my life in order to make time for my family. I often feel guilty because I need to be home, but I want to make this work and really give it my all." —Marjorie Thomas, graduate student, Masters of Public Administration program