Student Success Blog

PhD candidate Kelly Poretti is using VR to build confidence among prosthetic users

Kelly Poretti, a doctoral candidate in the PhD in Education Program with a concentration in kinesiology and co-founder of the American Society of Biomechanics at George Mason, was awarded the Switzer Research Fellowship through the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.

Presidential Management Fellowship Info Session

Apply for the Presidential Management Fellows Program

Information Session Monday, September 11, 2023
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Virtual on Zoom

Applications open Sept. 12-25

The Presidential Management Fellowship program is the premier program for leadership development in the Federal civil service. This two-year fellowship was established to attract to federal services outstanding individuals who have a clear interest in, and commitment to excellence in, the leadership and management of public policies and programs. If you are planning to apply or simply want to learn more about the program, please mark your calendars for the upcoming information session. Schar School alumni selected as Presidential Management Fellows will also be on hand to discuss their experiences with the program. 

This Event is Only Available to Current Graduate Students and Alumni of Graduate Programs. 

Date:  Monday, September 11, 2023 

Time:  6:30pm – 8:00pm 

Location:  Virtual Event (on Zoom) 

Register:  Handshake (joinhandshake.com) 

Three CEHD Students Awarded Fellowships

Three students in the College of Education and Human Development were awarded fellowships for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Read this news story for more, and learn more about each student below.


Ninamarie Avedissian

Ninamarie Avedissian, pursuing an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship.

Headshot of Ninamarie Avedissian

“As an avid language learner, I want to utilize the methods that have helped me learn languages, such as translating songs, in my future ESOL classroom and help students see the beauty in learning another language.

Through participating in CLS Spark, I hope to expand my cultural awareness and gain inspiration for culturally inclusive activities I can implement in the classroom. I hope to better understand the challenges Arabic-speaking students may face when learning English and create meaningful connections with students and families of Arabic backgrounds.”

Ninamarie Avedissian

Trinidee Baker

Trinidee Baker, graduating this spring with an MEd in Education Leadership, was awarded the Presidential Management Fellowship.

Headshot of Trinidee Baker

“I chose the Education Leadership program because I wanted to advance my career within the educational realm. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, which helped me develop leadership and relationship-building skills.

I have taught English as a Second Language for the past 10 years and I have held various leadership positions during my teaching journey. I have a desire to positively affect the lives of people and I am dedicated to being a lifelong learner. As a recipient of the Presidential Management Fellowship, I hope to continue to use my teaching skills to help others and continue to fight for equitable and fair treatment for all.”

Trinidee Baker

Melissa DeLury

Melissa DeLury, pursuing a PhD in Education with specializations International Education and Research Methodology, was awarded the Cosmos Scholars Grant.

Headshot of Melissa DeLury

“I chose International Education and Research Methodology as my primary and secondary specializations. My career before Mason was rooted in international education: working in higher education settings, conducting research as a graduate student at Trinity College Dublin (2013-2015) and Fulbright Scholar in India (2017-2018), and currently working as an Education Technical Manager in international development. I wanted to explore the role of history education in facilitating peace and/or conflict in postcolonial settings via listening to the experiences of teachers and students.

My Cosmos Grant will allow me to work with Queens University Belfast by visiting different schools in Belfast to understand both the role of history education in current contexts, and the meanings that teachers and students make to narrations of past conflict. I hope to continue working internationally to explore how history education can facilitate peace through using more participatory methods.”

Melissa DeLury