School of Nursing / en Announcing the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence /news/2025-04/announcing-recipients-2025-presidential-awards-faculty-excellence <span>Announcing the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence</span> <span><span>Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:49</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">George Mason ĢAV President Gregory Washington has announced the recipients of the 2025 </span><a href="https://president.gmu.edu/award-faculty-excellence" target="_blank"><span class="intro-text">Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence</span></a><span class="intro-text">, honoring 12 George Mason faculty members for their work on behalf of the university, students, and the broader community.</span></p> <hr /><p><span>The awards honor faculty with up to six years of service, six to 12 years of service, and more than 12 years of service.</span></p> <p><span>This is the ninth year for the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence. Recipients are selected by a review committee that includes prior award recipients and senior leaders from relevant areas. They will be honored at a reception May 13.</span></p> <blockquote><p><span>“Faculty excellence is an undeniable reason why George Mason is consistently ranked as one the country’s top 50 public universities,” President Gregory Washington said. “We honor these faculty members’ scholarship and dedication to help students achieve their highest potential with the university’s highest faculty recognition.”</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span><strong>The John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching </strong>is presented to a faculty member whose teaching inspires and stimulates students in the finest tradition of higher education.</span></p> <p><span><strong>The Beck Family Presidential Medal for Excellence in Research </strong>recognizes extraordinary contributions by members of the Mason faculty to consequential research of high impact. The award is presented annually to a George Mason faculty member whose research represents groundbreaking advances in their field.</span></p> <p><span><strong>The United Bank Presidential Medal for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion </strong>recognizes extraordinary contributions in teaching, research, scholarship, creative works, or service that directly advances diversity and inclusion inside and outside the George Mason community.</span></p> <p><span><strong>The Earle C. Williams Presidential Medal for Excellence in Social Impact </strong>is presented to a faculty member in any discipline who makes extraordinary efforts to use their scholarship to solve real-world problems.</span></p> <p><span>The complete list of 2025 honorees is below. See </span><a href="https://president.gmu.edu/faculty-awards/recipients/past-recipients" target="_blank"><span>prior recipients</span></a><span> for 2017 to 2024.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/bethanycieslowskiwebsite_ho.jpg?itok=GND5FSR8" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Bethany Cieslowski" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Bethany Cieslowski</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Bethany Cieslowski</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Chief Innovation Officer for Immersive Technologies and Instructional Associate Professor, School of Nursing </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Bethany Cieslowski joined the faculty of the School of Nursing as an instructional faculty member in 2021. </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">She serves as the chief innovation officer for immersive technologies and the bachelor of science in nursing director in the </span><a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">College of Public Health</span></a><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">. Since 2017, when she received the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification, she has devoted herself to educating the nursing workforce of the future using simulation and technology. </span><span>Cieslowski has been a pioneer at George Mason in the use of virtual reality (VR) simulations that immerse students in clinical nursing scenarios. To aid this effort she established the College of Public Health’s </span><a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/academics/lab-immersive-technologies-and-simulation"><span>VR SIM lab</span></a><span>, which is the first lab in the country to receive accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare for the use of immersive technologies in medical scenarios. </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/angela_miller_140325715.jpg?itok=6B05zS5Y" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Angela Miller" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Angela Miller</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Angela Miller</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Associate Professor, College of Education and Human Development </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Angela Miller is an associate professor in the </span><a href="https://cehd.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Education and Human Development</span></a><span>. Her primary teaching focus is on quantitative research methods. She has taught 13 different courses in her time at George Mason, and she took the lead in redesigning the research methods curriculum for PhD students and developed three new courses to that end. While her own teaching has been focused on the graduate level, she took a lead role in developing, teaching, and now mentoring graduate students and other faculty in an undergraduate statistics course that is part of the Mason Core for Quantitative Reasoning. Miller makes deliberate efforts to tailor her instruction to the unique needs of her students and she consistently receives outstanding evaluations. She has made significant contributions to graduate mentoring, having chaired six dissertation committees, served as the methodologist on an additional 18 dissertation committees, and chaired six MA thesis committees, as well as an additional 16 MA capstone projects. She was also a recipient of the 2017 George Mason ĢAV Teaching Excellence Award.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/weiwen_jiang_240314553.jpg?itok=o-3kkoIt" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Weiwen Jiang" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Weiwen Jiang</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Weiwen Jiang</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Weiwen Jiang, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the </span><a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Engineering and Computing</span></a><span>, received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the ĢAV of Pittsburgh in 2019 and spent two years at the ĢAV of Notre Dame as a postdoctoral researcher. Jiang’s research </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">is in the relatively new field of quantum computing, which uses quantum mechanics to enable computers to solve more complicated problems. Jiang’s research has important applications. For example, one of his recent papers combines quantum computational techniques with machine learning to solve problems relating to the discovery of new medicines. </span><span>Jiang has an impressive research record of top-tier conference presentations and publications, some of which are in the most selective journals in his field (</span><em><span>Nature Communications</span></em><span>, </span><em><span>Nature Electronics</span></em><span>, </span><em><span>Scientific Reports</span></em><span>). </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/230322358_xuesu_xiao_crop.jpg?itok=8-ImriuG" width="176" height="220" alt="Xuesu Xiao head shot" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Xuesu Xiao</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Xuesu Xiao </span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Assistant Professor, Computer Science Department</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Xuesu Xiao received his PhD in Computer Science in 2019 from Texas A&M ĢAV, and after three years in industry as a roboticist with Everyday Robots, an Alphabet/Google company, he joined the Computer Science Department in the </span><a href="https://cec.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Engineering and Computing</span></a><span>. </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">His research aims to develop intelligent mobile robots that can navigate in challenging terrain with minimal human oversight. His cutting-edge work in the field of social robot navigation seeks to develop robots that can navigate human-occupied public spaces safely while respecting social norms. </span><span>At George Mason, he established the RobotiXX Lab, in which he works with postdocs, graduate students, and high school students to develop deployable robots. An outstanding researcher, he was awarded the New Generation Star recognition at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Robotics and Automation.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/aarthi_narayanan_230329105.jpg?itok=YKLnDO5v" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Aarthi Narayanan" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Aarthi Narayanan</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Aarthi Narayanan</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Professor, Biology Department</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Aarthi Narayanan joined the George Mason faculty as a tenure-line faculty in 2013 after spending six years at the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease. She is currently a professor in the Biology Department in the </span><a href="https://science.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Science</span></a><span>. Her research focuses on the impact of viruses–including SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Dengue, and HIV–on disease progression at the tissue and cell level. Her work has led to important discoveries in vaccine development, drug discovery, and biomarker identification for infectious diseases. Narayanan has an exceptional record of publications and external funding for her research. Moreover, she has been an exemplary citizen of the university and her profession. She has been a dedicated mentor to emerging scientists in academic and industry settings; a leader in mentoring junior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students; a vital contributor to curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate programs; and dedicated to outreach to the local community, participating in STEM programs for girls.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/allison_redlich_210728502.jpg?itok=2jPH83ov" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Allison Redlich" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Allison Redlich</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">The Beck Family Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Research Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Allison Redlich </span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Professor, Criminology, Law and Society Department</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Founder and Director, Modeling Decision-Making in the Legal System (MoDiLS) Lab</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Allison Redlich is a professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society in the </span><a href="https://chss.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Humanities and Social Sciences</span></a><span> and is the founder and director of George Mason’s Modeling Decision-Making in the Legal System (MoDiLS) Lab. </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Her research is deeply interdisciplinary. Trained in psychology, she brings insights from that field to address critical issues facing the legal system. For example, she has published influential research about interrogations and confessions in police and military contexts. This scholarship has been widely cited in amicus briefs to states and the Supreme Court, and Redlich herself has provided expert testimony in important cases involving contested confessions. She has produced similarly influential research on topics such as guilty pleas and mental health courts. Her work is credited with transforming scholarly thinking on these topics, and by all accounts is having a significant impact on current practices within the legal system. A prolific scholar and researcher, she </span><span>has been elected a Fellow to the three most influential organizations in her academic fields: the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Academy of Experimental Criminology. Redlich has also distinguished herself as a mentor and has received mentoring awards from George Mason and from the American Society of Criminology and the American Psychology-Law Society.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/daphne_king_-_faculty_profileho.png?itok=2CmgUlib" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Daphne King" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Daphne King</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Daphne King</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Assistant Professor, Social Work Department</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Daphne King joined the faculty at George Mason’s Department of Social Work in the </span><a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Public Health</span></a><span> in 2020 as an assistant professor and also serves as the MSW Online Program director. Prior to arriving at George Mason, she had an impactful career as a social worker working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, with homeless and incarcerated populations, and in school social work settings. King’s scholarship and national contributions focus on the intersection of social work practice, clinician identity, and pedagogical strategies. Within the Social Work Department at George Mason, she has been proactive in providing leadership in course development, course refresh processes, and faculty training, particularly around online teaching to ensure that there is adequate support for diverse learners in digital and hybrid learning environments. </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/janani_umamaheswar_dsc5648.jpg?itok=qArbIOrh" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Janani Umamaheswar" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Janani Umamaheswar</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Janani Umamaheswar</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Associate Professor, Criminology, Law and Society </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Janani Umamaheswar joined the Department of Criminology, Law and Society in 2021 as an assistant professor in the </span><a href="https://chss.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Humanities and Social Sciences</span></a><span>. She is also an affiliate faculty member in the Women and Gender Studies Program. </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">She is an accomplished scholar whose research addresses issues relating to social inequality, punishment and incarceration, and qualitative research methods. </span><span>In her teaching she makes a point to include a broad range of perspectives on whatever subject matter she is teaching, and in her course design she creates assessment methods that give students of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints the opportunity to share their learning in different modalities. She has also created experiential co-curricular activities designed to help students grasp issues relating to inequality. For example, she worked with the Douglass Project, the country’s foremost prison visitation program, to take George Mason graduate students for a guided dialogue session in the Washington, D.C., jail. She has been an active member of the mentoring programs run by multiple divisions of the American Society of Criminology. </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/jacqueline_mcdowell_240314538.jpg?itok=rrlnPWNb" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot for Jacqueline McDowell" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Jacqueline McDowell</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">United Bank Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Jacqueline McDowell</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Associate Professor, School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Assistant Dean for Faculty Success</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Jacqueline McDowell is assistant dean for faculty success and associate professor in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management in the </span><a href="https://cehd.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Education and Human Development</span></a><span>. A well-respected scholar, her work focuses primarily on diversity and inclusion in organized sports and recreation organizations. She has published widely in this field, particularly on the experiences of women and sport, such as athletic administrators and coaches. One of her articles was awarded the 2017 President’s Award for Article of Distinction at the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. In McDowell’s teaching, issues of inclusion are central. She has also been active in advancing inclusion in her professional service, both here at George Mason and in external professional organizations. For example, she serves on the American Kinesiology Association’s Membership Committee, where she has led efforts to bring more Historically Black Colleges and Universities into the field by developing outreach strategies. Due to the effectiveness of these efforts, she was asked to chair this committee for the American Kinesiology Association.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/margarita_tadevosyan_161207550.jpg?itok=JPFc14Km" width="176" height="220" alt="Head shot of Margarita Tadevosyan" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Margarita Tadevosyan</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Social Impact Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Margarita Tadevosyan</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Research Assistant Professor and Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Margarita Tadevosyan received her PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason ĢAV in 2019 and is a research assistant professor and executive director of the Center for Peacemaking Practice at the </span><a href="https://carterschool.gmu.edu/"><span>Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution</span></a><span>. She is a scholar-practitioner of conflict resolution and </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">local peacebuilding, with a focus on South Caucasus and other post-Soviet areas. Specifically, she focuses on long-term peacebuilding, local conceptions of peace, local practices to build peace, and ways that international and local peacebuilders can work together respectfully. </span><span>Tadevosyan’s social impact involves fostering dialogue and cooperation between communities that have experienced long-standing conflicts. She has also brought Carter School students into her work as co-planners, co-facilitators, and co-evaluators of conflict resolution and media literacy programs. </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/susan_bio_photoho.png?itok=GiXuLR-O" width="150" height="188" alt="Head shot of Susan Howard" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Susan Howard</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Faculty Excellence in Social Impact Award Recipient</span></h5> <h5><span>Susan Howard</span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Instructional Associate Professor, School of Integrative Studies </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Susan Howard joined George Mason as a full-time faculty member in the School of Integrative Studies in the </span><a href="https://chss.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Humanities and Social Sciences</span></a><span> in 2016. Howard is an educator, behavioral scientist, and entrepreneur-innovator who leverages and humanizes technology for social impact. Her teaching, research, and entrepreneurial focus is broad, ranging from global health to environmental science and design thinking. Her impact beyond the university has come primarily through the free digital gaming platform that her company has produced for an audience of marginalized youth in India and Nepal. The games, which are free to play, are designed to educate youth about the social and public health decisions they face in their own lives. To extend the impact of her work, Howard has formed partnerships with stakeholders in the adolescent health sector, including NGOs, women entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. Howard’s gaming platform, “Games of Choice, Not of Chance,” has received multiple accolades for its work, including the 2024 Innovation Award at the Global Digital Health Summit.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-04/160914653-x2_rebecca_goldin_2_crop.jpg?itok=QE0uUHDy" width="176" height="220" alt="Rebecca Goldin head shot" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Rebecca Goldin</figcaption></figure><h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Earle C. Williams Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Social Impact</span></h5> <h5><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Rebecca Goldin </span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Professor, Mathematical Sciences </span></p> <p><span>Rebecca Goldin is Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the </span><a href="https://science.gmu.edu/"><span>College of Science</span></a><span>. For many years she has served as a driving force behind a global effort aimed at promoting statistical literacy among journalists and connecting the scientific community to the media. </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">In that capacity she has written more than 100 articles, appeared in dozens of high-profile news shows and podcasts (CNN, NPR, ABC News, and PBS), and given a great number of public talks and interviews to audiences at major conferences and mathematics festivals. </span><span>In addition to her far-reaching communication and outreach efforts, Goldin has done extensive volunteer work locally. Her efforts have been widely recognized by professional organizations in her field. In 2013, she was given the Association for Women in Mathematics Service Award for her contributions to the cause of educating women and girls in mathematics. In 2019, she was named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, an extraordinary honor that goes to only a few mathematics scholars per year, for both her scholarly contributions to the field of differential geometry and for her efforts to promote mathematical and statistical thinking to a wide audience.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="99abe1cd-6b17-45a9-8250-12ab98b7699c"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://president.gmu.edu/award-faculty-excellence"> <h4 class="cta__title">About the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field 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<div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5636" hreflang="en">presidential awards for faculty excellence</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17226" hreflang="en">College of Public Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/191" hreflang="en">College of Education and Human Development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/291" hreflang="en">College of Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/391" hreflang="en">College of Humanities and Social Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1241" hreflang="en">Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2006" hreflang="en">School of Integrative Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19046" hreflang="en">C-TASC</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:49:41 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 116571 at College of Public Health announces Terri Rebmann as inaugural Divisional Dean of the School of Nursing /news/2025-01/college-public-health-announces-terri-rebmann-inaugural-divisional-dean-school-nursing <span>College of Public Health announces Terri Rebmann as inaugural Divisional Dean of the School of Nursing</span> <span><span>Taylor Thomas</span></span> <span>Wed, 01/29/2025 - 12:12</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">The George Mason ĢAV College of Public Health is pleased to announce that Terri Rebmann PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, has been selected as the inaugural Divisional Dean of the School of Nursing after a national search. The appointment of the first Divisional Dean reflects the critical role of the School of Nursing in achieving the mission of the college and delivering health and well-being for all.</span> </p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2025-01/rebmann_headshot_2024.jpg?itok=AoJSsWcN" width="420" height="560" alt="Rebmann headshot" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Terri Rebmann PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC</figcaption></figure><p>Rebmann is a nationally respected leader and scholar in nursing, infection prevention, and global health security and brings more than 25 years of higher education experience to George Mason. Her research interests include health care and public health professional disaster preparedness, medical countermeasures during infectious disease disasters, and reunifying children and families during disasters. </p> <p>“Dr. Rebmann is a widely respected trailblazer in the nursing community and will bring energy, compassion, and strategic leadership as the inaugural Divisional Dean. Dr. Rebmann embraces the vital role of nursing in public health, and she is the ideal leader to guide the school in its mission for excellence in practice and nursing education,” said College of Public Health dean Melissa Perry. </p> <p>Rebmann departs Saint Louis ĢAV (SLU) after a 25-year career. While at SLU, she served as the director of the Institute for Biosecurity and Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Saint Louis ĢAV (SLU). Prior roles at SLU include associate dean for academic and faculty affairs in the College for Public Health and Social Justice (CPHSJ), special assistant to the president for COVID-19, and program director of the biosecurity and disaster preparedness academic programs within CPHSJ. </p> <p>At SLU, Rebmann helped start and manage the biosecurity and disaster preparedness academic (BSDP) programs, a critical field for preparing for and responding to bioterrorism, outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, and pandemics. The BSDP program quickly became the largest concentration within the MPH program at SLU and developed professionals who went on to lead the response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, emergence of MERS CoV, the Ebola Crisis of 2014-2016, and the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>While serving as special assistant to the president at SLU, Rebmann helped lead SLU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including leading multidisciplinary teams to discuss and develop evidence-based COVID-19 safeguards and policies that were in line with university mission and values, developed and managed the SLU contact tracing team, testing clinics, and vaccination clinics.  </p> <p>Rebmann earned her PhD in Nursing from SLU; her Master of Nursing in the Clinical Nurse Specialist Tract from the ĢAV of Missouri, Columbia; and a Bachelor of Nursing from Truman State ĢAV. </p> <p>She has authored and co-authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications. Rebmann is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals (AHEPP). She currently serves as a member of the APIC Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force and on the Test Writing Committee for the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). </p> <p>Active in the St. Louis community, Rebmann has collaborated with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health to improve biological disaster preparedness and response and with several childcare agencies to improve vaccine uptake. </p> <p>Rebmann will assume her role as Divisional Dean on March 3, 2025. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="a7243681-2ddb-41ee-92ad-31fe039198aa"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/news/2025-01/master-nursing-program-recognized-1-virginia-veterans-online-program-rises-prestige"> <h4 class="cta__title">#1 Nursing School in Virginia for veterans <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span 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class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/graduating-community-health-student-has-her-own-floss-ophy" hreflang="en">Graduating community health student has her own floss-ophy </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 2, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/college-public-health-convenes-panel-growing-public-health-crisis-social-isolation" hreflang="en">College of Public Health convenes panel on a growing public health crisis—social isolation </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 16, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a 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Pamela Miller, highly decorated U.S. Navy medical officer, announced as College Degree Celebration speaker</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 7, 2025</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17226" hreflang="en">College of Public Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7166" hreflang="en">Nursing Faculty</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:12:28 +0000 Taylor Thomas 115496 at Bringing a Veteran’s Global Perspective to Nursing /news/2024-11/bringing-veterans-global-perspective-nursing <span>Bringing a Veteran’s Global Perspective to Nursing</span> <span><span>Taylor Thomas</span></span> <span>Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:47</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text"><a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/">The School of Nursing </a>here at George Mason is #1 in Virginia for veterans for a reason. Who better to attest to this than students who are veterans and pursuing their nursing degree? </span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-11/frankie_farmakis.jpg?itok=HuZG943h" width="344" height="350" alt="Frankie Farmakis" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Veteran Frankie Farmakis is pursuing his BSN at George Mason after 30 years in the Marine Corps. Learn why.<br /> To all our veterans, thank you for your service.</figcaption></figure><p>During his 30 years of military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Frankie Farmakis witnessed the differences across international health care systems and was exposed to cultural contexts across the globe. In this next chapter of his career, Farmakis applies these experiences to the field of nursing.  </p> <p>“My service brought immense internal and external gratification. There are many similarities to the U.S. health system across the world and also pieces I think would be beneficial to incorporate [into how we do things]. A major example is ensuring people have access to long-term care and don’t only seek care when their health is in serious decline,” Farmakis said. </p> <p>Farmakis says George Mason is excellent at opening doors for veterans to attain higher education. “George Mason is undoubtedly veteran-friendly. They have the process down. You talk to real people well-versed in veteran needs and how to apply military benefits in a streamlined manner,” Farmakis said. “This is where to go to make your life easier.” </p> <p>He entrusted the George Mason School of Nursing to nurture this journey and is currently a student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Veterans Co-enrollment (VCE) program. Students complete a BSN degree online while simultaneously enrolled in an Associates of Applied Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college. </p> <p>After earning his BSN, Farmakis intends to specialize in medical-surgical (med-surg) or emergency department (ED) nursing.  </p> <p>“I became interested in med-surg and ED nursing during my clinical rotations. I’ve been in chaotic environments, which I feel will lend well to handling the stress that comes with these specialties,” said Farmakis. </p> <p>He is also eager to empower patients to continue their care once they are no longer under his. “Relationship building with patients is crucial positive outcomes. Engaging patients increases their desire to participate in continuity of care,” he said.  </p> <p><a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/academics/bsn-programs/co-enrollment-bsn-program-veteran" target="_blank">Learn more about the Veterans Co-enrollment (VCE) program.</a>  </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17981" hreflang="en">bachelor of science in nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20476" hreflang="en">Bachelor of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4971" hreflang="en">Veterans</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2076" hreflang="en">Military</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:47:40 +0000 Taylor Thomas 114606 at George Mason College of Public Health Professor Rebecca Sutter awarded $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat Program grant /news/2024-09/george-mason-college-public-health-professor-rebecca-sutter-awarded-3-million-services <span>George Mason College of Public Health Professor Rebecca Sutter awarded $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat Program grant </span> <span><span>Taylor Thomas</span></span> <span>Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:41</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>Afghan victims of combat arrive in the United States as refugees with unique health care needs. <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/profiles/rsutter2" target="_blank">Rebecca Sutter</a>, professor in the School of Nursing at George Mason ĢAV, has been awarded a $3 million <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/programs/refugees/sasic" target="_blank">Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC) grant</a> to develop health service delivery infrastructure for Afghan survivors, refugees, and immigrants impacted by combat trauma and violence. The program, titled Healing and Educating Afghans for Resiliency-Virginia (HEAR-VA), will serve Afghan refugees residing in Northern and Central Virginia, where an estimated 95% of Afghans resettled in 2022.  </p> <p>HEAR-VA seeks to screen 500 individuals for eligibility and enroll 305 participants in care services.  </p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-09/map_clinic_refugee_resettlement.jpeg?itok=fpHZo8W_" width="350" height="285" alt="Sutter SAIC grant refugee health service delivery" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p>“We are implementing a care coordination model where individuals, regardless of which HEAR-VA partner they interact with first, will receive screenings, and be connected with services that address their individualized care needs,” Sutter said. "What’s especially important is this program will be built not just for, but in partnership with actual Afghan survivors of combat and other refugees who are impacted by trauma and violence."</p> <p>The SASIC grant was awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The mission of ORR is to provide newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan with resources to begin healing combat-related trauma and facilitate sustainable physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being. </p> <p>This interdisciplinary HEAR-VA initiative will be managed by the Mason and Partners Clinic in partnership with Virginia Department of Social Services Office of New Americans (DSS-ONA), the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Office of Behavioral Health Wellness (DBHDS-OBHW), Health Brigade, Northern Virginia Family Services, and additional community partners. The program went into effect July 2024 and will extend through February 2026. </p> <p>“This collection of partners is dedicated to creating an innovative program that will be community-based, community-driven, and community-led. We are building local capacity to serve vulnerable populations, not just for the duration of the grant, but long after we as the implementers have departed,” Sutter said.  </p> <p>In addition to her role as a professor in the School of Nursing, Sutter is the director of the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics. She is a credentialed Family Nurse Practitioner with expertise in community health care access and navigation to improve care and promote collaboration between public health, public safety, and health to ensure that evidence-based treatment is available for at-risk and marginalized individuals, families, communities, and populations. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="46b9ff6c-3eed-42bd-aec9-0d02bbf33b8e"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Discover the nursing program at George Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="31986c9c-64e3-4b52-a5bb-b5c3899c84b5" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/rsutter2" hreflang="und">Rebecca Sutter, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="931cde69-ad18-4017-beff-6c6db4d10554" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="c82501d4-6e07-4242-acee-6ca753daec49" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-f199142b90b5f9dc5754ea340d0dcf72991dc9d92c78d3014be8ebb8ac34792d"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/george-mason-college-public-health-professor-rebecca-sutter-awarded-3-million-services" hreflang="en">George Mason College of Public Health Professor Rebecca Sutter awarded $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat Program grant </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 13, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/learning-laboratory-community-health-prepares-graduate-students-solve-real-world" hreflang="en">Learning Laboratory for Community Health prepares graduate students to solve real-world public health challenges</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 6, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2023-10/mason-and-partner-clinics-see-189-increase-appointments-2018-and-delivered-38-million" hreflang="en"> Mason and Partner Clinics see 189% increase in appointments since 2018 and delivered $3.8 million in free services to the community</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 4, 2023</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2023-03/kakenya-ntaiya-speaks-her-truth-masons-annual-sojourner-truth-lecture" hreflang="en">Kakenya Ntaiya speaks her truth at Mason’s annual Sojourner Truth Lecture </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">March 22, 2023</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2022-12/podcast-ep-45-describing-history-through-eyes-ordinary-people" hreflang="en">Podcast - EP 45: Describing history through the eyes of ordinary people</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">December 13, 2022</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/11911" hreflang="en">Refugees</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6571" hreflang="en">immigrants and refugee communities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/9516" hreflang="en">Access to Health Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/186" hreflang="en">Community Partners</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/696" hreflang="en">Mason and Partners Clinic</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6481" hreflang="en">grants</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17356" hreflang="en">Strategic Direction</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:41:04 +0000 Taylor Thomas 113871 at Nursing students help underserved communities get their kids back-to-school ready /news/2024-08/nursing-students-help-underserved-communities-get-their-kids-back-school-ready <span>Nursing students help underserved communities get their kids back-to-school ready </span> <span><span>Shayla Brown</span></span> <span>Wed, 08/14/2024 - 13:05</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">George Mason ĢAV’s <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/mapclinics" target="_blank">Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinic</a> holds free clinics throughout Northern Virginia every day. This summer, two of those community-based clinics helped local elementary school students get back-to-school ready. </span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-08/mapclinic2_600.jpg?itok=rxolp8GG" width="560" height="373" alt="School of Nursing students at the MAP Clinic in the Population Health Center. Photo by Shayla Brown" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>School of Nursing students at the MAP Clinic in the Population Health Center. Photo by Shayla Brown</figcaption></figure><p>Managed by practitioners in the <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">College of Public Health</a>, the clinics offer uninsured school-aged children and other underserved communities essential health services. They also allow undergraduate nursing students, including <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/program/nurse-practitioner-concentration-msn" target="_blank">MSN Family Nurse Practitioner</a> and <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/academics/bsn-programs/accelerated-second-degree-bsn-program" target="_blank">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a> (ABSN) students, as well as graduate psychology, social work, health informatics and administration students among others, to complete Community Health Clinical requirements in a meaningful way.  </p> <p>George Mason’s School of Nursing ran the first clinic on June 21, where 38 ABSN and four nurse practitioner students were working, and the second on July 19, where 28 ABSN and three nurse practitioner students were working. In total, 45 families brought their children to receive vaccines and physical examinations. </p> <p>“The clinics are a different side of nursing. The families are so sweet and grateful for everyone who’s there,” said ABSN student Kaleigh O’Keefe.    </p> <p>The MAP Clinic collaborates with many community partners throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area including Fairfax County Public Schools, Manassas City Public Schools, Manassas Park City Schools, Prince William County Schools, Refugee Resettlement Agencies, Fairfax United Methodist Church, Inova Alexandria Hospital, and non-profits across the region. </p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-08/mapclinic1_600.jpg?itok=BX448e8O" width="560" height="373" alt="School of Nursing faculty providing medical care to a student in the Population Health Center. Photo by Shayla Brown" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>School of Nursing faculty providing medical care to a student in the Population Health Center. Photo by Shayla Brown</figcaption></figure><p>School nurses, school-parent liaisons, refugee resettlement case managers, and caregivers from these various locations reach out to MAP Clinic administration to schedule appointments for students.  </p> <p>“Many of these families are long-term patients who we’ve been seeing at our MAP Clinics for years now,” said Kenneth Frese, director of clinical operations in the <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">School of Nursing</a>. </p> <p>The clinics are able to address a variety of communities and health issues such as general health, pediatrics, and substance abuse, said O’Keefe. Nursing students rotate through all of the specialties. </p> <p>The clinics collaboration with Inova comes in the form of the <a href="https://www.inova.org/about-inova/inova-your-community/community-access-care/inova-cares-clinic-families" target="_blank">Inova Cares Clinic for Families</a>, which allows patients that need to be closely monitored to receive care from Inova for a discounted rate based on income. </p> <p>“I had a patient whose blood pressure was really high, which in children is typically caused by some type of kidney problem, so we tested his urine and there was a high protein count, which can indicate kidney damage,” explained O’Keefe.  “We sent him to Inova where he was officially diagnosed, though he still comes back to the MAP Clinic to follow up with us sometimes.” </p> <p>Nursing students also collaborated with students and faculty from George Mason’s Department of Social Work throughout the MAP clinics. </p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-08/mapclinicamy_600.jpg?itok=fASUwHoU" width="560" height="373" alt="Amy Joyner with backpacks that were donated to the children at the clinic. Photo by Shayla Brown" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Amy Joyner with backpacks that were donated to the children at the MAP clinic. Photo by Shayla Brown</figcaption></figure><p>“Social work was a big part of the work we were doing. A lot of our job was ––communicating with those students,” Isabelle Kahng, an ABSN student who will be doing a neuro-ICU practicum for the <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/news/2024-05/isabelle-kahng-expounds-opportunities-shes-had-through-medstar-health-future-nurse" target="_blank">MedStar Health Future Nurse Program</a> partnership. </p> <p>“It was our responsibility to relay the patient’s information to the provider, as well as the social workers, so that we could work together in getting the resources the patients need,” said Kahng.   </p> <p>“Bonding with these kids is my favorite part,” said O’Keefe. “They’re just so happy to be there, and being there to help them thrive is everything.” </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/kfrese" hreflang="en">Kenneth Frese</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="4b92b7b6-e78c-40b9-a79e-010e817af0d2"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Make a difference with the College of Public Health <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="f166e6e2-ed24-441b-ad25-70a9a813f764"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://giving.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Support the Mason Nation <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="05c2df1e-c7be-4d37-8a19-1b0771ec6951" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="69bcb352-82e1-450e-a014-8cf4873b1700" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-def42c1a6560687f73974b79a7b3597292af41f4177c6d0ced687bf657ce107b"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/announcing-recipients-2025-presidential-awards-faculty-excellence" hreflang="en">Announcing the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 16, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/new-art-course-teaches-students-how-think-differently-about-design" hreflang="en">New art course teaches students how to think differently about design </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 2, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-03/collaborative-solution-culinary-career-challenges" hreflang="en">A collaborative solution to culinary career challenges</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">March 25, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-03/poetry-alive-expands-services-prince-william-county" hreflang="en">Poetry Alive! expands services to Prince William County</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">March 11, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-02/film-and-video-students-take-home-capital-emmy-student-production-awards" hreflang="en">Film and Video students take home Capital Emmy Student Production Awards</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">February 11, 2025</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14096" hreflang="en">population health center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6606" hreflang="en">Mason and Partners (MAP)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/701" hreflang="en">MAP Clinic</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/11171" hreflang="en">Community Impact</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5261" hreflang="en">Inova</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20326" hreflang="en">CPH Experience</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:05:19 +0000 Shayla Brown 113486 at Associate Professor Erin D. Maughan receives VDOE Grant to invigorate the future of school nursing /news/2024-02/associate-professor-erin-d-maughan-receives-vdoe-grant-invigorate-future-school <span>Associate Professor Erin D. Maughan receives VDOE Grant to invigorate the future of school nursing</span> <span><span>Taylor Thomas</span></span> <span>Fri, 02/09/2024 - 12:53</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Both regionally and across the country, there is a severe lack of programs dedicated to school nursing administrators (i.e. nurses who lead school nursing and school health programs at the district level). <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/profiles/emaugha" target="_blank">Erin Maughan</a>, an associate professor in College of Public Health’s School of Nursing at George Mason ĢAV, intends to remedy this with a $364,503 grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). With the funding, Maughan will establish the School Nursing Leadership Academy. </span> </p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-11/ErinMaughan.jpg?itok=kA1m3p2M" width="200" height="280" alt="Erin D. Maughan" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Erin D. Maughan</figcaption></figure><p>"There are over 130,000 school nurses across the nation, who are central to the foundation of the health and well-being of children,” Maughan said. "The goal of the academy is to develop leaders in school nursing who have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully oversee school health programs at the district level, as well as state and regional school nursing associations."</p> <p>The academy, which is expected to be fully developed by June 2024, will be designed to train future leaders in school nursing using <a href="https://www.aha.org/center/team-training/getting-started-teamstepps#:~:text=TeamSTEPPS%20is%20an%20evidence%2Dbased,operations%2C%20aviation%20and%20nuclear%20power." target="_blank">TeamSTEPPS</a>, an evidence-based curriculum that prioritizes incorporating effective communication and teamwork into the health care system. The program will take place over one-and-a-half years and will incorporate experiential learning, equestrian activity, and expert-led discussions.</p> <p>In addition, Mason's Center for Health Workforce is guiding the development of sustainable asynchronous modules for the professional development program, which along with virtual webinars, will provide additional information and mentoring opportunities. </p> <p>The program kicks off with three days of in–person instruction, during which participants will use virtual reality (VR) modules to practice interprofessional skills and conflict management. Mason's College of Public Health is a <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/academics/virtual-reality-and-simulation-lab" target="_blank">leader in integrating VR</a> into the curriculum and training of future health care leaders.  </p> <p>“Participating in the VR will allow gaining experience in a safe, nonthreatening environment where we can talk about how they reacted so they will have confidence and experience when they encounter situations in the real world,” said Maughan.  </p> <p>Maughan was originally approached by the VDOE’s state school nurse consultant Tracy White, who wanted to foster more leadership training and was aware of Maughan’s passion to do so as well. Together, they set into motion plans to create the academy. </p> <p>Maughan is a leading expert on school nursing and the health of school-age children. Her research expertise is in looking at the role of infrastructure and policy on school nurse staffing and services. In addition, she has expertise in leadership, strategic planning, innovation, and mentoring. Her career is dedicated to children’s health, especially vulnerable populations. She is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge for the success of the academy.  </p> <p>“Having been a school nurse leader and researcher for many years, it has been a dream of mine to create such a program,” said Maughan. "I hope this program will build excitement and create a network of confident school nurse leaders who can transform school nursing in their districts, so that frontline school nurses have the guidance and support they need to work to their full scope of practice.</p> <p>Maughan emphasizes how this program is not only for school nurses but also for the students they will be serving.  </p> <div style="background-image:url(https://content.sitemasonry.gmu.edu/sites/g/files/yyqcgq336/files/2022-10/img-quote-BGgraphic.png); background-size:60%; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding: 3% 3% 3% 6%;"> <p><span class="intro-text">At its core, the School Nursing Leadership Academy is about building capacity to help school nurse leaders build their confidence and skills needed to do well in the position,” said Maughan. “We are confident this initiative will position school nurses and their program leaders to work effectively with school administrators, local health departments, health care providers and families to positively impact student health, and thus improve child health in the commonwealth and the rest of the nation.” </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="4e1c4fd6-e29b-4266-b1fe-e49d876323cc" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="1b371e03-6c9a-4704-a5a7-783f2100a5f9" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/emaugha" hreflang="en">Erin D. Maughan, PhD</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="5da06bdd-6f9e-4a3a-92e5-705814a3e1c6" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="6926eb84-bdc9-41f0-bf7b-cd619a924d77" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>More news from the College of Public Health</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-258d5b584c8eba41a9c1e575c230cfa99f9bfe5cf7458f6c41c528fc88339000"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/graduating-community-health-student-has-her-own-floss-ophy" hreflang="en">Graduating community health student has her own floss-ophy </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 2, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/college-public-health-convenes-panel-growing-public-health-crisis-social-isolation" hreflang="en">College of Public Health convenes panel on a growing public health crisis—social isolation </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 16, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/announcing-recipients-2025-presidential-awards-faculty-excellence" hreflang="en">Announcing the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 16, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-ranks-among-top-50-graduate-programs-nationally-engineering-public-policy" hreflang="en">George Mason ranks among ĢAV 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 8, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/rear-admiral-pamela-miller-highly-decorated-us-navy-medical-officer-announced-college" hreflang="en">Rear Admiral Pamela Miller, highly decorated U.S. Navy medical officer, announced as College Degree Celebration speaker</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 7, 2025</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19031" hreflang="en">Nursing Administration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16871" hreflang="en">Nursing Leadership</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7166" hreflang="en">Nursing Faculty</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6481" hreflang="en">grants</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/9751" hreflang="en">virtual reality</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18471" hreflang="en">digital innovation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/966" hreflang="en">Workforce Development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/271" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19036" hreflang="en">School Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4066" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18541" hreflang="en">TTIP</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:53:38 +0000 Taylor Thomas 110566 at Pandemic emergency food benefits end as Nutrition Month starts /news/2023-02/pandemic-emergency-food-benefits-end-nutrition-month-starts <span>Pandemic emergency food benefits end as Nutrition Month starts</span> <span><span>John Brandon C…</span></span> <span>Tue, 02/28/2023 - 14:10</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/etomasze" hreflang="und">Evelyn Tomaszewski, MSW, ACSW</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/klachari" hreflang="und">Kerri LaCharite, PhD</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/emaugha" hreflang="en">Erin D. Maughan, PhD</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/10301" hreflang="en">food insecurity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5991" hreflang="en">Department of Nutrition and Food Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17741" hreflang="en">Department of Social Work</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17736" hreflang="en">SNAP benefits</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/8686" hreflang="en">Food and Nutrition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14006" hreflang="en">Poverty and Inequalities</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><h4><span><span><em>March 1 end of program will impact millions of Americans–predominantly families and people of color</em></span></span></h4> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-02/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2843%29.jpeg?itok=Nnw_Se6D" width="262" height="350" alt="Students volunteering at Donation Drive " loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Millions of families rely on food pantries, even after the height of the pandemic. Photo Credit: Emily Bartenfelder, George Mason ĢAV BSW '20</figcaption></figure><p><span><span>On the same day National Nutrition Month kicks off, millions of individuals and families in the U.S. who currently receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assessment Program (SNAP) will see a decrease in their federal food benefits. On March 1, pandemic emergency allotments to SNAP are set to end–cutting benefits by $90 per month per person (on average). </span></span></p> <h5><span><span><strong>Despite SNAP emergency allotments, many Americans still face food insecurity</strong></span></span></h5> <p><span><span><a href="https://www.clasp.org/publications/report/brief/frequently-asked-questions-about-snap-and-students/">During the COVID-19 public health emergency</a>, food insecurity rates doubled overall throughout the nation and tripled in households with children. Congress originally enacted emergency allotments (EAs) during the pandemic to provide economic stimulus and address food insecurity. However, data shows that even though EAs kept more than 4 million people “above the poverty line,” according to a <a href="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/Effect%20of%20the%20Reevaluated%20Thrifty%20Food%20Plan%20and%20Emergency%20Allotments%20on%20Supplemental%20Nutrition%20Assistance%20Program%20Benefits%20and%20Poverty.pdf">study from the Urban Institute</a>, millions of Americans still experienced food insecurity and lived below the poverty line.  </span></span></p> <p><span><span><a href="https://socialwork.gmu.edu/profiles/etomasze">Evelyn Tomaszewski, MSW</a>, assistant professor of social work in the College of Public Health at George Mason ĢAV, underscores the severity of the issue, saying: “Food insecurity was prevalent during the pandemic and will remain a serious concern in a ’post-pandemic’ world, particularly among households with children–who were most likely to face food insecurity during the pandemic–as well as communities of color (per USDA data).”  </span></span></p> <p><span><span>“When you are struggling to balance rent and daily living expenses, a loss of $168 or $190 can translate to hardship and extreme food insecurity,” said Tomaszewski. “In 2022, <a href="https://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/snap_factsheet_virginia.pdf">9% of the population of Virginia</a>, or 1 in 11 persons, accessed SNAP benefits. We are talking about our neighbors, our students, and our colleagues.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span>A study by <a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/temporary-pandemic-snap-benefits-will-end-in-remaining-35-states-in-march">American ĢAV</a> found that by the end of 2021, Americans were paying an average of 12 percent of their income on food; for lower-income wage earners, it was closer to 36 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>In 2023, an estimated <span>34</span> million people (including 9 million children) still remain food insecure, and the cost of food is expected to rise by 3.5 percent - 4.5 percent, according to the <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/">USDA</a>.  </span></span></p> <h5><span><span><strong>Vulnerable populations already adversely affected by COVID will see the biggest impact</strong></span></span></h5> <p><span><span>“Our country’s vulnerable populations have been the most affected by COVID and inflation. Those who live significantly below the poverty threshold, including households with children headed by single women and Black and Hispanic households, rely on SNAP benefits to make sure there is food on the table,” said <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/profiles/klachari">Kerri LaCharite, PhD</a>, associate professor of Nutrition and Food Studies in the College of Public Health.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>LaCharite and Tomaszewski are also concerned for populations that will likely dip below the poverty line when EAs end, including college students, seniors living on a fixed income, and individuals with disabilities. </span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-02/BSW%20seniors2%20-%20Rachel%20Picon.jpg?itok=M2Pkna5F" width="350" height="305" alt="BSW Seniors standing in front of donated food, clothing, and non-perishable items at a donation drive" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Mason Social Work students volunteer at food pantry during COVID-19 pandemic.</figcaption></figure><p><span><span>College students who qualified for the emergency allocation will also lose their benefits on March 1, when those defined as “able-bodied adults without dependents” will again be limited to a three-month limit of benefits. According to the <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hunger-campus-fight-against-student-food-insecurity-n1063291#:%7E:text=According%20to%20data%20from%20the,college%20students%20are%20food%20insecure.&text=College%20meal%20plans%20for%20students,expensive%20for%20low%2Dincome%20students.">College and ĢAV Food Bank Alliance</a>, more than 30% of college students were food insecure in 2019, even before the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Older adults and persons with disabilities saw a decrease in SNAP benefits when they received “long overdue (and still minimal) increase to social security benefits.” With the end of EAs, benefits will be cut (on average) by $168.00 per month for households with adults aged 60 and older and (on average) $190 per month for persons with disabilities.  </span></span></p> <p><span><span>The impact of food insecurity is long-lasting for children and adults. “The long-term effects of food insecurity will affect health outcomes. In children, food insecurity is associated with cognitive problems, higher risks of being hospitalized, asthma, behavioral problems, depression, poorer general health, among a longer list. In non-senior adults, food insecurity is associated with diabetes, hypertension, mental health issues, high blood cholesterol levels, and poor sleep,” said LaCharite.</span></span></p> <h5><span><span><strong>Food banks, schools, and community support - How will individuals, families, and communities meet the need?</strong></span></span></h5> <p><span><span><a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/profiles/emaugha">Erin Maughan, PhD,</a> associate professor of nursing in the College of Public Health, works with K-12 school districts and school nurses and is particularly concerned about the impact on school-aged children, school systems, and the employees who may already be stretched thin. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>“With SNAP emergency funds decreasing, it could increase the number of students or amount of food schools will provide students. Schools already are a safety net for food (breakfast and lunch), and some provide food backpacks for the weekend. Of greater concern is how it will impact mental health and learning. When children are hungry, they can't concentrate; down the road, it could also be an issue of malnutrition,” said Maughan</span></span></p> <p><span><span>“Families are going to need to fill the gap somehow,” says LaCharite. “We have seen this in the past. It will likely mean increased reliance on food banks and pantries, skipping meals, and a significant decrease in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food insecure families buy less fruits and vegetables and buy more nonperishable staples as their budget for food shrinks.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span>People are losing a significant amount of support money available via the SNAP EA, resulting in increased reliance on food banks (which are also consistently reporting both increased need and decreased donations.) While many of our area emergency food providers saw a temporary dip in need in fall 2021, they also experienced a large increase in patrons seeking food in the spring of 2022 as inflation rates started to rise. </span></span></p> <h5><span><span><strong>What can be done to help?</strong></span></span></h5> <p><span><span>March 1 is also the start of National Social Work Month, and Tomaszewski sees an important role for social work students and faculty–and beyond. In addition to donating to area food banks, there are ways that members of the community can help those experiencing food insecurity.  </span></span></p> <p><span><span>“At the macro or systems level, everyone can advocate for the Commonwealth of Virginia to add funds to the program that not only ensures SNAP benefits (at least) similar to the SNAP EA levels but also expands coverage to those that will be losing benefits, such as ‘able-bodied persons’ and college students,” says Tomaszewski.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>She also sees an important role for those in the College of Public Health and beyond. “Social work students, and students throughout the College, directly work with those who will be affected by this policy change and/or who are at risk for food insecurity. At the individual level, social work students and allied professionals across the College can learn about food insecurity and available benefits, and ensure that clients know what is available, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and SNAP.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span>As the country recognizes National Social Work Month and National Nutrition Month, it is also an opportunity to recognize, support, and advocate for our neighbors, our students, and our colleagues who continue to experience food insecurity across the United States.</span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:10:06 +0000 John Brandon Cantrell 104736 at School of Nursing and MedStar Health partner to develop health workforce /news/2022-11/school-nursing-and-medstar-health-partner-develop-health-workforce <span>School of Nursing and MedStar Health partner to develop health workforce</span> <span><span>Mary Cunningham</span></span> <span>Tue, 11/22/2022 - 09:39</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><h3><span><span><span>Future Nurse Program provides financial assistance for Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science Nursing students</span></span></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><span><span><span><strong>Fairfax City, VA</strong> - George Mason ĢAV’s School of Nursing, in the College of Public Health, and <a href="https://www.medstarhealth.org/locations/medstar-washington-hospital-center">MedStar Washington Hospital Center</a> have established the Future Nurse Program to prepare nurses for clinical practice and to address critical nursing workforce shortages in the region.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>MedStar Health will cover in-state tuition for Mason <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/academics/bsn-programs/accelerated-second-degree-bsn-program">Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science Nursing</a> (ABSN) students accepted into the Future Nurse Program for students who agree to work for three years as a full-time licensed registered nurse at MedStar Washington Hospital Center after graduation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“This partnership with MedStar Washington Hospital Center will help bolster the nursing workforce in our area, which in turn will support the health and well-being of our local communities. The program makes becoming a Mason nurse more accessible to more people and will allow students to learn critical care skills in the environment they will work,” said Cheryl Oetjen, Interim Chair of the School of Nursing.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Students will complete the required academic coursework at Mason and complete most of their clinical coursework at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Mason Nurses are extraordinary. Not only are they prepared with the required technical skills, Mason nurses are kind, caring, and able to adapt to ever-changing situations. We are thrilled to partner with Mason and their ABSN students to develop and train future nurses who can make a difference in our patients' lives and improve our community,” said Catherine Reisenberg, Ph.D., FNP-BC, Director of Academic Practice Partnerships at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The three-year agreement between the School of Nursing and MedStar Health began in Fall 2022.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Mason’s Mason Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science Nursing program is a 12-month, full-time, pre-licensure program for applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the program. The program provides successful applicants an opportunity to experience nursing in a variety of clinical settings throughout the National Capitol area. <a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/academics/bsn-programs/accelerated-second-degree-bsn-program">Learn more here.</a></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>##</span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span><span><span>For more information about the Mason School of Nursing and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, contact Jennifer Sawyer at jsawyer6@gmu.edu.  </span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span><span><span><strong><span>About Mason</span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>George Mason ĢAV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at </span><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmu.edu%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cmcunni7%40gmu.edu%7C4d9015af9f904c5a0abd08da08347ccc%7C9e857255df574c47a0c00546460380cb%7C0%7C0%7C637831318764879510%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=dSr8fCc5MRpUEYxzm2scXhG68DQSayzdraKTWD14JcA%3D&reserved=0">http://www.gmu.edu</a><span>.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><strong><span>About the College of Public Health</span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/">College of Public Health at George Mason ĢAV</a> is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia combining public health transdisciplinary research, education, and practice in the Commonwealth as a national exemplar. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally recognized programs, including six undergraduate degrees, eight master’s degrees, five doctoral degrees, and six professional certificate programs. The College is comprised of the School of Nursing and the Departments of Global and Community Health, Health Administration and Policy, Nutrition and Food Studies, and Social Work.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><strong>About MedStar Health and MedStar Washington Hospital Center</strong></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>At MedStar Health, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. Our 30,000 associates and 4,700 affiliated physicians are committed to living this promise through our core SPIRIT values—Service, Patient first, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—across our more than 300 locations including 10 hospitals, ambulatory, and urgent care centers. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown ĢAV, MedStar Health is training future physician leaders to care for the whole person and is advancing care through the MedStar Health Research Institute. From our telemedicine and urgent care services to the region’s largest home health agency, we’re committed to providing high-quality health care that’s also easy and convenient for our patients. At MedStar Health—It’s how we treat people. Learn more at </span><a href="http://www.medstarhealth.org/"><span>MedStarHealth.org</span></a><span>.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>MedStar Washington Hospital Center is a not-for-profit, 912-bed, teaching and research hospital in the nation’s capital, and is a major referral center for treating the region’s most complex cases. Its cardiology program is highly acclaimed, and its cardiac surgery program has consistently earned the highest national rating–three stars–from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. MedStar Washington Hospital Center operates the region’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center and the District’s only Cardiac Ventricular Assist Device program, both certified by The Joint Commission. The hospital is also home to MedSTAR, a nationally verified level I trauma center with a state-of-the-art fleet of helicopters and ambulances and operates the region’s only adult Burn Center. Learn more at <a href="https://www.medstarhealth.org/locations/medstar-washington-hospital-center">MedStarWashington.org</a>. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/coetjen" hreflang="und">Cheryl Oetjen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="fdd0fb4a-9de0-430e-ae7d-6e038b0eac05" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div 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field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-09/SoN.jpg?itok=Twit3-BU" width="350" height="93" alt="school of nursing logo" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="ae1fb2db-fce5-4a15-9caf-613f33391457" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-11/MedStar%20Health%20Logo%20in%20JPG.jpg?itok=p-9Dypcb" width="350" height="140" alt="medstar health logo" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="e9d6e4c3-4234-423c-96be-402c94065ade" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz" srcset="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=gPwpqoNE 768w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz 1024w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=jNMZzKgm 1280w, " sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="" "" /></div> </div> </div><div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="30a5ebe7-e1f3-4d5e-a0df-a39930850051" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="11de40ed-68e8-4149-bb23-2622c852e09a" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div style="background-image: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(242,242,242,0), rgba(242,242,242,1));padding:5%;"> <p><span class="intro-text">Sign up for <a href="/news">The George</a>, Mason's official <strong>news</strong> source.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="18d490b8-c0d3-4da8-af56-ed6e164ba838" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1806294/1749368/" width="100%"></iframe></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17226" hreflang="en">College of Public Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/9471" hreflang="en">Healthcare Workforce Development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2391" hreflang="en">Press Release</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4111" hreflang="en">Press Releases</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:39:25 +0000 Mary Cunningham 103456 at Virginia Elected Officials Praise George Mason ĢAV’s Mason and Partners Clinic Located in Prince William Shelter /news/2022-08/virginia-elected-officials-praise-george-mason-universitys-mason-and-partners-clinic <span>Virginia Elected Officials Praise George Mason ĢAV’s Mason and Partners Clinic Located in Prince William Shelter</span> <span><span>Mary Cunningham</span></span> <span>Wed, 08/31/2022 - 10:16</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><h4><span><span><span><span>National, state, and county leaders learned about the Mason and Partner Clinics, which prepare students to serve vulnerable populations and increase access to care for marginalized communities.</span></span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span><span>Community partnerships and community-based care play an integral role in addressing the growing shortage of health care workers and the increasing demand for low-cost or free care among vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. At a shelter for unhoused individuals in Woodbridge, Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinic staff </span></span><span>work alongside the Department of Social Services and the <span>Prince William County</span> Health Department to deliver care and educate students.</span></span></span></p> <div class="align-right"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2022-08/MAP%20Clinic%20Aug%202022%20med.jpg?itok=PUT1yiO6" width="560" height="373" alt="US Representative Abigail Spanberger meets with faculty and students at Mason's MAP Clinic" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <p><span><span><span><span>On Thursday, August 24 a delegation of state and local leaders visited the Mason and Partners Clinics to discuss how the MAP Clinics’ network of 10 clinics in Fairfax and Prince William counties helps serve underrepresented communities. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The delegation included: U.S. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA - 7<sup>th</sup> District), Senator Jeremy McPike (VA - 29<sup>th</sup> District); Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (VA - 31<sup>st</sup> District), and Woodbridge District Supervisor, Margaret Franklin. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>"The MAP Clinics are important partners in the communities we serve. The unique bridge-care model and co-location in places such as shelters address community gaps in service,” said Cheryl Oetjen, Interim Director of George Mason’s School of Nursing.  The MAP Clinics are offered by the George Mason ĢAV College of Health and Human Services and School of Nursing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“We provide care for vulnerable populations here in the community – delivering services – such as </span></span><span>treating acute and chronic conditions and monthly preventative health screenings <span>–that they might not otherwise receive. In addition, students’ clinical opportunities at the MAP Clinics prepare the next generation of nurses, social workers, informaticists, and nutritionists to work with marginalized populations. This reduces the stigma and increases the likelihood of students caring for vulnerable populations throughout their careers," said Rebecca Sutter, Professor and Director of the MAP Clinics explained.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>MAP Clinic staff discussed the importance of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants to fund on-going curriculum development and training so Mason students are prepared to serve marginalized communities. MAP Clinics play a critical role in increasing access to care and </span></span><span>linking clients to community systems of support for ongoing care, and <span>helping patients navigate the health care system. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The delegation also examined the robust telehealth capabilities that the </span></span><a href="https://chhs.gmu.edu/news/2020-04/mason-and-partners-clinics-expand-telehealth-capabilities-meet-growing-demand-covid-19"><span>MAP Clinic expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic</span></a><span><span>. The MAP Clinic shelter site has had 428 telehealth visits over the past year providing acute and chronic disease education and management including access to needed medications. Federal funding for telehealth has grown since 2020 to meet growing demand for access.</span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span>“The new and emerging technology implemented at the MAP Clinic was as exciting as it was innovative. In the U.S. House of Representatives, I am committed to caring for underserved Virginians,” said Congresswoman Spanberger. Spanberger, a strong advocate for funding mental and behavioral health services for the most vulnerable, voted for the American Rescue Plan and authored the bipartisan Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act, which recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. </span></span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>"We met with undergraduate and graduate students [at the MAP Clinic] who have hands-on experience while pursuing their degrees. I believe this is a win-win for them, but also for our most vulnerable residents while we have a shortage of healthcare professionals in our area. Everyone deserves access to health care and the MAP Clinic is helping all vulnerable residents. </span></span></span></span><span><span><span>Thank you for all that you do," said Delegate Guzman. Guzman expressed her on-going commitment to helping find a permanent location and on-going funding for the MAP Clinic to help more individuals in need.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“The MAP Clinics’ impact reinforces the role of partnerships in serving the region and meeting the changing needs of the health workforce. The College continues to recruit, train, and graduate faculty and students who are committed to health equity and increased access to care,” said Dean Melissa Perry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Since starting the shelter-based clinic in Woodbridge, the MAP Clinic has seen an increase in the number of clients who advocate for themselves, utilize Clinic services, and request appointments. There has been a 40% increase in MAP Clinic service utilization from 2021 to 2022. Over the last two years, the Clinic has provided care for 543 patients and have documented a 69% reduction in emergency room visits for shelter clients. </span></span></span></p> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2022-08/MAP%20Clinic%20Aug%202022_medium.jpg?itok=XZqNHTgb" width="1480" height="986" alt="Participants in MAP Clinic's August 2022 Visit" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <p><span><span><em><span><span>College of Health and Human Services faculty and staff present at the meeting included:</span></span></em></span></span></p> <ul><li><span><span><span>Melissa Perry, Dean, College of Health and Human Services</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Cheryl Oetjen, Interim Director of the School of Nursing</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Rebecca Sutter, Professor and Director of the MAP Clinics</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Mary Righi, Operations Coordinator</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Samba Pathak, Operations Support</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span>Shanti Chang, Assistant Professor of Nursing</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Jennifer McKee,<span> Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) MAP Clinic Graduate Research Assistant, Shelter lead</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Grace Stover, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) MAP Clinic Graduate Research Assistant, Shelter lead</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Brian Longo, Bachelor of Science, Nursing and Community Health student</span></span></span></li> </ul><p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5501" hreflang="en">CHHS</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/701" hreflang="en">MAP Clinic</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/696" hreflang="en">Mason and Partners Clinic</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:16:31 +0000 Mary Cunningham 88916 at This EMT is furthering her passion for medicine at Mason /news/2022-08/emt-furthering-her-passion-medicine-mason <span>This EMT is furthering her passion for medicine at Mason</span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Mon, 08/15/2022 - 11:50</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Over the next two weeks, we will be profiling students from this fall's incoming class as a part of the series Meet the Class of 2026.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-08/Jennifer%20Owen%20group%20shot.jpg" width="400" height="250" alt="a group of EMTs outside with equipment" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Incoming freshman Jennifer Owen (left) with Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad teammates Victoria Frank and Dave Rubal. Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Following her junior year of high school, Jennifer Owen started working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>“For some people, it sounds a little crazy because I was a 17-year-old riding in an ambulance,” Owen said.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>But she absolutely loved it. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>The experience in EMS has “helped me completely decide that I like pursuing medicine,” Owen said. “I want to be a nurse. I like medicine, and I love helping people.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>As someone who works well under pressure, Owen’s ultimate goal is to become a critical care nurse, working on a medical helicopter or in the cardiac care unit. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>For this incoming freshman, George Mason ĢAV’s </span></span><a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/"><span><span><span>School of Nursing</span></span></span></a><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span> is her next step in making that a reality. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Owen said that when a fellow EMT recommended Mason’s School of Nursing because of its advanced programs, and its role in, as she said, “advocating for you to become the best health care provider you can be,” she was excited to attend as a </span></span><a href="https://nursing.gmu.edu/academics/bachelor-science-nursing-bsn-programs"><span><span>nursing</span></span></a><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span> major.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>She is especially enthusiastic about joining Mason’s </span></span><a href="https://mason360.gmu.edu/amwa/home/"><span><span><span>American Medical Women’s Association</span></span></span></a><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>, a female-run organization focused on empowering women in the medical field and advocating for female patients and women’s health. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>“I am a female, Asian, young EMT, and you never see that on an ambulance,” Owen said. “I think this group that I’ve joined will try to change that or at least bring awareness to it.” </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Owen began her EMS work at a young age as a student at the Academies of Loudoun, part of Loudoun County Public Schools.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>There, she participated in the EMT program and received her Virginia EMT certification and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>At the Academies of Loudoun, she also completed the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program, and in March worked as a nurse’s aide in a nursing home.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Because she worked toward her certifications during the COVID-19 pandemic, the work was “crazy” and “hard,” she said. “We had limited clinical hours and really limited ability to do practicals.” </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>The transition to the field was even more difficult.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>“I knew how to treat someone, and I knew a lot of textbook stuff, but I didn't know a whole lot about actually working in the field,” Owen said. “I had to relearn a lot.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Her hard work paid off when one of her instructors, who was also the sitting executive president at Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad in Purcellville, Virginia, urged her to join their team in 2021, she said. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Owen has worked with Purcellville Rescue at least once a week for more than a year. She now serves as a released attendant-in-charge, which means she is primarily responsible for the provision of emergency medical care on her ambulance.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>“Jennifer has grown into an exceptional EMT and brings a tremendous amount of patience and compassion to her service to her patients,” said </span></span><span><span>Kevin Kelly, chief of </span></span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Purcellville Rescue. </span></span><span><span>“</span></span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>As a volunteer, Jennifer has amazing dedication and a willingness to give her time to the community, which is exemplary.” </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Owen said she’ll continue working with Purcellville Rescue while completing her nursing degree at Mason.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>“I’m not ready to give up Purcellville Rescue or EMS yet,” she said. </span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>ĢAVics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">ĢAVics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/691" hreflang="en">College of Health and Human Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6746" hreflang="en">School of Nursing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16416" hreflang="en">Meet the Class of 2026</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:50:30 +0000 Colleen Rich 76576 at