Student Success Blog

Student Research Highlight: Using Virtual Reality to Improve Heart Health

Ashley Truluck, current student in the Learning Design and Technology Program, will be traveling to Athens, Greece this summer to present her peer-reviewed poster session titled, “Under Pressure: A Design to Reduce Blood Pressure Reading Errors by Clinical Staff With Virtual Reality Training.” Her work was accepted to the Immersive Learning Research Network Conference, a highly regarded international conference that brings together leading academic researchers, technology innovators, and simulation experts from around the world. Ashley developed the idea in one of her courses, EDIT 772: Virtual Worlds, Augmented Reality and Gaming Applications, and is so excited to represent George Mason at the conference! Keep reading to learn more about Ashley’s research!

George Mason CEHD Student-Athletes Honored for their Outstanding Achievements

The 2026 Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony is in its 18th year. This prestigious award recognizes George Mason University student-athletes who have earned at least 38 credit hours over the course of three semesters and achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. The awards ceremony took place on February 23, 2026. Keep reading to see all of the CEHD award recipients.

2026 Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award

Demarcus Merritt, Sr. is a student in our PhD in Education Program. Demarcus recently received the 2026 Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award from the Association of College and University Housing Officers. Keep reading to learn more about his experience and advice he has for prospective and current students.

Fields Road Elementary School 2025-26 Rising Star Award

Jenna Lewaren is a graduate student in George Mason University’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program. While working toward her degree, Jenna also teaches at Fields Road Elementary School, where she recently received their Rising Star Award for 2025-2026. Keep reading to learn more about her experience and for advice she has for prospective and current students.

My first school psychology conference: Lessons learned

As a graduate student, it is essential to find moments to reconnect to a broader purpose, as the demands of coursework, practica, and deadlines can easily become overwhelming. The Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP) hosts an annual conference for aspiring and practicing school psychologists around the state. This year, I attended for the first time as a second-year graduate student preparing for internship placements. The experience offered professional insights and refreshed my motivation and confidence as I prepare to enter the field.