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November 2007

The "Mason Connection" is Mason's electronic newsletter, designed to keep you informed of the latest developments at the university. The newsletter is sent monthly when the General Assembly is in session and every other month when it is not in session.

Mason Professor Named as a Global Hero of the Environment

TIME Magazine has named Mason chemistry professor Abul Hussam as a Global Hero of the Environment for 2007, along with Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore and other environmental luminaries. Hussam was presented with an award in London on October 25.

Earlier this year, Hussam won the $1 million Grainger Challenge Award for his invention of a filtering system that removes arsenic from water. The system is now improving health and saving lives in developing countries, especially in his native Bangladesh.

A letter to Hussam from TIME International Editor Michael Elliott said the magazine is recognizing "individuals whose remarkable hard work, determination, and vision are raising awareness of the threats to our environment. These heroes of our time are inspirational figures whose talent and dedication is truly making a difference to the quality of our lives and our planet."

A University Engaged

Mason Enterprise Center Helps Small Business Owners Statewide

Heather Stouffer went to the Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in January 2006 with the idea of manufacturing and selling all-natural frozen baby food. By April 2007, her product was in 30 stores throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Across Virginia, small business owners such as Stouffer are getting the guidance they need thanks to the Virginia SBDC Network. The Mason Enterprise Center in the School of Public Policy manages a $1.9 million federal grant to operate this statewide network. SBDC professionals assist with business planning, marketing, financial analysis, access to capital, business start-up, and other specialized services as requested.

Many SBDC clients have reported significant Alexandria Small Business Development Center, Photo By Creative Services development as a result of their SBDC relationship. In 2006, more than $73 million in loans were obtained; $109 million in total capital was obtained; 4,170 jobs were created or retained; and sales increased by $98.6 million.

Research Spotlight

Commuter Study Helps Shape Economic Development Plans

When given the choice of saving time or making more money, it looks like some Northern Virginia commuters prefer to save time, according to a 2006 study by the Center for Regional Analysis (CRA) in Mason's School of Public Policy. Directed by Stephen Fuller Stephen Fuller, Photo by Creative Services , the center conducted a study that consisted of two surveys: one aimed at workers in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, region who commute to Washington, D.C., and other areas inside the Beltway, and the other at commuters who reside in Prince William and southern Fairfax counties and commute to Washington and the close-in suburbs.

Eighty-three percent of workers who commute from Prince William and Fairfax counties would be willing to consider a job in the Fredericksburg region. Most of these respondents indicated a willingness to take a salary cut in exchange for a shorter commute. Those living in Fredericksburg and commuting in excess of one hour each way said they would be willing to forgo a significant amount of salary in exchange for a shorter commute to work. Sixty-two percent indicated they would be willing to reduce their annual salary by $5,000 or more for a 30-minute shorter commute.

In Fredericksburg, economic development staff intend to use the results from CRA's 2006 study to attract new businesses or encourage new businesses to expand in the Fredericksburg region.

In The News

Monday, October 29, Washington Post

Iran Adapts to Economic Pressure

"Confronted by mounting U.S. and U.N. pressure, Iran has been steadily shifting its trade from West to East and, with the benefit of record high oil prices, is likely to be able to withstand the new U.S. sanctions, according to U.S., European and Iranian analysts.. "'Given particularly the price and demand for oil, Iran clearly has leverage with countries that need Iran's oil,' said Shaul Bakhash, a George Mason University historian and author of The Reign of the Ayatollahs."

Sunday, October 21, Boston Globe

Bug Bomb-Why Our Next Terrorist Attack Could Come on Six Legs

"Given our losing battle against West Nile virus, the greatest concern is its African cousin, Rift Valley fever. It would not be difficult to introduce Rift Valley fever, according to Charles Bailey, director of the National Center for Biodefense at George Mason University. A person with $100 worth of supplies, a set of simple instructions, and a plane ticket from an afflicted African nation to the United States could introduce the disease with virtually no chance of being caught, he said."

Monday, October 15, Wall Street Journal

The Afternoon Report: The Economics of Truth

"Americans Leonid Hurwicz, Eric S. Maskin and Roger B. Myerson were awarded the Nobel prize in economics Monday for their study of "mechanism design." . According to Tyler Cowen, a professor of economics at George Mason University and well-known economics blogger, essentially, these economists use math to analyze and describe that process of 'trying to get people to tell the truth or reveal information.'"

Mason Connection is a free service and official publication of George Mason University. It is designed to give you quick, monthly updates on the happenings at Mason. You received Mason Connection because of your affiliation with George Mason University. Subscribe and unsubscribe requests for Mason Connection, including address changes, are handled by sending an e-mail to the Office of Community Relations at tclaar@gmu.edu. Please be sure to include your name and e-mail address. For more information, contact Traci Claar, Director of Community Relations. For additional campus event information, please visit Today@Mason. Editorial content produced by Devon Madison, Creative Services.