Nealofar Sonia Panjshiri

Nealofar Panjshiri is doing many things at George Mason University, and is doing all of them very well.

Her courseload is challenging; she is pursuing a bachelor of science in public administration with a concentration in public policy, and is working towards a minor in economics. She has been extremely successful academically, with an excellent grade point average and memberships in prestigious honor societies such as Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Mason's new Phi Beta Kappa Society chapter.

Outside the classroom, Nealofar contributes to the betterment of others' lives. She is the chair of Mason's Honor Committee, charged with educating the university community about academic integrity and presiding over hearings that consider possible violations of Mason's honor code. She is active in the Muslims Without Borders organization on campus, most recently assisting with the CANpaign 2012 food drive, which helped collect and distribute healthy foods to local residents in need. Nealofar also serves as the vice president for Mason's pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

Nealofar handles all of these responsibilities while working 30 hours a week at the United States Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Chidren's Issues. As a case assistant with this office, she helps manage cases of international child abduction from and to South Central Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. With her drive, focus, and public spirit, the faculty members who nominated Nealofar are confident that she is "a future leader in government service."