In This Story
There are lifelong learners and then there are individuals like Nick Marko, who recently graduated with a Master of Biodefense and a graduate certificate in illicit trade analysis from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.
Marko also happens to be a board-certified neurosurgeon who currently serves as director of neurosurgery for LewisGale Health System in Salem, Virginia.
“I am someone who has a hard time not continuing to learn,” he said.
Marko decided to pursue a master’s in biodefense at the Schar School because of an interest in the history of biological and chemical weapons development, proliferation, and use, including both the science and the policy/political dimensions.
“I had read as much as I could on my own in my spare time, but there is always the situation of ‘You don’t know what you don’t know,’” he said.
Marko was familiar with George Mason’s reputation, having attended college and medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and was aware of the school’s online offerings.
“I knew that George Mason had one of the first departments in this [biodefense] space and that it had a great faculty,” he said. “Also, the ability to do the work online was a big plus for me, because I have a full-time day job and had to do coursework on nights and weekends in a bit of a protracted fashion. Ultimately the fit was perfect for my needs.”
Initially planning to earn a graduate certificate in biodefense, Marko’s coursework piqued his interest and led him to earn both the master’s degree and certificate.
“Things got a little bigger in scope than I had initially planned, but it was a great experience,” he said.
Because he completed his degree and certificate coursework completely online (with a few in-person campus visits), Marko appreciated the Schar School’s flexibility.
“The Dean's office was accommodating to my somewhat unique situation and was open to facilitating solutions that allowed me to pursue the degree,” he said. “I was grateful that such an opportunity was available because I couldn’t have made it work otherwise.”
He also praises his professors and advisors, Louise Shelley and Gregory Koblentz.
“They were absolutely terrific,” he said. “I met with them personally several times, and we traded a lot of emails. Both are incredibly knowledgeable and well-connected in their fields. I couldn’t have asked for a better pair of mentors.”
Before earning his degree in May, Marko earned the Outstanding Biodefense Student Award, a testament to his academic efforts and love of learning.
“I am proud of the work that I have done as part of the program,” he said. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to explore some topics of personal interest at this stage of my life and my career, and the biodefense master's was an example of how I intend to keep doing that.”