Capstone Connect 2026

Connecting Student Talent With Industry Mentorship

What if a student team could help tackle a challenge facing your industry?

Join Nexus234 to learn how you can serve as a capstone project advisor and help guide George Mason University students as they develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. You’ll hear about standout projects from the past year, explore opportunities for future collaborations, and learn how your expertise can help students strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Nexus234 offers funding of up to $6,000 per project for projects in information sciences and technology, mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and electrical engineering.

Whether you have a project idea, a challenge you’d like students to explore, or simply want to learn more about the capstone experience, this event is a great opportunity to connect with faculty, industry leaders, and the next generation of innovators.

The time commitment is minimal, but the impact can be significant for both students and the technologies they create.

Featured Speakers

Mechanical Engineering

• Dr. Leigh McCue, Professor and Chair, George Mason University
• Alexis “Lexi” Chivers, Team Lead, Salus Project
• Kenan Aden, COO, Didlake

Information Sciences and Technology

• Gail Therrien, Professor of Practice, Director of Capstone, Assistant Department Chair of Information Sciences and Technology, George Mason University
• Veronica Jack, Student, George Mason University
• Jon Hays, Attorney, Law Office of Jon F. Hays

Bioengineering

• Shani Ross, Associate Chair of Undergraduate Programs, George Mason University