Research

Jessye Gassel has always been fascinated with spinning bodies. Gassel found herself looking forward to her high school physics class every day and knew, by junior year, that she would pursue it in college. A senior-year astronomy class honed that direction toward astrophysics.

At the end of January, three George Mason University students presented their research at the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol in Richmond. Now in its second year, the event gives undergraduates from each of NURVa’s 13 member universities an opportunity to present their research to state legislators and fellow researchers alike. Students worked with faculty through George Mason’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) to refine their work and apply to the selective event.

Whether ordering a pizza to split with friends or planning a family excursion, better communication can help reduce the anxiety that surrounds joint-consumption situations. Sharaya Jones, assistant professor of marketing at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, recently published research targeting this understudied area of consumer psychology.

George Mason doctoral student Caroline Toth looks at how adolescents’ social media use is associated with the structure of their in-person friendship networks. Her research shows that friendships were more likely among youth with similar levels of problematic social media use and digital status seeking.

With new evidence from home service workers, George Mason University researchers found that paid sick leave can function as a public health intervention.

George Mason researchers are leading a Department of Energy–funded project to make AI more energy-efficient and private by using brain-inspired computing and novel spintronic devices.

In partnership with Children’s National Hospital, George Mason University scientists have discovered a new way to detect early signs of kidney damage in childhood patients with Sickle Cell Disease. Atwo-year $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Health Research Board will support this work.

Wildfires are notoriously difficult to predict. One George Mason professor is hoping to change that.

Researchers are attempting to 3D print inexpensive prosthetic lower limbs for children, allowing them to run and play with their friends.

George Mason University will establish Virginia’s first grid-interactive AI data center research lab, addressing emerging challenges at the intersection of data centers and the power grid. The lab will advance clean energy integration, grid resilience, and sustainable data center operations while preparing the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals.