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

A message from Dean Cody W. Edwards

At the inaugural spaceNEXT 2026 convening in Tysons, Virginia — Connected DMV orchestrated a groundbreaking global forum bringing together 14 countries including leaders across industry, government, academia, and investment.

George Mason University served as the event’s lead academic partner. Stu Solomon, Connected DMV founder suggested, “Sustainable growth in space commerce depends not only on technologies and investment but (also) on cultivating talent ecosystems that connect universities, government, and industries across geographies.” Our participation in this event enabled attendees to better understand “how research institutions serve as engines of innovation, how academic partnerships accelerate commercialization, and why building a resilient talent pipeline is foundational to the next era of space activity.” he explained.

I offered an opening plenary address that cast a vision for how higher education institutions can serve as catalysts for innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in the emerging space economy. 

by Ferah Munshi

Whether or not you joined the George Mason watch parties at the JC, one can't help but admire the tremendous talent Olympic athletes demonstrate as they compete and the science behind their efforts. Ferah Munshi explains the physics behind the nearly impossible quadruple Lutz, breaking it into approach, takeoff, flight, and landing. Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images.

The College of Science seeks faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students to volunteer for EPPIC-STEM, taking place Friday, March 6, to engage 115 prospective STEM students in informal roundtable discussions. No prep or slides are required; sign up by February 27. The event supports early STEM recruitment and awareness.

Please review the email from Pat Gillevet sent Friday, February 13 for full, detailed instructions regarding the FY27 Community Project/CDS process. Faculty intending to submit an application should notify Pat and provide Part I of their proposal by February 23. Additional guidance, timelines, and relevant materials from Rebekah Hersch and Kerry Bolognese are included.

This past #FacultyFriday highlighted Timothee Bryan of the Department of Mathematical Sciences for his outstanding contributions to mathematics education and student success. Timothee is deeply involved in course development and national math education initiatives, consistently working to elevate teaching and learning for both students and instructors. View full Instagram post. 

by Laura Powers

Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Science Research Professor Benjamin Cash is leading a $1 million NOAA‑funded project to improve seasonal extreme weather forecasts by enhancing the Unified Forecast System. The research aims to reduce model errors, boost precipitation prediction accuracy, and expand student access to cutting‑edge climate tools, strengthening long‑range forecasting and future scientific capacity.

by Jenn Pocock

George Mason PhD student Jessye Gassel captured a 25‑year timelapse of Kepler’s supernova remnant using NASA’s Chandra X‑ray data, revealing uneven expansion speeds that hint at surrounding material differences. She presented this work at the American Astronomical Society. Animation courtesy of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory illustrating the supernova studied in this research.

Former FBI profiler and Forensic Science Program Director Mary Ellen O’Toole discussed fresh insights into the Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation with several news outlets, analyzing surveillance footage and behavior of the masked suspect. Photo from O'Toole's interview with ABC News. 

NPR (2/11/26)

WAVY TV 10 (via YouTube) (2/14/26)

ABC News (2/15/26)

Houston Public Media  (2/17/26)

Calling All Mason Core Instructors: If you’ve taught a Mason Core course in the past two years, this opportunity is for you. Enhance your general education teaching through the Mason Core Instructor Certification Program (MC-ICP), a flexible and enriching experience developed by Mason Core in collaboration with the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning. Learn more about the MC-ICP.

Upcoming Mason Core Instructor Certification Program Workshops:

Explore the future of community resilience at the STAR-TIDES Capabilities Demonstration, April 13-14 at Arlington’s Mason Square Campus. This year’s theme—Reimagining Resilience: Empowering Local Communities in a Time of Uncertain Federal Support—focuses on how local and state actors prepare for, respond to, and recover from increasingly severe natural disasters amid shrinking federal resources. Register to attend. 

Students can connect with leaders in resilience, climate action, emergency management, and disaster recovery, hear from senior keynote speakers, and join panels on real-world solutions for building stronger communities. The follow-on TIDES event runs April 14-15 at the Pentagon.

For students with projects in climate science, community resilience, emergency management, or humanitarian relief, don’t miss the poster contest on April 14. Entries are due Friday, April 3.

Honorlock Tool Demonstration
Monday, February 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Virtual
Honorlock is an online proctoring solution designed to ensure the integrity and security of remote exams. Learn how to deploy the tool, configure all settings, understand flagged behaviors, use it with external tools, and preview/test it as an instructor. Register to attend. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting 
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 11 a.m. to noon | Exploratory Hall 3301 and Virtual

Harmonize Demonstration
Tuesday, February 25, 2026 | 3 p.m. | Virtual
Harmonize is an innovative discussion-based platform designed to transform your online classroom experience. It caters to both instructors and students, aiming to enrich engagement, improve comprehension, and foster vibrant discussions that encompass every learner. This workshop will focus on AI Resilient Assessments and Discussions. Register to attend. 

College of Science Finance Team Office Hours
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 3 to 4 p.m. | Virtual
The Finance Team will host office hours to answer any questions budget owners may have about the FY27 budget template or any general questions about the budget. Can't join Friday, February 27? Office hours will be held again Tuesday, March 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Leadership Legacy Program: Call for Applications
Now through Friday, March 20, 2026
George Mason’s Leadership Legacy Program is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a program for George Mason faculty and staff who are committed to furthering their leadership knowledge and strengths. Learn more about the program and how to apply. Applications are due Friday, March 20.  

Empowering Supervisors for Meaningful Performance Evaluation Conversations
Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Supervisors shape the faculty and staff experience at George Mason. Join to strengthen communication, foster psychological safety, and gain practical tools to build trust, engagement, and more effective feedback conversations.

Employee Appreciation Day 
Friday, March 6, 2026
Employee Appreciation Day offers a dedicated moment to pause and recognize the people who make George Mason University thrive. Appreciation is most impactful when it’s intentional, timely, and authentic.

Call for Participants: LCPS/Mason Science Annual Research Symposium
Join us for the Loudoun County Public Schools/Mason Science Dual Enrollment Research Symposium on April 28 in Dewberry Hall, where 400+ COS 120 students will present original research. Sign up to provide feedback and engage with emerging scholars. Contact aacos@gmu.edu with questions. View participation details. 

Save the Date: College of Science Degree Celebration
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. | EagleBank Arena