GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY - Key Persons

Caroline Wesson is a fourth year PhD student studying Political Science, with an emphasis on innovation studies, at George Mason University. She is a President's Scholar and a graduate research assistant for Dr. JP Singh. She also holds a bachelor's and master's in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Caroline is currently working on research related to the intersection of culture, technology, and economic development. This includes her dissertation on innovation clusters around the globe. Caroline was a research intern with Center of Strategic and International Studies as well as a summer associate for the RAND Corporation. In her free time Caroline enjoys creating vocal covers for her soundcloud, planning fan events for BTS, enjoying all things nature, and connecting with the greater GMU community!

Emily Crawford currently serves as a Mason Square Student Ambassador with George Mason University's University Life office. She is pursuing a master's in public policy with an emphasis in Education Policy. She currently works in higher education policy for a small non-profit in Washington, D.C. Emily completed her Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology with an emphasis in School Counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno in May 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Emily is passionate about ensuring all students have access and support to complete a college degree. You'll catch her grabbing a coffee and walking her chihuahua in the Arlington neighborhood when she's not in class.

Emily Jeffries currently serves as an Arlington Campus Student Ambassador with George Mason University's University Life office. She is pursuing a master's in public policy with an emphasis in Education Policy. She currently works in higher education policy for a small non-profit in Washington, D.C. Emily completed her Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology with an emphasis in School Counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno in May 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Emily is passionate about ensuring all students have access and support to complete a college degree. You'll catch her grabbing a coffee and walking her chihuahua in the Arlington neighborhood when she's not in class.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Director, Regional Campuses

Melissa Thierry serves as the Director, Regional Campuses, for University Life. In this role she provides leadership in the coordination and facilitation of University Life Academic Support Services at the Mason Square and Science and Technology Campuses. Melissa has been with George Mason University since 2013. She holds a bachelor of music from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a master of music education from Southern Methodist University. She lives in Arlington with her husband, Joe, and their two children. She is active in her church choir, local elementary PTA leadership, and is an advocate for Down syndrome awareness and education.

Job Titles:

• Graduate Professional Assistant

Job Titles:

• Assistant Director
• Assistant Director, University Life Regional Campuses

Sophie serves as the Assistant Director, University Life Regional Campuses. She supports program and operational areas at both Mason Square and Science and Technology Campuses. She also assists in facilitating the provision of University Life programs and services that are integral to the students educational success. Sophie has a passion for loud concerts, brunch menus, and hiking Virginia's beautiful parks. Sophie received her B.A. in Global Affairs and M.A. in Arts Management from George Mason University and is currently working toward her PhD in Higher Education.

Ziad Al Achkar is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. His research focuses on the use of digital technologies in support of peacebuilding and humanitarian action, and the evolving relationship with the private technology sector. Ziad enjoys Football (soccer), cycling, coffee, and binge-worthy tv shows.