A tuition scholarship presented to an outstanding graduate student.
Elizabeth S Paynter is a history master’s student at George Mason University with a specialization in United States history. She received her bachelor’s degree with a double major in archaeological studies and English from the University of Texas at Austin. As an archaeologist, she worked across the United States and abroad before joining the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Archaeology and Collections Branch. She enrolled in the program at George Mason University to further her education and career as well as better develop research skills. Elizabeth’s interests are varied, but she has recently focused on women in the colonial period through the antebellum. In the near future, she hopes to write a master’s thesis that will contribute to Fairfax County and United States history.
Melissa Velez Nazario is a graduate student working on a master’s in history with a concentration in American history. Before coming to George Mason, she majored in professional and technical writing with a second major in humanities for public service at Virginia Tech. She is interested in 19th century maritime history, especially the stories of sailors' families at home and at sea. She intends to work in operations for a museum or historical site after graduation.