Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Connor Mikula is an active performer and teacher in the Washington D.C. area and currently serves as a saxophonist with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. He joined the organization in 2019 and has performed regularly at the White House as well as in concerts around the D.C. area and throughout the United States.

Originally from the great state of Michigan, he holds degrees from University of Michigan (MM Music Performance) and Michigan State University (DMA, BM Music Performance & Jazz Minor). Dr. Mikula has studied under Dr. Timothy McAllister, Prof. Joe Lulloff, and Dr. Jonathan Nichol.

Dr. Patrick LeStrange, Adjunct Applied Faculty in Viola at the Dewberry School of Music at George Mason University, earned the Doctor of Music Interpretation and Master of Music from l’Université de Montréal, as well as a Bachelor of Music from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. His primary teachers included Roberta Crawford, Victoria Chiang, Jutta Puchhammer-Sédillot, as well as string pedagogy studies with Rebecca Henry.

His goal was to create “lasting and sustainable solutions for the world’s poorest countries,” but Michael R. Curtis needed the knowledge that would come with a Schar School PhD to make that happen. And it did.

Tim McAliley leverages his extensive IT experience to teach a graduate capstone course in data analytics engineering at George Mason University, connecting students with real-world challenges and fostering their professional development. 

From degrees in engineering and geoinformation science to her current role as a director in AI and machine learning, Adjunct Professor Aisha Behr brings a wealth of industry experience to the classroom, inspiring students with real-world knowledge and innovative teaching methods. 

Brian Burke’s career path, from fighter pilot to ESPN data analyst, demonstrates that whether it’s a 4th-and-inches decision or a career pivot into analytics, calculated risks can pay off.

Ken Nidiffer, a seasoned engineer and former Air Force colonel, has dedicated over 30 years to teaching at George Mason University, where he mentors aspiring software and system engineers. 

From designing innovative courses to mentoring students and fostering industry connections, Adjunct Professor Carolyn Wilson is channeling her decades of expertise into empowering the next generation of scientists at George Mason University. 

Adjunct Professor Matthew Doyle is leading a new senior design class, advising competition-winning teams, and guiding a student organization that provides water to communities in need. He also oversees the design and construction of capital projects for the wastewater collection system for Fairfax County. 

While working full-time in Northern Virginia as a consultant in technology, management, and marketing analysis for over a decade, Tigran Markaryan has also been teaching statistics at George Mason University as an adjunct professor.