Coronavirus Blog: How the Schar School Is Helping

For updates, please see the Schar School News page. For George Mason University’s comprehensive COVID-19 page, visit the coronavirus communications site. Media queries: Communications Manager Buzz McClain, bmcclai2@gmu.edu. 

• If you thought the effects of illicit fentanyl trade would diminish during a pandemic, an alarming new study from the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center shows you would be wrong.
• A new study by George Mason University researchers confirms the worst of the COVID-19 virus: Asymptomatic people are just as likely to spread the disease.
• The Schar School’s Louise Shelley moderates a panel of illicit trade experts who warn the next pandemic may be because of zoonotic disease and corruption.
• As a heavily involved student, Michael Krug honed his resources and knowledge to land a job as a Global Health Officer focusing on pandemics and emerging threats.
• Schar School adjunct Andrew Kilianski has been appointed to Operation Warp Drive to find a coronavirus vaccine. What he learns he brings back to the classroom.
• Recalled from the front lines by the coronavirus lockdown, a Schar School graduate adjusts to feeding children in need from home. It’s not always easy.
• The pandemic lockdown might be easing in some parts of the world, but its effects will last well past the reopening. Our experts weigh in during a chilling webinar.
• Revolutions expert Jack Goldstone explains the political forecast of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could get ugly.
• Who knew a global lockdown could be a teaching moment? One Schar School professor is turning the classroom into a “laboratory of ideas” amid the coronavirus crisis.
• Two studies by James Olds and Nadine Kabbani shows prior exposure to nicotine creates vulnerability in the cardiopulmonary system and the brain. The world has been warned.
• As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the world of illicit commerce is threatening global health security in new ways. The Schar School’s Louise Shelley explains.
• The Schar School’s Center for Regional Analysis is continuously running models to map out the impacts of COVID-19, the data that regional public and private leaders need when dealing with a crisis. Here’s how they do it.
• Why, on a continent with 1.2 billion inhabitants, is Africa’s coronavirus count so low? Schar School PhD candidate Muhammad Salar Khan decided to investigate.
• The coronavirus has compelled the U.S. military to behave in new and different ways. The Schar School’s Ellen Laipson describes how the military is facing this new, invisible combatant.
• When regional decision-makers need important data, they turn to the Schar School's Fuller Institute.

ADDITIONAL NEWS

CRIME AND PANDEMICS: ILLEGAL WILDLIFE MARKETS, CORRUPTION, AND TRANSFERS OF ZOONOTIC DISEASES
In order to stop the next global pandemic, rampant corruption and illicit trafficking in animals needs to be controlled, said a panel of experts. It won’t be easy, but it’s important.

BIODEFENSE DEGREE IN HAND, MICHAEL KRUG WORKS TO SOLVE PANDEMICS AND EMERGING THREATS
As a heavily involved student, Michael Krug honed his resources and knowledge to land a job as a Global Health Officer focusing on pandemics and emerging threats.

SCHAR SCHOOL ADJUNCT JOINS OPERATION WARP SPEED AND BRINGS HIS EXPERTISE TO THE CLASSROOM
Schar School adjunct professor Andrew Kilianski is part of the federal government’s fast-moving Operation Warp Speed to find a coronavirus vaccine. What he learns he will bring back to his biodefense classroom.

ADJUSTING TO THE LOCKDOWN, CONTINUING TO SERVE CHILDREN IN NEED
Recalled from the front lines by the coronavirus lockdown, a Schar School graduate adjusts to feeding children in need.

PANEL: HOW THE PANDEMIC WILL RESHAPE JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING
Panel: The pandemic lockdown might be easing in some parts of the world, but its effects will last well past the reopening.

Q&A WITH JACK GOLDSTONE: REVOLUTIONS, REGIME CHANGES, AND THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19
Jack Goldstone explains the economic and political forecast of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as discusses who is responsible.

WEBINAR ANSWERS, HOW WILL THE PANDEMIC AFFECT THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY?
In-person meetings between lobbyists and policymakers on Capitol Hill are, for now, a thing of the past. Will they be back in the future? Our webinar takes a look.

A CLASSROOM ON ILLICIT TRADE TURNS INTO A PANDEMIC-INSPIRED POLICY LABORATORY
One Schar School professor is turning the classroom into a “laboratory of ideas” amid the coronavirus crisis.

STUDIES: NICOTINE EXPOSURE INCREASES VULNERABILITY TO COVID-19 NOT ONLY IN HEART AND LUNGS, BUT ALSO THE BRAIN
Two studies by James Olds and Nadine Kabbani shows prior exposure to nicotine creates vulnerability in the cardiopulmonary system and the brain. The world has been warned. 

LOUISE SHELLEY: RAMPANT ILLICIT TRADE, COUNTERFEIT MEDICAL SUPPLIES AMID COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the world of illicit commerce is threatening global health security in new ways. The Schar School’s Louise Shelley explains.

ON THE COVID-19 FRONT LINES: SOCIAL WORKERS AMID A PANDEMIC
A Schar School Master’s in Public Administration student found herself in an unexpected—and challenging—position: “essential personnel” in a behavioral health system. And she can’t do her job on Zoom.

SCHAR SCHOOL ‘COVID-19 WEBINAR WEEK’ DRAWS 1,300 PARTICIPANTS
The Schar School’s ‘COVID-19 Webinar Week’ presented daily programs addressing the pandemic from multiple angles. Recordings are available.

Q&A WITH FRANK SHAFROTH: CAN COVID-19 ACTUALLY DRIVE STATES TO BANKRUPTCY?
Frank Shafroth discusses whether states should be allowed to file for bankruptcy as they struggle to take on the financial burdens of COVID-19.

DANIEL GERSTEIN: UNDERSTANDING THE U.S.’S SHORTFALLS CONCERNING COVID-19
Schar School Biodefense PhD graduate Daniel Gerstein provides a list of what the U.S. did wrong before and during the pandemic. It’s a long list.

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE: THE CENTER FOR REGIONAL ANALYSIS IS ADVISING DECISIONMAKERS ON THE COVID-19 CRISIS
The Schar School’s Center for Regional Analysis is continuously running models to map out the impacts of COVID-19, the data that regional public and private leaders need when dealing with a crisis.

POWER GRABBING IN THE PANDEMIC: DISSONANCE BETWEEN AMERICANS AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Schar School professors dive deep into the reality of power grabbing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. and around the world. Corruption never had it so good.

COVID-19 WEBINAR: WHAT ROLE SHOULD INTELLIGENCE PLAY IN A PANDEMIC?
A panel of veteran intelligence leaders believe that if it’s the duty of the Intelligence Community to predict pandemics, they should be provided the resources for doing it, don’t you think?

STAMP OUT THE POSTAL SERVICE? SCHAR SCHOOL PANEL SAYS CHANGE THE PACKAGING
The U.S. Postal Service is on shaky financial ground in the best of times, but the coronavirus crisis has taken a severe toll. Our panel discussed options.

SCHAR SCHOOL WEBINAR: WHEN WILL THE ECONOMIC FALLOUT OF THE CRISIS END? YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW.
COVID-19 Webinar Week continued with the second panel discussion of the day, this one between a Pulitzer winning columnist and an economist of renown.

COVID-19 WEBINAR WEEK: INFECTION CONTROL AND HEALTH SYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN A PANDEMIC
Schar School faculty and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) provide impact analysis and insider insights into the surge of patients in hospitals with COVID-19 and infection control. The question is, is it sustainable?

COVID-19 WEBINAR WEEK: SCHAR SCHOOL PROFESSORS DISCUSS POSSIBLE WAYS OUT OF THE LOCKDOWN
However the world is freed from the global lockdown, the key is to do it safely. Schar School professors discuss six scenarios during the first of a week of COVID-19 webinars.

STUDY: LOW COVID-19 CASES IN AFRICA RAISES QUESTIONS
Schar School PhD candidate Muhammad Salar Khan explains why numbers of COVID-19 cases are low in Africa.

‘UNDERSTANDING AND SURVIVING A PANDEMIC’ A WEEK OF SCHOLARLY WEBINARS
Each day for a week, Schar School experts will discuss various aspects of the coronavirus crisis from their fields of study.

Q&A WITH ELLEN LAIPSON: COVID-19 AND THE U.S. MILITARY
The U.S. military has been spotted providing support around the country, an indication of how the role of the military has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SCHAR SCHOOL’S FULLER INSTITUTE: FORECASTING THE SHOCK OF CORONAVIRUS
When regional policymakers need data to cope with a crisis such as COVID-19, they turn to the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at the Schar School. Now more than ever.

Q&A WITH GUADALUPE CORREA-CABRERA: WILL COVID-19 INCREASE VIOLENT ORGANIZED CRIME?
Violent cartel crime on the rise? Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera talks drug trafficking, crime, and violence in Mexico in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A RACE AGAINST CRIME: 2-DAY ‘HACKATHON’ TARGETS HUMAN TRAFFICKING
One hundred hackers spent two intense days creating ways to combat human trafficking. Only one team would win the $3,000 for the best idea.

DESPITE COVID-19 QUARANTINE, DEGREE DEFENSES CONTINUE
A global pandemic can cancel a lot of things, but PhD defenses are not among them. The Student Services unit at the Schar School continues to help students earn their degrees.

Q&A WITH MARIELY LÓPEZ-SANTANA: HOW COUNTRIES RESPOND ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY TO COVID-19
Sending stimulus checks is one thing, but other countries are taking different measures to help relieve COVID-19 induced economic damage.

PANEL: HOW CORONAVIRUS SANK TWO CAREERS AND ENDANGERED AMERICAN MILITARY DETERRENCE
Our panel discussion provided insights as to what happened aboard, and after, novel coronavirus was confirmed on an American aircraft carrier.

Q&A WITH PHILIP MARTIN: COVID-19 ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
Based on few headlines, it would seem the African continent has been largely spared in the COVID-19 crisis. Schar School Africa security specialist Philip Martin explains that perception.

ON THE FRONT LINES: CONTINUING PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH CARE AMID COVID-19
What does it mean to be a public servant during a global pandemic? It isn’t easy, but it’s important.

Q&A WITH LOUISE SHELLEY: COVID-19 AND ILLICIT TRADE
World renowned expert on transnational crime and illicit trade Louise Shelley discusses the relationship of COVID-19 to illicit trade.

THE SCHAR SCHOOL: WE ARE HERE TO HELP DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University stands ready to assist local elected leaders in the performance of their duties, particularly in the face of the rising COVID-19 pandemic.

Q&A WITH TERRY CLOWER: ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND COVID-19
Schar School professor and director of the Center for Regional Analysis Terry Clower tells us how his data is helping local stakeholders.

Q&A WITH JUSTIN GEST: IMMIGRANTS ARE THE ‘FIRST RESPONDERS’ TO COVID-19
Schar School Associate Professor Justin Gest’s take on coronavirus? Immigrants.

Q&A WITH STUART MALAWER: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE FACE OF COVID-19
Expert insight: “The Coronavirus demonstrates to all the intricate connectivity of the global system.”

JEREMY MAYER ON RESPONSE TO COVID-19 FROM LEADERS AND THE COMMUNITY
So you are young, fit, and healthy? The Coronavirus panic doesn’t include you, right? Wrong.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL: DIANNE HON
Not only can 2016 MPA graduate Dianne Hon not self-isolate, she spends her work hours with individuals who are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their life-style choices.

DESPITE CAMPUS CLOSURES, JOB INTERVIEWING AND RESUMÉ CLINICS CONTINUE ONLINE
Even with the campus locked down, the Schar School’s Career Services Department continues to help with resumés and job interviewing skills. Here’s how.

Q&A WITH RICHARD KAUZLARICH: ENERGY MARKETS AND COVID-19
Richard Kauzlarich discusses energy markets, the Saudi-Russian oil price war, and COVID-19.

Q&A WITH MAURICE KUGLER: COVID-19’S MACROECONOMICS SHOCK
In the coming days we will ask Schar School experts to weigh in on the COVID-19 crisis as it pertains to their field of study.

DEFENDING AGAINST COVID-19: BIODEFENSE ALUMNA TAM DANG, DALLAS COUNTY EPIDEMIOLOGIST
The global COVID-19 crisis will require scientists and scholars who are educated and trained to take on the world’s most dangerous problems. The Biodefense program at the Schar School creates leaders in the field. Look for their stories on this page in coming days.

GERMS ON A PLANE: AWARD-WINNING PHD GRAD DEVELOPS A WAY TO MONITOR DISEASE SPREAD BY AIRCRAFT
Nereyda Sevilla believes she has a way to change how authorities and the public respond to disease outbreaks, such as the coronavirus crisis, and especially those perceived to be transmitted by air travel.

DRAWN TO GERMS AT AN EARLY AGE, BIODEFENSE SCHOLAR STUDIES WHERE SCIENCE MEETS POLICY
The global COVID-19 crisis will require scientists and scholars who are educated and trained to take on the world’s most dangerous problems. The Biodefense program at the Schar School creates leaders in the field. Look for their stories on this page in coming days.

EXPERTS EXAMINE THE CORONAVIRUS—AND AN UNSETTLING RESPONSE BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT
The coronavirus is quickly becoming a worldwide pandemic, and the Chinese government is rejecting the resources to stop it.

BIODEFENSE DIRECTOR GREG KOBLENTZ: TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS, PROMOTE EDUCATION, NOT TRAVEL BANS
The international health community is grappling with how to best curb another widespread coronavirus outbreak. The virus has killed at least 80 people so far in China and has reached across the globe.

For more information, see the Schar School latest news page.