Lisa Shaw, S-CAR Director of Field Experience

This fall, Lisa Shaw transitioned to the role of Director of Field Experience at George Mason’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) from that of Undergraduate Student Services Director in Fairfax. Lisa describes her new position as “integrating and coordinating the learning aspects of field experience,” which includes the Applied Practice and Theory (APT) Internship and Thesis options required for a graduate degree. She supervises and coordinates field experience with the undergrad program, which includes the internship and study abroad programs. She will be focusing on four core areas of field experience: coordination, collaboration, innovation and research.

Lisa will be missed at Undergraduate Student Services, especially in the Peer Mediation Partners (PMP) program that grew substantially under her leadership. The program, which focuses on the development of conflict resolution skills, consists of a partnership between Mason students and peer mediators at local area middle schools and high schools. The PMP program has been left in good hands, and will continue at S-CAR’s undergraduate program under Brydin Banning.

Experiential learning has been part of Lisa’s life dating back to 1994 while in AmeriCorps, and for twelve years in community-based youth programs. She also co-facilitated the June 2010 field experience course to Liberia: “Post Conflict Peace Building in Monrovia,” that integrated double loop learning in which students gained practical experience testing and refining theories through action and reflection. Reflecting on her new position, Lisa said lunch conversations were her favorite part of S-CAR.

Joking aside, she continues to integrate innovative methods for adult learning, including experiential learning, into the course material. She most enjoys being a part of students’ academic journeys as they learn and make new connections - their ‘Aha’ moments that make all the hard work worth it. If any students are considering the field experience, or have any questions please contact Lisa Shaw at [email protected].