This is the College of Science biweekly newsletter. For the most up-to-date information, visit science.gmu.edu or the college intranet. 

A message from Interim Dean Cody W. Edwards

Can you still remember them today? Those incredible teachers who ignited your scientific curiosity. Who taught you fun ways to remember the elements in the periodic table, steps in the scientific method, gave you your first insect collection assignment, or perhaps even encouraged you to apply to study science at university, instead of some other profession.

And now, at George Mason University, in its College of Science, our students also consistently encounter these creative, caring, student-focused faculty. The ones who support and encourage them to feel a sense of belonging in science, who spend countless office hours so they understand the key concepts to pass say a dreaded O-chem class on their path to medical school. Our faculty and graduate student teaching assistants (GTAs) can be counted on time and again to patiently explain problems in such an engaging and memorable way that a student might finally understand calculus. Or even better yet, open a door our students didn't even know existed so they could explore fields of science that they select as a minor or give them that special opportunity which serves as a springboard to their dream job.

Our engaged educators can transform lives. And according to the many shout outs our science faculty received during the Stearns Center sponsored Thank a Teacher program, our students do notice and took time to show their appreciation. 

Encourage your undergraduate George Mason students involved in STEM research to participate in this year's colloquium. Abstract due by April 9, 2025. Research from independent study, course projects, or faculty-mentored experiences (e.g., REU) is welcome, including research done at non-Mason sites like NIH. The colloquium will take place May 12, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center. 

We are looking for volunteer judges! Faculty, if you are available on May 12, please email stemcos@gmu.edu to volunteer.

The COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey is launched, and faculty are encouraged to complete the confidential 20-minute survey, which focuses on key factors such as tenure, collaboration, support, and recognition. An invitation to complete the survey will be sent to you directly. This research-driven survey provides valuable insight into the faculty experience and will help shape future improvements at George Mason and the College of Science. High participation is crucial for meaningful data. The survey closes April 7. Questions should be directed to Alexandra Masterson.

Course proposals are now being accepted for Fall 2025 to work with Learning Assistants (LAs). LAs are undergraduates who assist in College of Science courses to support student learning in various settings. First-time LAs participate in a weekly pedagogy seminar and meet regularly with course faculty to prepare for upcoming course content and discuss student progress. Faculty interested in having LAs in their courses must submit applications by Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Submit a proposal. 

Join Thursday, March 20 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for a virtual panel on inclusive mentorship, featuring experts discussing best practices for fostering student belonging and persistence. Panelists include Torie Weiston-Serdan, co-founder of Youth Mentoring Action Network and professor, Claremont Graduate University, Michael Schwartz, managing director of The NSF Center for Sustainable nanotechnology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and our own Valerie Olmo, director of undergraduate studies and professor, Department of Biology.

by Laura Powers

EVPP 336 Tackling Wicked Problems in Society and the Environment, taught by K.L. Akerlof, environmental science and policy professor, takes a problem-based learning approach, immersing students in complex public issues that require input from a variety of stakeholders. In Fall 2024, students developed potential solutions and presented their recommendations to Virginia State Senator Stella Pekarsky. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Creative Services.

By Elizabeth Gillooly

Department of Environmental Science and Policy professor Younsung Kim received a 4-VA grant to conduct collaborative research across multiple disciplines with faculty from Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. Kim’s proposal plans to use spatial mapping to incorporate green infrastructure to reduce the effects of stormwater runoff. 4-VA evaluators sited Kim’s proposal as a standout, noting the importance of green infrastructure being implemented in areas labeled “climate vulnerable.” Photo provided. 

by John Hanna

The Associate Press reported on the recent dust storms in the western U.S., including a deadly pileup on Interstate 70 in Kansas that killed eight people. Daniel Tong, associate professor of atmospheric chemistry, emphasizes the lack of public awareness about the dangers of dust storms, a concern he raised in a 2023 paper on dust storm fatalities. Dust storms, though less frequent than in the past, continue to cause accidents and deaths, highlighting the need for more public education on the risks associated with them. Photo by Kansas City Patrol via AP. 

Jennifer Delgado from Fox 5 visited George Mason on Thursday, March 13 for live interviews with physics and astronomy associate professor Peter Plavchan, as well as assistant professor and observatory deputy director Rob Parks. Interviews focused on the Blood Moon lunar eclipse visible in North America last Thursday evening into early Friday. 

The university is making rapid progress toward finalizing a new budget model. If you have questions, concerns, or feedback, now is the time to share. Visit the budget model redesign website for more information and submit your input via the form. Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash.

Faculty are encouraged to apply for CECiL course designations through Mason Impact. These designations highlight courses that foster civic engagement and community-based learning,  benefiting faculty through course promotion, training, micro-grants for related expenses, and recognition.

ORIEI's Coffee and Conversation
March 20, 2025 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Merten 1203
This casual gathering is a great way to mingle with colleagues and learn more about one another in a fun atmosphere. If you work virtually, you will still be able to participate. In your RSVP, ask for the meeting link. If you are on campus, we request that you attend in person.

Inclusive Mentorship Best Practices Workshop
March 20, 2025 | 1:30 to 3 p.m. | Virtual
Attend the upcoming workshop with a virtual panel on inclusive mentorship, featuring experts discussing best practices for fostering student belonging and persistence. Panelists include Torie Weiston-Serdan, co-founder of Youth Mentoring Action Network and professor, Claremont Graduate University, Michael Schwartz, managing director of The NSF Center for Sustainable nanotechnology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and our own Valerie Olmo, director of undergraduate studies and professor, Department of Biology.

Deadline extended: Proposals for the 2025 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference
Deadline: March 23, 2025
The deadline for submitting proposals for George Mason University's 17th Annual ITL conference is extended to March 23, 2025. Please see the Session Proposal Guide for details for each type of session. The conference will have virtual sessions on September 25, 2025, and in-person sessions on September 26, 2025. We have additional ways to participate in the conference. To volunteer as a reviewer, please complete the Volunteer Reviewer Form. To volunteer as a session host, please complete the Volunteer Session Host Form.

Nominations for College of Science Faculty Senate
Deadline: March 24, 2025
Nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on the College of Science Faculty Senate in the coming year. Deadline to submit nominations is March 24, 2025. The election of faculty senators will be conducted prior to addressing the remaining college slate. This is to comply with forthcoming bylaw changes that requires the confirmation of unit senators for the upcoming academic year as early as possible. The faculty senators (serving a three-year term) are eligible for re-election for 3 seats. Nominations should be emailed to the chair of the nomination committee, Yun Yu, at yyu26@gmu.edu. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting
March 25, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301 and Virtual
Check the Outlook invitation for virtual access details. View the meeting agenda. 

Cultivating Confidence: Owning Your Voice in STEM
March 26, 2025 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301
Do you ever feel like you don't belong in STEM? Women Leaders in STEM invites you to a panel discussion and interactive session designed to nurture and grow your confidence, transforming self-doubt into strength. Refreshments will be provided. We welcome all students, staff, and faculty in the George Mason Community to participate in this learning experience.

EXperiential And MultidisciPlinary Learning and Education (EXAMPLE) Convening
March 27, 2025 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Washington, D.C.
An in-person convening highlighting education programs across federal agencies and offices to increase awareness, share lessons learned, and identify needs. The convening will consist of four panels of experts who will discuss: the value of interdisciplinary collaboration; the importance of evaluation and metrics of success; the stories of professionals who benefited from different experiential training programs; and the experiential training programs available at user facilities. View event details. 

Harnessing AI for Every Mind: Innovations in Education 
March 28, 2025 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Planetary Hall, 124
You are invited to an interactive workshop that explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Whether you are an educator, industry leader, researcher, or student, this event promises to deepen your understanding of how AI can create adaptive, inclusive learning environments for individuals with diverse cognitive profiles, including dyslexia, autism, and ADHD. Register to attend.

East Coast Optimization Meeting 2025
Registration deadline: March 31, 2025
Hosted by the Center for Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence (CMAI), the annual East Coast Optimization Meeting (ECOM) is an initiative to introduce students and early-career researchers to the current trends in optimization as well as to create a strong networking environment among academia, industry, and the national laboratories. The focus of the fifth ECOM will be on Optimization and Digital Twins. Researchers from all optimization areas are encouraged to participate. The meeting comprises of mini courses by two distinguished speakers targeted toward students and early career researchers, and public lectures. There will be some invited and contributed talks. The meeting takes place April 17 to April 18, 2025. Register now.

2025 ESOM Graduate Symposium
Registration deadline April 4
The 2025 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium (ESOM) will take place April 11, 2025 in Merten Hall, 1204. The event will include multiple sessions from attendees in the form of 15-minute oral presentations, poster presentations, two keynote speaker presentations, and a career panel for masters and doctoral students to meet professors and scientists from universities and federal labs across the nation. Speakers include Randal D. Koster of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and Susan Bates of the Nature Conservancy. Stay tuned for more information, as well as an announcement of this year's career panelists. Register to attend.