College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Foreign languages major Yamileth Hernandez-Becerra and community health major Melody Campos received a Best Poster award for their research, “Community Roots, Linguistic Equity: The Power of Outreach in Dual Language Immersion,” during the Summer 2025 OSCAR Celebration of Student Research and Impact in August.

When Liang Luo steps into a classroom—or works on a film, for that matter—she brings with her a rare blend of scholarship, creativity, and cultural sensitivity. This fall, Luo begins her role as chair of George Mason University’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages, a position that recognizes her academic leadership as well as her global perspective. 

For George Mason University sophomore Nathan Ferraro, summer hasn’t been about taking a break—it’s been about chasing his dream job.

For Mason Korea students Dayeon Shin and Taeyeong Kim, a classroom discussion on urban flooding turned into something much bigger- a research project on “sponge cities,” or urban areas designed to absorb and reuse rainwater, and their potential in Seoul’s Gangnam district. They presented the project at the 2025 Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) annual congress.

They’re proud George Mason University graduates doing impactful work for the National Football League’s (NFL) Washington Commanders and helping to change the face of professional football.

For Ryanne Mardini, the humanities and STEM go hand in hand. The criminology, law and society major's summer internship with WorldStrides has taken her across the United States, inspiring young scholars to explore the world of STEM through hands-on learning opportunities.

There are currently more than 80,000 unaccounted-for service members from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf War, and other conflicts. George Mason University’s ongoing collaboration with the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is exploring new ways of locating the missing remains of those American service members and bringing closure to their families. 

If you were given George Mason University branded gear of any sort since 2006—from hoodies and tees to Hawaiian shirts and bucket hats—chances are good that Mike Ickowitz, BA Communication ’03, had something to do with creating it.

Yijue Liang has made occupational health the focus of her research. Now, she's working on finding ways to make the workplace as safe and welcoming as possible.

John Kotcher has been named interim director of the Center for Climate Change Communication. Kotcher succeeds Edward Maibach, the center’s founding director and Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, who is retiring after 18 years.