Mason Spirit Profiles

Psychology major and student-parent Valeria Fernandez was selected to represent Mason as Generation Hope's FamilyU fellow for the 2022–23 cohort. She grew as a leader and advocate during that time and went on to work as a student-parent ambassador with Mason’s Contemporary Student Services.

Since 1989, more than 3,000 people have been exonerated after being wrongly convicted. In his new book, The Politics of Innocence: How Wrongful Convictions Shape Public Opinion (New York University Press, September 2023), Robert J. Norris, associate professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society, and his coauthors explore the political dynamics that shape the innocence movement.

Princess Aliyah Pandolfi, BS in Management '04, is the co-founder and executive director of Kashmir World Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered species through novel technologies, such as autonomous drones and AI.

Rachel Wernicke has worked as an Army officer, psychologist, therapist, and coach. In 2019, she moved into her current role: associate dean and chief mental health officer at George Mason University.

Doug McKenna is university registrar at George Mason University. Many things change over the years at a college or university, but the university registrar serves as the guardian of something permanent. “I’m responsible for maintaining the student record in perpetuity,” said McKenna.

Mason alum Eman Pahlavani talks about his experience as an experienced entrepreneur.

Arion Lillard-Green, already a Mason alum, returned to complete her PhD in health services research.

In her new book, Sue Slocum, an associate professor in Mason’s School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management, features experts who provide examples of overcoming discrimination within the field of tourism.

Will Gautney started working at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts as a part-time stagehand in 2013. The job involved lots of lifting, building, and prep work for shows. In 2018, he was hired full-time as assistant master electrician, his current role. He is also chair of Mason's Staff Senate.

George Mason University professor and alum Susan Howard created Go Nisha Go, an award-winning game that helps girls and young women in India navigate and negotiate life choices.

Mason President Gregory Washington lauded brothers Maruf and Mahfuz Ahmed at a special event for embodying the possibilities that Mason offers with its steadfast commitment to access and inclusion.

Olga O’Brien started her journey at George Mason University as an international student from Prague on a volleyball scholarship. As a student, she started working as a part-time volleyball instructor at the Freedom Center in 1999—the year the center first opened. And she has been there ever since.