From brain-computer interface demonstrations to thought-provoking discussions on science communication and democracy, the George Washington University left a lasting impression at the 2025 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Boston. AAAS is the world’s largest, multi-disciplinary science society whose meeting brings together more than 4,000 researchers, students, science journalists, foundations and government agencies from over 65 countries each year. As a sponsor of the conference, GW took center stage—leading high-profile discussions, showcasing pioneering research and engaging with the next generation of scientists.
“The AAAS annual meeting explores themes that impact the scientific enterprise broadly, including how science informs policy, the role of science in diplomacy, and how best to communicate the impactful scholarship that is driving advances in society,” said Robert Miller, GW’s interim vice provost for research. “GW’s participation at this event—the second year in a row—allows us to showcase not just our research and diverse community of scholars but also the opportunities GW can offer prospective students and early-career investigators.”
One of the most popular attractions in the AAAS exhibit hall was GW’s booth, where Computer Science Professor Xiaodong Qu and two undergraduate students in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) demonstrated a brain-computer interface game that helped underscore how GW researchers are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance next-generation technologies.
The game, in which booth visitors use their brain signals to control a cartoon character on a computer screen, was popular among student attendees as well as researchers and professionals from other institutions interested in potential collaborations.
“What stood out to me the most was how many people stopped by and genuinely wanted to learn more,” said Nawwaf Aleisa, one of the computer science undergraduate students helping exhibit the game. “It wasn’t just a quick demo. We had real conversations about brain-computer interfaces, machine learning, neuroscience and the future of this technology. Seeing that kind of enthusiasm made the entire experience worthwhile.”
For computer science undergraduate Zeina Nweashe, participating in the AAAS meeting offered opportunities not only to share information about the research but also to practice her science communication skills.
“It was exciting to see people’s reactions when they realized they could control the game with just their thoughts,” she said. “Engaging with such a wide range of visitors—from high school students to Ph.D. researchers—pushed me to explain our work in a way that was both clear and engaging. The feedback and discussions I had with them made me even more excited about the future of brain-computer interfaces and machine learning.”
Computer science undergraduate students Nawwaf Aleisa (far left) and Zeina Nweashe (far right) talk with visitors to the GW booth about the brain-computer interface technology.
An undercurrent throughout this year’s meeting was a sense of deep uncertainty about the future of scientific research, funding, policy and public trust in science. Against this backdrop, a number of GW scholars offered their perspectives and practical guidance on the Sci-Mic Stage, a high-visibility platform in the AAAS expo area where journalists interview scholars. GW sponsored the Sci-Mic Stage at this year’s meeting, the content of which was live streamed and is available online.
On the stage, Slate recorded a live interview with David Karpf, a political communications scholar and associate professor in GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA). Interviewed by Lizzie O’Leary, host of Slate’s “What Next: TBD” podcast, Karpf provided a nuanced analysis of the intersection between digital media, technology and public discourse, helping to contextualize the political and social anxieties shaping today’s scientific landscape.
Another GW-led session on the Sci-Mic Stage featured Rebekah Tromble, director of the Institute for Data, Democracy, and Politics and associate professor in SMPA, who joined Chemistry Professor and “Science” Editor-in-Chief Holden Thorp for a discussion on the increasing harassment faced by researchers. Moderated by Karpf, the session explored the challenges scientists encounter when engaging in public discourse and strategies for combating online abuse and reinforcing the importance of resilience in the face of political and ideological attacks on science.
GW’s David Karpf, Rebekah Tromble and Holden Thorp on the Sci-Mic Stage at the 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting. (Robb Cohen Photography & Video)
Beyond the Sci-Mic Stage, GW faculty members led workshops and scientific sessions at the conference. Frank Sesno, SMPA professor and executive director of GW’s Alliance for a Sustainable Future, conducted a well-attended workshop on science communication alongside Julia Cort, co-executive producer at WGBH/NOVA, and Harrison Watson, a doctoral student at Princeton University and alumnus of GW’s Planet Forward. The session provided scientists with strategies to effectively convey their research to the public and policymakers, reinforcing the crucial role of communication in shaping perceptions of science and scientific impact.
“I’ve had a long relationship with AAAS, and it was a privilege to lead this workshop at such a critical time for the scientific community,” said Sesno. “Now more than ever, we need to equip scientists with the skills and confidence to share their work with the public in a way that is clear, compelling and impactful. Effective science storytelling is essential to building trust in science and ensuring research drives real-world change.”
Professor Shelley Brundage from the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) led a scientific session focused on voice-based AI in medicine. Her discussion highlighted advancements in artificial intelligence applications for diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders, a rapidly evolving field with profound implications for healthcare. Benjamin Liu, an assistant professor of pathology, pediatrics and microbiology, immunology and tropical medicine in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, also participated in a workshop on tactics that support successful outcomes for STEM students.
“Having GW scholars at the forefront of discussions on science communication, AI in medicine, and democracy highlights the breadth of expertise our university offers,” said Ellen Moran, GW’s vice president for communications and marketing. “We were thrilled to support our faculty in making an impact at the AAAS meeting.”
Frank Sesno led a AAAS workshop designed to help scientists become better storytellers. (Robb Cohen Photography & Video)
Ahead of the AAAS meeting, the university’s Office of Alumni Relations hosted a reception for Boston-area alumni to connect with GW scholars attending the conference. The gathering provided an opportunity for alumni to network, meet current faculty and learn more about GW’s latest research endeavors.
Sesno and Qu delivered remarks at the event, highlighting initiatives that contribute to GW’s global impact. Sesno spoke about the current state of democracy and introduced attendees to an initiative he leads at GW, the Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Qu, meanwhile, engaged attendees with a discussion on artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces, inviting guests to try out the brain-computer interface game he brought to the AAAS meeting.
“GW’s expanded presence at the 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting underscored the university’s leadership in scientific research and public engagement,” Miller said. “This meeting exemplifies how science and public discourse come together to shape a better future, and we are excited to be at the heart of that conversation.”
Frank Sesno delivers remarks at the AAAS GW alumni event.