In the Honors College, undergraduate students learn to bring "bold solutions for a changing world" by working across disciplinary boundaries to develop transformative solutions.
Avery Shippen, a University Scholar pursuing dual degrees in conflict analysis and resolution in the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and art and visual technology in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is working at the crossroads of different disciplines to strengthen peace and foster global stability. Recognizing her contributions, Shippen was awarded the Peraton Scholarship in National Security on May 2, 2025.
The Peraton scholarship is a competitive scholarship funded by Peraton, a national security company who is an annual sponsor of the Honors College. The scholarship is designed to aid students who are interested in advancing national security solutions. “I’ve had amazing interactions with Peraton," said Shippen, "so it was really great to see that they saw potential in me.”
Shippen’s approach to national security is unusual: she focuses on international education, aiming to create youth development programs that encourage exchange and connection. To these ends, she plans on pursuing a master’s degree in international education after she graduates with her bachelor’s degrees from George Mason.
The scholarship “will help provide me with a sense of security and safety,” said Shippen, “[I can] go out and pursue internships that I may not have had the opportunity to get beforehand.” This summer, Shippen is combining her majors by working as a Visual Information Specialist intern working on national security and intelligence issues for a government agency.