Faculty and Staff News

Off the Clock: Katie Richards named Prince William County Poet Laureate

Katarina Benson — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:00:19 +0000

Off the Clock: Katie Richards named Prince William County Poet Laureate Katarina Benson Thu, 10/29/2026 - 15:00

Katie Richards, BA ’12, MFA ’21, senior graduate program coordinator in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Higher Education Program, was recently named poet laureate of Prince William County. Richards’s proposal for the role focused on making poetry accessible to community members with disabilities.

Katie Richards crowned as Prince William County poet laureate. Photo provided

In her role as poet laureate, Richards plans to host adapted workshops and a reading series as well as publish a digital poetry anthology toward the end of her term. Her goal is to offer a workshop once a month for six months to nine different disabled community groups over the next two years.

The anthology project will be made up of creative work created by community members in these workshops and shared via a website where participants can choose to publish their work.

Richards is also hosting a bimonthly reading series, which will be open to the public and designed to be accessible for attendees in terms of location as well as format with sensory support.

Richards hopes her work will make poetry more accessible to disabled individuals in the community and inspire inclusivity across Prince William County.

"My hope is that this reading series will extend beyond the two-year term and that this term is just the beginning of starting this specific writing community in Prince William County,” she said. “I’ve learned over the years that writing is a very communal thing. I am the poet I am because of the community I write with.”

Tell us about your background in poetry.

I’ve written poetry since elementary school and always knew I wanted to be a writer. My father was an amazing oral storyteller and would often tell us hours-long stories that he would just spin off the top of his head on car trips or at bedtime over multiple days.

In high school, I was in the Center for Fine Arts in Prince William County as a musician but then made friends with all the creative writing students in the program. I was very active in the literary magazine Eddas there and took several creative writing classes with these friends where I continued to work on my poetry.

I came to George Mason as an undergrad English major where again I really focused on poetry. While in the program, I wrote three manuscripts, and my third manuscript eventually became my first book, Apple Mind (Safe Harbor Publishing, 2024).

What made you decide to apply for poet laureate?

My creative writing teacher from high school, Cathy Hailey, is a member of the Prince William Poet Laureate Circle. She encouraged me to apply for the 2024-26 cycle. At that time, my spouse and I were in the weeds of figuring out and managing our young children’s diagnoses and therapy care as they are both autistic. It wasn’t the right moment for me to be able to focus on a poet laureate project, so I held off but kept it in mind that I wanted to apply for the 2026-28 cycle.

What inspired your proposal?

Being the mother of two disabled people, I often see them left out of things because people make assumptions about what they can or can’t do. This happens especially often with my son, since he is majorly nonspeaking and has global dyspraxia. Sometimes the exclusion is obvious, like parents encouraging their children not to play with him at the playground, and other times it is more insidious, like people not speaking to him directly or addressing him like he’s a toddler because they assume he can’t understand.

My children continue to push and show others all they are capable of because we presume competence with them. They both see the world in a completely creative way. They both have strong eyes for visuals and find details in the day-to-day that I often miss. This attention to detail, seeing things from a different perspective, and acuity for noticing is a beautiful skillset for writing good poetry. So, I thought, how many other individuals are in our community with these natural skills but with no way to hone them? Why not propose an accessible workshop series?

How did it feel to be crowned poet laureate?

John Dutton, Prince William County Poet Laureate 2024-26, passes on the crown to Katie Richards. Photo provided

I was overcome with emotion, which really surprised me. Mainly, I think, because I feel so excited for this work. We have so many challenges in our day-to-day as a family navigating disability support, and creative work for this community is incredibly meaningful to me. It is important work, and I am excited to have a platform to give visibility to this problem.

As a trained poet and a mother trained in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), other speech therapy supports, and occupational therapy sensory integration supports, I have a unique combination of skills that will allow me to work with others to do this project. I felt the excitement and the responsibility of this title all at once at the crowning.

To connect with Richards on this project, visit her website.

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Faculty and Staff News

School of Integrative Studies

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Off the Clock

Martin Abruzzo is November Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:51:43 +0000

Martin Abruzzo is November Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Wed, 10/28/2026 - 09:51

Martin (Marty) Abruzzo excels as student services coordinator and academic advisor in ��ɫ��Ƶ's School of Integrative Studies (SIS). A vital part of the school, Abruzzo has helped more than 7,000 students since joining the department in 2018. In addition to advising, Marty teaches several classes including INTS 391 Understanding Integrative Studies, CHSS 101 CHSS First Year Experience, INTS 395 College to Career, and UNIV 100 Introduction to Mason.

An alum with an MEd in counseling and development, he has been recognized as a Top Ten Academic Advisor of the Year in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2026, and awarded the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Award and the 2024 College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Service Excellence Award. Adding to his list of accolades, Abruzzo has been awarded the November Employee of the Month for his competence, kindness, and dedication to the school and George Mason.

"From day one, Marty modeled what it means to put students first, and his mentorship shaped how I approach my own work with students. I have watched him go above and beyond for students facing difficult circumstances, and everyone who works alongside him feels his commitment to the department's culture of care," said academic advisor Candace Stanfield.

Kelly Dunne, SIS associate chair and director of undergraduate programs, said, "Marty is a dedicated employee and an incredible colleague. He is generous with his time, knowledge, and skills and works to ensure everyone feels welcome, heard and valued."

"Marty is consistent, fair, and honest. If Marty says he'll do something, he does it, and he does it well,” said academic advisor Amollie Stoermer.

Stephanie Zeher, SIS operations manager, called Abruzzo “a beacon of light,” adding, “I cannot emphasize enough how valuable he is not only to our students, but to our colleagues in SIS and around campus. He is always cheerful, respectful, and very thoughtful."

"Marty's great performance is rooted in his empathetic manner and strong organizational skills. He is a trustworthy employee who gets the job done and gets along well with everybody he has worked with,” said P. Daniel Chen, SIS chair and an associate professor in the Higher Education Program.

How did you come to Mason:

In May 2009, my late wife, Jenna Kappel, and I moved to Fairfax for her career during the housing crisis in Washington, D.C. When looking at apartments, the representative told me that George Mason was just a few blocks away. I had known the name of the school from the 2006 NCAA basketball run. I came to explore the campus, fell in love, and got my master’s in counseling from here while I was a stay-at-home dad. While Jenna was facing chemo and treatments, I completed my practicum/internship at University Career Services. I have been helping our amazing students ever since.

I believe I have served about 6,500 students in eight years. I have been honored with the top 10 advisor of the year award four times, UNIV 100 Faculty of the Year award, and the very first College of Humanities and Social Sciences Service Excellence award recipient. All of this for doing what I love to do, I am just so grateful!

Best day on the job:

There are so many to choose from! I will say that working at George Mason is like being on the set of a sitcom. So many great and diverse characters and each one is from anywhere all over this great country, some from right here in Fairfax. So many people have helped build me and this honor of Employee of the Month is kept by me with them in mind, always.

I think the best was receiving an invitation to attend the graduation of a student who had struggled during his academic career. I got to know him and his family, and I told him he would be a 3.0 student by the end. He proved me right and is now going to teach in Fairfax County. I was able to go to his graduation this past spring. There are so many stories like this here. We get the privilege to invest in our youth and make a strong impact on their decisions. What a career of bliss this has been so far!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The students. The amount of thank you’s, smiles, appreciation, and talent these students have is overwhelming at times. I like to joke that I never really left college, and why would I!? I also have met amazing staff who have helped me learn in this role and grow at this university. As the son of two elementary school principals, I am lucky to be working in higher education every day and am grateful out loud and often to have the opportunity to help students every day.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

My girlfriend Rachel and I are very busy these days as she has two daughters, 22 and 17, and I have two sons, 19 and 15. We attend band performances, will attend crew meets in the spring, and visit East Carolina University where my son Jack goes. I enjoy reading about history and government, walks with my dog Winnie every day, and the World Series!

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Human Resources

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In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on George Mason’s campuses

lclarkg — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:36:55 +0000

In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on George Mason’s campuses lclarkg Thu, 10/22/2026 - 10:36

��ɫ��Ƶ’s Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) empowers students to navigate barriers to academic success and well-being through advocacy, holistic support, inclusive services, and prevention education—fostering resilience, safety, stability, and lifelong success for students.

The center recently honored its 10th anniversary with a series of events, including a donation drive to benefit one of its key services: the Patriot Pantry, which provides access to nonperishable food and hygiene items to George Mason students who are experiencing food insecurity. The “End Hunger Games” competition brought the campus community together for a common cause and highlighted the work SSAC does to address food insecurity.

The Student Support and Advocacy Center hosted the "End Hunger Games" donation drive to support the Patriot Pantry. At the wrap-up event, attendees relished in the spoils of victory and celebrated the successful initiative with carnival games. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Each team in the competition was assigned a specific item to donate. The Office of University Branding was dubbed "District Black Bean." Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“The purpose of the event was to demonstrate that anyone can be a part of addressing food insecurity on our campuses,” said John Eichler, coordinator for Basic Needs Services in SSAC.

Twenty-six teams participated across the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square, representing university offices, departments, and student organizations. Each team was assigned a specific nonperishable food item or hygiene product to collect for the pantry.

As a result, 1,730 pounds of nonperishable food items and hygiene products were collected during the month-long donation period. The Office of University Branding claimed first place in the competition, collecting a total of 500 pounds of black beans.

“Students often feel they face food insecurity alone,” said Eichler. “Creating a campus-wide event brings more visibility to college students’ hunger and lets students know there is a community that strives to support their right to basic needs like food.”

With the large influx of donations through the End Hunger Games, community members can support the Patriot Pantry in the following ways:

Donate to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund and the Patriot Pantry Expansion Fund;
Order still-needed items from the Amazon wish lists for the  Fairfax  and  Mason Square pantries. Ship directly to the pantry address included on the wish list, or drop off items in the donation bins on the Fairfax Campus, Student Union Building I, Room 3011, or at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 211;
Sign up to receive information about individual or group volunteer opportunities with the Patriot Pantry. Contact pantry@gmu.edu with questions.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

More about the Student Support and Advocacy Center

Mason Now: Power the Possible

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University Life Mason Square

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Mason Now: Power the Possible

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Faculty and Staff News

Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and Traffic Advisory

lclarkg — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:33:17 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and Traffic Advisory lclarkg Tue, 10/20/2026 - 11:33

Expect increased traffic and road closures on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, during an evening concert at EagleBank Arena and the Once Upon a Scream event.

Lot L will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the George Mason Trunk or Treat.

Wednesday, Oct. 21: Concert at EagleBank Arena

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Levels 4–5 of the Shenandoah Parking Deck will be available to General permit holders from 4–11 p.m. Enter through the Level 3 permit entrance.

Allow extra travel time and avoid the area near EagleBank Arena and Braddock Road when possible. To minimize delays, park in the Rappahannock Parking Deck and use University Drive or Roberts Road to enter and exit campus. Visit eaglebankarena.com for more information about events at EagleBank Arena.

Thursday, Oct. 22: Once Upon a Scream

Once Upon a Scream festivities will happen at Chesapeake River Lane and the Fenwick Lawn from 7–10 p.m.

Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic and parking starting at 2 p.m. Disabled parking access by Commonwealth Hall and by Fenwick Library will remain available.

Saturday, Oct. 24: Trunk or Treat

The majority of Lot L will be closed from Friday, Oct. 23, at 11 p.m. until Saturday evening for the George Mason Trunk or Treat.

For parking and traffic updates, follow @MasonParking on X. For questions, contact parking@gmu.edu.

More about EagleBank Arena

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Faculty and Staff News

Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program

Martha Bushong — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:07:36 +0000

Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program Martha Bushong Mon, 10/19/2026 - 14:07

The Department of Cyber Security Engineering celebrated a national honor for Associate Professor Alexandre Barreto, who was selected for the inaugural 2027 cohort of EM-FUEL (Entrepreneurial Mindset for Future University Engineering Leaders), a leadership-development program supported by KEEN and Engineering Unleashed. Designed for emerging leaders in engineering and computing, the year-long program helps faculty develop the skills and networks needed to drive innovation and institutional impact.

Alex Barreto, an associate professor int he Department of Cyber Security Engineering is committed to providing engaging learning experiences for students. Photo provided.

Barreto earned the distinction through his commitment to creating engaging, real-world learning experiences for students. At ��ɫ��Ƶ, he has championed entrepreneurial mindset learning in cybersecurity education, including innovative “Shark Tank” projects that encourage master's and doctoral students to tackle complex challenges while working alongside industry, government, and academic partners. 

“I look forward to bringing this experience back to further strengthen our ‘Shark Tank’ projects, which connect students to real-world challenges through partnerships with industry, government, and academia,” Barreto said. 

His selection reflects both his dedication to student success and George Mason's commitment to preparing future cybersecurity leaders who can translate technical expertise into meaningful impact. The knowledge and connections gained through EM-FUEL will help create even more opportunities for students to engage with real-world problems, build professional networks, and develop the entrepreneurial skills that today's workforce demands. 

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Cyber Security

Faculty and Staff News

College of Engineering and Computing

Fairfax Campus Notice: Traffic Advisory for Saturday, Oct. 17

lclarkg — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:08:27 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Traffic Advisory for Saturday, Oct. 17 lclarkg Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:08

Expect road and parking closures on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the George Mason 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run benefiting the University Life Student Emergency Assistance Fund and fireworks following the men’s soccer game.

The Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m.; the 5K starts at 8 a.m.

The George Mason men’s soccer game against George Washington starts at 7 p.m., with fireworks expected around 9 p.m.

Morning closures during the Fun Run and 5K:

5:45–9:30 a.m.: Mason Pond Drive between Patriot Circle and Mason Pond Deck; Mason Pond Deck also closed.
7–9 a.m.: Campus Drive from Rapidan River Road to Patriot Circle; University Drive east of Rappahannock Parking Deck; Global Lane from Mason Pond Drive to Campus Drive; and the PV Lot. Detours will be in effect.
Intermittent lane closures around Patriot Circle.

Evening closures during the fireworks:

9–10 p.m.: Campus Drive from Rapidan River Road to Patriot Circle and Global Lane adjacent to the PV Lot.

For questions, contact Parking and Transportation at parking@gmu.edu.

More about George Mason Athletics

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Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers honors two George Mason professors

tdonnel — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:05:45 +0000

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers honors two George Mason professors tdonnel Wed, 10/14/2026 - 11:05

In This Story

Shima Mohebbi

Faculty in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) continue to gain national recognition for excellence in research, teaching, and professional leadership. This year, two faculty members received major honors from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), one of the field’s leading professional organizations.

Lizhi Wang Named IISE Fellow

Lizhi Wang, professor of bioengineering and systems engineering and operations research, was selected as a 2026 IISE Fellow, one of the highest distinctions awarded by the organization. The honor recognizes outstanding leaders whose nationally recognized contributions have advanced the industrial and systems engineering profession.

Lizhi Wang. Photo provided.

Wang joined George Mason in 2025. Throughout his career, he has applied systems engineering principles to complex challenges in agriculture, environmental systems, animal health, and human health. His research integrates mathematical modeling, optimization, and data-driven methods to better understand and improve biological systems.

His work has led to innovations in crop production, livestock management, and digital twin technologies, including the co-founding of agricultural technology companies that help growers improve yields while reducing resource consumption. More recently, Wang has focused on using physiology-based models to better understand the human heart and support advances in disease prevention and healthcare.

In addition to his research achievements, Wang has demonstrated extensive service to IISE, including editorial leadership, participation in professional divisions and boards, and mentoring future faculty through the organization’s Future Faculty Fellows program.

Shima Mohebbi Receives IISE Sustainable Development Teaching Award

Associate Professor Shima Mohebbi was honored with the 2026 IISE Sustainable Development Division Excellence in Teaching Sustainability Award. The award recognizes exceptional educators who advance sustainability principles through innovative teaching, applied learning experiences, and student engagement.

Shima Mohebbi. Photo provided.

Mohebbi’s teaching and research focus on resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems, data-driven decision making, optimization, and artificial intelligence applications for complex engineering challenges. Her work connects systems engineering with pressing societal issues, helping students understand how engineering methods can support sustainability, resilience, and informed decision making.

A nationally recognized scholar and educator, Mohebbi has earned numerous honors for both research and teaching and has held leadership roles within IISE, including service as president of the organization’s Modeling and Simulation Division. The teaching award highlights her commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers to address sustainability challenges through systems thinking and analytical problem-solving.

Together, these distinctions reflect the growing impact of SEOR faculty on the industrial and systems engineering profession through innovative research, outstanding teaching, and dedicated service to the field.

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Systems Engineering and Operations Research

Faculty and Staff News

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day keeps people at the center of a changing workplace

lclarkg — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:40:45 +0000

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day keeps people at the center of a changing workplace lclarkg Thu, 10/08/2026 - 10:40

How do we embrace rapidly evolving technology while continuing to put people first? That question is at the heart of ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day, a university-wide professional development event on October 21.

This annual event hosted by Human Resources offers faculty and staff a chance to build new skills, navigate change, leverage emerging technologies, and make meaningful connections across the university. A fireside chat with university leaders, keynote address, networking opportunities, and a range of breakout sessions will support professional and personal growth.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

This year’s theme, "People First, Future Ready," reflects George Mason's commitment to innovation: embracing new technology to support employees and students, increasing efficiency, and staying on the cutting edge, all while keeping people at the center.

"As we explore new ideas, technologies, and ways of working, it's important to remember that our success begins with people,” said Chris Ackerman, vice president and chief human resources officer. “Supporting one another and investing in our community are essential to building a workplace where everyone can thrive."

The fireside chat with George Mason Provost and Executive Vice President Marion Underwood, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Rose Pascarell, and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Julie Zobel will explore the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and what they mean for day-to-day work at George Mason.

Kevin Rockmann, professor of management and assistant dean for research in the Costello College of Business, whose research focuses on working relationships in organizations and new ways of working, will deliver the keynote address.

Participants can customize their experience by choosing from a robust slate of 17 different breakout sessions designed and presented by faculty and staff from across the university. The planning committee accepted and reviewed session proposals this summer.

“Our breakout session presenters are all George Mason faculty and staff, and they are ready to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues,” said Robyn Madar, assistant vice president of talent development in Human Resources. “We are grateful for our talented presenters who showcase the creativity and innovation across our workforce and support professional development across George Mason.”

Photo provided

Breakout sessions cover a wide range of topics: learning lessons about trust, accountability, and teamwork from the experiences of student-athletes; tapping into shared expertise and group intelligence to solve problems together; leading through change; using artificial intelligence to support everyday work; and more.

"What keeps me coming back are the conversations, connections, and practical takeaways I can use throughout the year," said one participant.

A lunchtime resource fair offers participants a chance to connect with representatives from campus offices and services that support well-being and professional development.

The day will close with a service activity—assembling well-being kits for members of the George Mason community—and a conversation about how supporting others contributes to a healthier workplace, bringing home the theme of People First, Future Ready.

"We wanted to focus on how faculty and staff can feel supported and inspired in an environment where technology and workplace expectations are changing so quickly,” said Bridget Peabody, training coordinator in Human Resources and long-time member of the Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day planning committee. "This event will help them see these changes as exciting opportunities to grow."

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day will take place on Wednesday, October 21, on the Fairfax Campus. Registration is now open for George Mason faculty and staff.

In This Story

Kevin Rockmann

Rose Pascarell, MA

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Human Resources

professional development

Costello College of Business

Shane Hayes is October Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:28:07 +0000

Shane Hayes is October Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Wed, 09/30/2026 - 15:28

Shane Hayes, technical specialist in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Information Technology Services, is known for saving the day. He excels at creating innovative solutions, revolutionizing workspaces, and adapting to any challenge that technology can throw at him. For his hard work and dedication to helping others, he has been awarded October Employee of the Month.

President Gregory Washington with October Employee of the Month Shane Hayes. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

“Shane is consistently reliable, and we all benefit greatly from his respectful, inclusive, and friendly approach,” said Heather Aleknavage, administrative assistant and project coordinator in the Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience.

“Shane is empathetic and professional,” said Patricia King, office manager in Research and Innovation Initiatives. “His work ethic is collaborative and inclusive, and he has developed strong rapport across the [Office of Research] offices.”

Former colleague Margaret Lindsey said, “Shane consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to supporting our students and staff, ensuring that everyone has the reliable technology and assistance they need to succeed.”

Sarah Parnell, director of provost operations and administration, commended Hayes on his grace under pressure. “What truly sets Shane apart is his ability to ensure everything appears smooth and seamless—even when challenges are occurring behind the scenes,” she said. “His steady presence instills confidence, and he has become the go-to person we rely on, knowing the work will be done well.”

How did you come to Mason:

I was looking through the job portal and came upon an open position in ITS and applied. I wanted to work for a place that had a team and where my work was in some way or somehow helping others, as opposed to being part of corporate.

Best day on the job:

Going to the Fuse with team members to help assist a move. It allowed me to vibe with teammates as well as explore the Fuse building while I assisted with moving teams into the building. I learned about the unique way they did electrical outlets in the building as well as how the Arlington campus buildings were all interconnected with one another. I also ended up meeting one of Einstein’s descendants.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

I like the people that I work with as well as the fact that the work I do helps people with their own goals. It always feels good that the help I give makes someone’s day better, which I hope also has a trickle-down effect, subsequently everyone is little bit happier.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

One of the things I like to do when I’m not working is cooking, especially looking up dishes and just trying to craft a meal and see how it tastes. Then there is also the learning process. Sometimes not everything comes out perfectly, and I enjoy learning from those mistakes so that the next time I attempt that dish it will come out better. Additionally, I like hearing my housemates’ feedback on my food.

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Explore Fuse at Mason Square

Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance

lclarkg — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:20:21 +0000

Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance lclarkg Wed, 09/30/2026 - 10:20

Long-distance running requires discipline, endurance, and mental toughness. Sarah Holland, CERG Folklore Studies '22, communications officer in the Office of University Branding, has been running in 5ks, half marathons, and trail races across the United States for years.

They recently finished a 28k at The Rut, a trail running festival in Big Sky, Montana. In this race, Holland ascended and descended a rugged mountain summit more than 11,000 feet above sea level, finishing in approximately seven and a half hours.

Across all the different races Holland runs, a variety of terrains—or the novelty of an interesting theme—keep the journey interesting.

“I’d say my favorite type of race is less about distances and more about vibes,” Holland said.

Sarah Holland completed the 28k race at The Rut, a trail running festival in Big Sky, Montana. This section of the race is aptly named Bonecrusher Ridge. Photo provided

Please share a bit about The Rut. What inspired you to participate?

The Rut is one of the largest trail running events in North America. Runners tackle a variety of distances, all of which run up, down, and around Lone Mountain on highly technical and challenging terrain while battling thousands of feet of elevation gain and loss.

The 28k, which is the race I did this year, is about 17.3 miles. A friend of mine did the race in 2019. I watched her and, in a moment of delirious self-confidence, said, “Yeah, I could probably do that.” Mind you, I had never run a trail race before, nor had I ever climbed anything higher than maybe 1,000 feet. But I love unique and unusual running experiences, and this felt like something that would, at minimum, make an entertaining story.

In 2022 I “ran” (it was more like...hiking with purpose) the 28k and somehow not only survived but finished within the cutoff time. Since then, I’ve gotten a lot stronger, a lot faster, and a lot better at trail running. After running the 21k last year, I wanted to give the 28k another shot to see if I could do it faster this time around.

Describe how you felt when you finished the race.

Very, very dehydrated! But proud, for accomplishing my goal of running it faster than the first time. There is a dual sense of elation for doing something incredibly hard and succeeding while also feeling physically depleted and a little delirious. It takes a few hundred calories, a gallon of water, and a good shower to bring your brain back online.

How long have you been running and participating in races? Do you have a favorite type of race?

I started running 5ks in college, and I think my first half marathon was in 2018. I usually do a few races a year, along with running multiple times a week.

My goal is to run a race in every state, including Washington, D.C. I like unique experiences, like the International Half-Marathon that runs from Detroit, Michigan, into Windsor, Canada, and back, or the King Crab Challenge, where you run three races in Maryland and get a massive medal the size of your head as a reward.

I’ve also run the Richmond Half-Marathon a few times, not because the course is unique, but because the crowds for that race are amazing. The whole city turns out to celebrate and support the runners.

Sarah Holland, communications officer in the Office of University Branding, crosses the finish line at The Rut. Photo provided

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience?

I’ve had a lot of memorable experiences...some good, and some not so good. I fainted in the middle of Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, after running the Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon. That was certainly memorable.

But generally, seeing what my body is capable of is really rewarding: finishing The Rut for the first time or setting a new personal best during my first race after sustaining a partial Achilles tear. It’s wild what you’re capable of when put to the test, and it’s been really cool to watch myself get faster and stronger over the past decade of endurance running.

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as a runner?

Other than running and working, I write fiction, paint, play the cello, and I've recently started taking acting classes. There are a surprising number of skills and lessons that you can take from running and apply to creative fields: the importance of rest days, the value in pushing yourself to try something difficult even if you won’t do it perfectly, the necessity of practice. These are all things that transfer between running and creative practice. And I think I’m a much better artist as a result.

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Off the Clock: Katie Richards named Prince William County Poet Laureate

Tell us about your background in poetry.

What made you decide to apply for poet laureate?

What inspired your proposal?

How did it feel to be crowned poet laureate?

Topics

Martin Abruzzo is November Employee of the Month

How did you come to Mason:

Best day on the job:

What do you like best about working at Mason:

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

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In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on George Mason’s campuses

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Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program

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Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers honors two George Mason professors

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Lizhi Wang Named IISE Fellow

Shima Mohebbi Receives IISE Sustainable Development Teaching Award

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Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day keeps people at the center of a changing workplace

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Shane Hayes is October Employee of the Month

How did you come to Mason:

Best day on the job:

What do you like best about working at Mason:

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

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Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance

Please share a bit about The Rut. What inspired you to participate?

Describe how you felt when you finished the race.

How long have you been running and participating in races? Do you have a favorite type of race?

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience?

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as a runner?

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