CEIE Success Stories

Anonymous donor commits additional $5.3 million to advance research. An interdisciplinary George Mason University research team is breaking new ground in using artificial intelligence to support victims of interpersonal violence. Led by Kat Scafide and Janusz Wojtusiak of the College of Public Health and David Lattanzi of the College of Engineering and Computing, the EAS-ID (Evidence-based AI Software for Injury Detection) project has successfully completed Phase 1: development of a working prototype of a mobile app designed to accurately capture and document bruises. The tool has the potential to transform how clinicians and frontline professionals identify, record, and communicate evidence of injury, particularly in cases of interpersonal violence.

A partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and the College of Engineering and Computing is yielding explosive results in blast research, in what one faculty members describes as a win-win collaboration.

Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, understands that graduate school can feel isolating—especially for those far from home and family. Rather than turning inward, she chose to build community by reaching out.

George Mason professor Celso Ferreira recently redesigned his Flood Hazard Engineering and Adaptation course to work with community partners to deliver real projects as part of the Institute for a Sustainable Earth’s (ISE’s) NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART) Seed Translational Research Project (STRP) Program.

George Mason University Engineers for International Development (EfID) improves water access in underserved communities abroad. Advised by Adjunct Professor Matthew Doyle, EfID students manage their own projects, secure funding through competitions, and build connections with industry professionals to make a meaningful impact worldwide. 

With a new $3.69 million grant, the Research and Engagement for Action in Climate and Health (REACH) Center—which includes George Mason—is set to tackle the urgent intersection of climate change and public health in the nation’s capital.

Mason scientists and partners will leverage their climate expertise and the university’s resources into broader societal implications, thanks to a $6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Emissions from coal-fired power plants, though steeply on the decline, are more than twice as likely to lead to mortality as other air pollutants.

Certain types of mushrooms—or fungi—may have a place in infrastructure, potentially saving costly repairs and time. Xijin “Emma” Zhang, assistant professor in civil engineering, is researching this relatively new area of engineering and other green technology solutions for common challenges.

Americans generally assume tap water is safe to drink; but rising temperatures could prove them wrong. Kirin Emlet Furst received a grant to study how extreme heat is challenging the disinfection of water in underground distribution systems.