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Three College of Engineering and Computing faculty received Presidential Awards at a reception on May 12. The recipient of this year’s SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award, Xuesu Xiao was also recognized. This is the 10th year for the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence. Recipients are selected by a review committee that includes prior award recipients and senior leaders from relevant areas. The awards honor faculty with up to six years of service, six to 12 years of service, and more than 12 years of service.
Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipients
Bo Han, associate professor of computer science,
Bo Han joined the faculty at George Mason University in 2020, after several years in a research position with AT&T Labs. His research is in the field of mobile immersive computing, which aims to integrate digital information with the physical world. Han has led several large research projects funded by the National Science Foundation, addressing foundational challenges to the use of immersive computing at scale, with applications to areas such as education, health care, remote collaboration, and workforce development. Han has received highly competitive research awards from AT&T, Google, Meta, and Cisco, and has amassed a portfolio of more than 60 patented innovations. Han is active as a mentor to both graduate and undergraduate students.
Parag Chitnis, professor of bioengineering
After several years in a nonprofit research position, Parag Chitnis began his tenure-track appointment at George Mason in 2014 in the Bioengineering Department. His research focuses on two complementary fields. The first is biomedical ultrasonics, and Chitnis’s research in this area has resulted in the development of wearable ultrasound sensors, lightweight patches that allow the continuous monitoring of muscle kinematics in real-world scenarios. His second research field is photoacoustics, in which he is developing new methods for imaging neuro-electrical activity deep within tissue, which was previously impossible using optical methods. These innovations improve prosthetic control for amputees and enable earlier detection and better monitoring for neurological disorders. Chitnis has also been a strong mentor at George Mason, exemplifying the ideal of the scholar-innovator.
John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching
The John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching is presented to a faculty member whose teaching inspires and stimulates students in the finest tradition of higher education.
Peggy Brouse, professor of cyber security engineering
After a career in industry, Peggy Brouse joined the Systems Engineering Department at George Mason in 1993. She now holds a joint appointment in the Systems Engineering and Operations Research Department and the Cyber Security Engineering Department. Brouse is widely recognized as an exceptional classroom teacher with a commitment to instructional excellence. Her students praise her for her clarity, fairness, and her genuine interest in their success. Brouse has previously received the university’s David J. King Teaching Award (2023), the College of Engineering and Computing Academic Excellence Award (2024), and the Virginia Cybersecurity Educator Award (2024). She has a long record of curriculum development, starting with her role as the original architect of the BS in cyber security engineering. Brouse also designs and executes high-impact extracurricular and off-campus learning experiences for her students, such as cybersecurity competitions, senior design projects, and industry-sponsored initiatives. These efforts, along with her committed mentoring and advising, have resulted in strong employment outcomes for her students.