Annual GMU Lunch Program - GMU Engineering Dept & Research Teaming Opps

Please join us for our yearly meeting with our George Mason University Student Chapter

• 11:30 am - Registration and Poster Presentations from Students

• 12:10 pm - Welcoming and Seating for Lunch
• 12:45 pm - Guest Speaker Presentation
• 1:30 pm - Conclusion

Please join us for SAME NOVA Post’s annual luncheon with our George Mason University Student Chapter and GMU’s Civil Engineering Institute (CEI).

GMU graduate and undergraduate engineering students will present posters with their research and projects during registration and before the main session begins.

Our luncheon guest speaker is Professor Dan Smith from GMU's Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE). Prof. Smith will present CEIE's current research and project partnering opportunities for local industry attendees interested in engaging in several leading-edge efforts across a variety of engineering disciplines. Prof. Smith will also include examples of existing partnerships between CEIE and utilities, engineering firms, product manufacturers, and nonprofits.

* As a special additional activity this year, the SAME GMU Student Chapter with NOVA Post and the CEI will host a student “speed interview” session with select students and firms from 9:00am through the start of the main program at 11:30 (see more below). This is included in the luncheon registration cost. If interested in taking part in this pre-luncheon event, please contact Ingrid Davis-Colato at [email protected] or Carlos Flores Garay at [email protected] for more information.

GMU's Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE)

Daniel Smith researches water quality and treatment and how they link with individual and institutional decision-making. Motivated by extensive on-the-ground experience in the United States and around the world, he complements engineering and lab research with methods from economics and social sciences to understand opportunities and barriers to scaling environmental innovations. A hallmark of his approach is partnering with local organizations such as governments, nonprofits, and enterprises to ensure that his research is locally grounded, practically applicable, and provides community and industry engaged learning opportunities that students value.

After studying civil and environmental engineering as an undergraduate, Smith's first jobs were to build a water treatment plant in rural Honduras and then design and operate hazardous waste remediation systems in the United States. He has since worked as an environmental engineer, researcher, and global water and sanitation development manager in private, nonprofit, multilateral, academic, and government organizations. He has lived and worked in the U.S., Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, The Gambia, and Uganda.

Research Interests:

• Water treatment processes
• Water quality
• Global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
• Willingness to pay for public service and environmental improvements
• Utility consolidation
• Hazardous waste site engineering and remediation

Degrees

• PhD, Environmental Engineering and Science, Stanford University
• MS, Environmental Engineering and Science, Stanford University
• MS, Civil Engineering – Water, Sanitation, and Health, University of Leeds
• BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

We’re excited to introduce something completely new for this year’s Annual GMU CEI Lunch Program. Anyone who purchases a ticket to the event will be invited to participate in a special Speed Interviewing Session on the morning of the luncheon.

Speed Interviewing Event

• Date: March 5
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: George Mason University, Johnson Center (JC) Room A, 3rd Floor.

This fast‑paced, professional experience gives students the chance to rotate through short, internship‑style interviews with industry partners. Companies will receive résumés in advance, making each conversation feel like a real first‑round interview (and it can be real if firms are impressed!). It’s an incredible opportunity for students to practice, gain confidence, receive quick feedback, and make early connections before the main CEI event begins at 11:30 AM, and, if firms desire, offer an internship for the upcoming summer.

Again, if you’d like more details or have questions about participating, please reach out to Ingrid Davis-Colato at [email protected] or Carlos Flores Garay at [email protected].

The George Mason University (GMU) Chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is an active and engaged student organization that connects students with engineering professionals through a variety of initiatives. The chapter works closely with Engineers for International Development (EfID) on ongoing bridge development effort, as well as on additional international projects, providing students with hands-on experience that enhances infrastructure and improves quality of life in communities abroad.

The GMU SAME Student Chapter maintains a strong presence at the SAME Northern Virginia (NoVA) Post, participating in networking events and seminars. This involvement allows students to build professional connections and gain insights into the engineering industry. Additionally, the GMU SAME Student Chapter hosts numerous workshops and activities for students, including resume workshops, guest speaker sessions, and technical workshops. These events are designed to enhance students' professional development and prepare them for successful careers in engineering.

The George Mason University (GMU) chapter of Engineers for International Development (EfID) is a dedicated student organization committed to improving the quality of life in communities both domestically and internationally. Since its founding in 2011, EfID has undertaken numerous impactful projects in countries such as Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, the Peruvian Andes, and Costa Rica. Some of their notable specialties include the construction of pedestrian bridges and small village water systems. These projects provided students with hands-on experience and practical application of their engineering skills.

EfID students also excel in competitions. They have a strong track record at the Virginia Water Environment Association (VWEA) Student Design Competition, winning first place in six of the past seven years. Through their international trips and local projects, GMU-EfID students continue to make a significant impact, demonstrating their dedication to engineering and community service.

The George Mason University (GMU) chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a vibrant and dynamic student organization dedicated to fostering professional development and academic excellence in civil engineering. In April 2024, the chapter proudly hosted the ASCE Mid-Atlantic West Student Symposium, a prestigious event that brought together around 250 students from various universities to compete in a range of engineering challenges.

GMU's ASCE students have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance. At the symposium, GMU teams excelled, winning first place in the Steel Bridge competition and securing a spot at the national competition at Louisiana State University. Additionally, the Sustainable Solutions team achieved second place overall, and the 3D Printing team won first place. These achievements highlight the exceptional skills and dedication of GMU's ASCE students, who continue to make significant contributions to the field of civil engineering.

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at George Mason University is an active student organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic and Latino students in engineering, science, and technology. Guided by SHPE’s mission to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential, the chapter promotes STEM awareness, access, support, and professional development at both the university and community levels. The GMU SHPE chapter hosts a wide range of professional and community-focused initiatives, including resume workshops, networking events, guest speaker panels, and technical development sessions. Members are strongly encouraged to attend the SHPE National Convention, where they gain access to career fairs, leadership training, national-level networking, and direct recruitment opportunities with leading STEM companies.

SHPE at GMU is also committed to advancing SHPE’s vision of a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. This commitment is reflected through outreach and inclusion programs such as SHPEtinas, which supports and uplifts Latina students in STEM; Equipando Padres, which empowers families to better support students’ educational journeys; and Día de Ciencias, a hands-on STEM outreach event designed to inspire K–12 students and families through interactive learning experiences. Through these initiatives, SHPE at GMU fosters a strong sense of comunidad while preparing members to become confident professionals and leaders who make meaningful contributions to the STEM workforce and the broader global community.

Lastly, the Civil Engineering Institute (CEI), NoVA Post's co-host for this event, is the industry advisory group to the GMU Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering Department. The CEI is composed of engineering leaders from industry, government, and academia. They meet regularly to conduct business, interact with the department, and report on committee activity.

SAME NoVA Post's College Outreach Director Ingrid Davis- Colato is also the Membership Chair for the CEI - please contact her for more information and how to get involved with this outstanding GMU engineering student supporting organization.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Johnson Center (JC) Bistro, Ground Floor, 4000 University Drive, Fairfax, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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