Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, understands that graduate school can feel isolating—especially for those far from home and family. Rather than turning inward, she chose to build community by reaching out.
Shan came to the United States from China to study air quality with Assistant Professor Lucas Henneman. But when she arrived, the effects of COVID-19 still lingered—campus was quiet, and many students were still wearing masks. “I lived off campus in a room in a shared townhouse, and with limited in-person activities and the demands of starting research, it was hard to meet other students,” she said.
Early in her Mason journey, Shan joined George Mason’s Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA), became active in its leadership and served as its vice president for three years. Her involvement with the organization sparked the idea of forming a similar organization for her department and so she founded the Graduate Association of Civil and Environmental Engineers (GRACE).
This year, her efforts earned her the George Mason University Community Engagement Award.
GRACE fosters a more connected and supportive graduate student community within the department. The group aims to help graduate students get to know one another—and their faculty—outside of academic settings. By organizing department-wide picnics each semester and monthly graduate coffee gatherings, GRACE creates informal spaces where students can share research interests, discuss academic challenges, and build professional networks that strengthen both their sense of belonging and their future career paths.
“Sherry has been doing amazing work for student engagement in, the university, and beyond,” he said. “She started organizing other students and worked to create new opportunities for them to interact with the faculty and each other. I’ve been impressed with how much she’s done with GRACE, all while working on her PhD research.”
While GRACE has made a strong impact within the department, Shan believes there’s still room to expand its reach. “I see a vibrant range of activities offered to our undergraduates,” she notes. “I’d love to see our graduate community energized in the same way—with more events, stronger engagement, and a greater sense of connection.”
Shan also hopes that GRACE can receive more support from industry professionals and that other departments and organizations will reach out to build stronger connections. Her vision includes hosting career networking events, fostering relationships with local companies, and possibly organizing a graduate research conference. As an award-winning community leader, she believes GRACE can become a hub for both academic and professional growth.