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| Wednesday, May 8, 2024 science.gmu.edu
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Bet on yourself
by Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm
Last week was the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. The horse race, steeped in tradition, provided us a photo finish with three horses going for the win. Like most things we experience in life, the race was not without some drama and controversy. Mystik Dan, the winning horse, was able to hold on for the victory with two other horses jostling amongst themselves astride of him. Although the victor wasn't 'the favorite,' the horse ran a winning race just the same. And the drama beside him would only distract the others from the ultimate prize of the winner's circle, and a spot in history.
As the semester comes to a close, it becomes the end of one of life's races, the finishing of a chapter for each of us. Before turning the page launching into the next adventure, perhaps it's worth it to take just a moment in the winner's circle to smell the roses and reflect on what we've just experienced and learned.
Who were the main characters in that part of our story? What activities and moments were most memorable, both good and bad? What did they teach us? Who should we appreciate and express our gratitude for the good run we've each had?
Like many of our graduates that we celebrate this week, I too am looking back at the last four years I've had at George Mason University. I became a Mason Science Patriot right at the beginning of the pandemic, when learning and research shifted into a great unknown. At first, we started out somewhat isolated from each other, which was not easy. What it did do though, was validate our focus on learning and positively impacting the world with our science. We embraced the challenge with grit and determination, fostering new collaborations and ways of learning.
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George Mason lacrosse player embodies excellence on and off the field by Hannah Foley
At Tuesday's Green & Gold Celebration, junior midfielder and biology major Lauren Distad was named the 2024 Aimee Willard Commemorative Award recipient. This award is given to a student-athlete who embodies Aimee's legacy and who mirror the standards of quality set by Aimee in her two-sport career: intensity, consistency of purpose, achievement, and teamwork.
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Benjamin Simmons to address graduates at the 2024 College of Science Degree Celebration by Milinda Polisetty
George Mason University environmental science and policy student Benjamin Simmons will represent the class of 2024 as the student speaker at the College of Science Degree Celebration taking place Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m. in EagleBank Arena. “I was honored to be selected, and feel it’s a great accomplishment,” Simmons said. He will graduate with a degree in environmental science with a concentration in environmental health.
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Open Enrollment active until May 15
Open Enrollment for health benefits and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) is now open through May 15 this year for plan year elections effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Cardinal (HCM) is also available for online employee elections. If you are making no changes during open enrollment, not (re)enrolling in an FSA, or participating in Premium Rewards, no action is required. Access the Finance/HR/IT Intranet page for additional details and resources.
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George Mason University receives over $1.1 million to revolutionize Lyme disease testingby Mary Cunningham
George Mason University researchers have received a $1,176,645 grant in federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Army to revolutionize Lyme disease detection and diagnosis with urine testing. The College of Science and College of Public Health aim to harness the many advantages of urine testing over other methods and increase mainstream adoption. Researchers include Alessandra Luchini, School of Systems Biology (SSB) professor and Mason’s principal investigator, Lance Liotta, professor in SSB, co-director of Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM, Virginia Espina, research professor in SSB and CAPMM, and Melissa J. Perry, dean of the College of Public Health and co-investigator of the study.
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The role of forensic science in solving true crime cases
by WFIN
Forensic Science Program director, Mary Ellen O'Toole recently spoke to WFIN on how forensic science is used to relp solve criminal investigations. According to O'Toole, who formally worked as an FBI special agent with the Behavioral Analyst Unit, victimology begins by considering a number of questions. Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications.
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George Mason University completes long-term rebrand with new logo
The ongoing rebrand signals George Mason’s convention-defying rise to become a leading national public research university by expanding access to excellence through an unwavering commitment to inclusive innovation. This completes the Office of University Branding’s (OUB) three-year effort to update the George Mason brand identity, which started with the identification of its current brand narrative as a university that is “All Together Different.”What you need to know:- Visit the college’s Marcom SharePoint intranet site periodically for the latest on available brand assets (virtual backgrounds, presentations, letterhead, business cards).
- Until your department/program receives your new unit logo, continue to use the old version.
- Check marcom’s Branding Assets Request document to confirm that the materials you need updated logos for are included.
- Visit https://brand.gmu.edu for guidance on how to use the new visual identity system along with a calendar of trainings. These will be updated periodically, so check back frequently.
- For anyone who uses the logo, please become familiar with University Policy 1111, as President Washington noted in his recent email that compliance with these brand guidelines is mandatory. This may mean changing out historical marks or processes in favor of the new logos and procedures.
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The George wants to hear from you
The George, the university's internal faculty and staff e-newsletter, wants to know what you like and don't like and how they can improve. You're invite to participate in this brief survey, which should take about five minutes to complete. The survey is open through May 17. At the end of the survey, you have the option to enter a random drawing for George Mason swag. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.
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2024 University Commencement Ceremony
May 9, 2024 | 10 a.m. to noon | EagleBank Arena
President Gregory Washington will preside at the University Commencement ceremony in EagleBank Arena, which will feature student, faculty, and guest speakers. Guests also will enjoy live music during the event. Doctoral candidates will be individually recognized and hooded; bachelor and master graduates will be recognized as a group at their seats.
College of Science Degree Celebration
May 10, 2024 | 10 a.m. to noon | EagleBank Arena
Celebrate College of Science 2024 graduates with student, faculty, and guest speakers. This year's degree celebration address will be delivered by astrophysicist and Robinson Professor Hakeem Oluseyi.
Just-In-Time Hiring Fair
May 13, 2024 | 1 to 4 p.m. | Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center
90+ employers will be at the Just-in-Time Hiring Fair on May 13 from 1 to 4 pm. Representatives will be hiring for full-time roles, part-time jobs and internships. If you’re ready for your next career opportunity, don't miss this event! Bring copies of your resume.
Spring 2024 “How to Thrive at Mason” Boot Camp
Mornings of May 14 through 16 | Virtual
All Mason employees – from newcomers to long-timers – are invited to participate in this professional development opportunity focused on skill attainment and refinement, while providing support across the university. The event will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panel conversations. Register to attend.
Northern Virginia BioHub Lunch and Learn
May 15, 2024 | 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Northern Virginia Bioscience Center and Virtual
Attend lunch, networking, and a presentation by Ellen Meinhart and Mary Ann Ring, International Trade Managers from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). They will be discussing international business development opportunities, including how your company can participate in delegations abroad to meet with potential customers and distributors and how you can attend strategically aligned trade shows with the VEDP. There is an also an online option for this event. A link will be sent to you after registration if you would prefer to attend online.
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