The 2024 Next System Fellows have been hard at work designing innovative and transformative community-based projects. As a truly exceptional cohort of passionate GMU students, the Fellows testify to the power of collaboration and innovation in community-driven initiatives. As their research continues to evolve, their work serve as inspiring models for a more just and equitable future:
Caleb Archdeacon explored the solidarity economy and delved into the underlying assumptions and structural analyses that underpin this transformative economic model, offering insights into its potential for creating more equitable societies.
Selin Boybeyi's ambitious endeavor aimed to reform labor unions in the performing arts industry, advocating for a cooperative model that prioritizes community wealth and equitable distribution of resources.
Ben Edison's vision centered around affordable housing and public ownership, emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable and self-reliant communities. His project aimed to harness shared data and foster independence from traditional urban infrastructures, offering a glimpse into a more equitable housing landscape.
Alexia Ferguson used a holistic approach to address substance abuse, child welfare, and policy-making, with a keen focus on understanding how right-wing politics influence diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her endeavor aimed to build a toolkit for students and advocate for prison education as a means of social reform.
Ellie Fox delved into the history of social movements in the Northern Virginia area, particularly focusing on the role of the Quakers and Southern dissent in abolition and reconstruction efforts. Through her exploration, she questioned the transformative potential of institutions like the church in shaping societal norms and values.
Ghazal Habib, who focused on immigration and refugees, sought to provide support for immigrants from the Middle East and Central Asia, particularly within the GMU community. Her project aimed to explore existing initiatives while facilitating processes such as green card and visa applications, striving to create alternatives to the current flawed immigration system.
Liam Keen embarked on a thought-provoking journey by designing a more humane prison system, delving into the societal conditions that perpetuate mass incarceration, and striving to address its roots. His project not only aimed at conceptualizing alternative models but also challenged conventional notions surrounding punishment and rehabilitation.
Ilya Kim's project on Russian pro-democracy movements provided a critical examination of the political landscape in Russia, shedding light on the diverse array of organizations aiming to take Russia in a pro-democratic direction.
Giordania Wilcox explored various non-profit-driven models of healthcare organizations using the MASON MAPS Project, highlighting the importance of research and innovation in addressing complex healthcare challenges.
One of the defining aspects of this year's fellows program is collaboration. A remarkable synergy formed between the Fellows and their projects as collaborative dialogue transcended disciplinary boundaries and enriched the depth of the Fellows' projects. Professors Ben Manski and John Dale's open and constructive feedback also offered valuable insights and paved the way for connecting fellows with relevant professors and experts.
Congratulations to our Fellows as they complete their exciting research! And a special congratulations to Liam, Alexia, and Gigi, who have each received awards from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology for their research and academic excellence.
April 15, 2024