Faculty/Staff Newsletter

An interdisciplinary George Mason University research team is breaking new ground in using artificial intelligence to develop a mobile app to accurately capture and document bruises of victims of interpersonal violence.

PhD student Joanna Marroquin and her mentors Jenna Krall and Anna Pollack are first to study PFAS in endometrial tissue. There was no association found between PFAS and the overall risk of endometriosis. However, among those with endometriosis, higher levels of select PFAS were associated with a higher risk for more advanced endometriosis. 

Gina S. Brown, PhD, MSA, RN, FAAN (PhD Nursing ’99), has made history as the first woman to become president of Oakwood University. Recognized nationally as a leader in nursing and education, Brown brings extensive experience revitalizing academic institutions and fostering community engagement. She credits her time at George Mason University as a formative and supportive chapter in her journey.

Introducing the Wall of Wow, now displayed in each unit and department! The Wall of Wow is a way to share successes and shoutouts to your peers. You are encouraged to write something nice about anyone in your department or unit. You can write with the liquid chalk marker or use a sticky note, secured by a magnet that is hanging on your Wall of Wow.

Messages will be left up all month. A picture will be taken of each Wall of Wow at the end of each month, and then a name will be drawn for a prize. The winner will be announced in the CPH newsletter.

This idea was inspired by kindness that was shown in a very similar way in GCH, and it was decided to spread this kindness throughout the college!  

Congratulations to Erin Maughan for giving the keynote address at the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) in June convening on school health, an NINR strategic imperative.

Congratulations to Amira Roess on her selection to the 2025 cohort of GeoCAFE Scholars, a distinguished group of academic researchers from across the geosciences and health sciences aiming to accelerate research and action on climate change and its impacts on human health.

Congratulations to our faculty for the 192 articles they published this past year.

A CPH team is being formed for The Walk to End Alzheimer's - Northern Virginia on October 12. The Walk is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. While there is no fee to register for the Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and, ultimately, a cure.

The Social Work Department has formed a team and has walked in the DC Walk to End Alzheimer’s for several years. They encourage all faculty, staff, students, friends, and family to join the CPH team. Even if you cannot attend the Northern Virginia Walk, you are still welcome to be a part of the team!  More information will be available in future CPH newsletters.

If you have questions about the Walk or the Alzheimer’s Association, please contact Alyssa at 703-766-9035, ext. 8903 or ajhargis@alz.org. If you are interested in joining the CPH team, please contact Cathy Tompkins, ctompkin@gmu.edu. 

George Mason has a partnership with the Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA) that has allowed several CPH faculty to conduct research there, and bring students there for learning opportunities with the day center participants. It is located minutes from campus, and faculty are encouraged utilize this partnership to be involved with the program and involve their students.

WCOA is a day program within ServiceSource’s Long Term Community Integration Services offering services for older adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities where they engage in meaningful activities together, supporting accessibility and full inclusion for all participants. 

The goals of the program are to facilitate social engagement to develop meaningful connections and decrease social isolation, promote health, prevent injury, and managing chronic conditions, and support an inclusive environment for participants with disabilities and community members to engage in meaningful activities together. 

Learn more at the WCOA website or email Valerie McVeigh at Valerie.McVeigh@servicesource.org.

August 7 | 12:30-1:30 pm | Peterson 2000 and Zoom (Meeting ID is 927 8026 4834)

The Staff Council is hosting a brown bag lunch and listening session to hear your thoughts and answer questions about the revised bylaws that we put forth to be ratified. This is a critical step in becoming a group recognized by CPH Administration to represent the interests of the staff, wage, and A/P Faculty employees. Voting will start later in August.

Read the Draft Bylaws.

For more information, contact the leadership team:

Allie McKay (NUTR, Chair), Kelly Beckwith (GCH), Katie Spaulding (NURS), Terri Ann Guingab (Dean’s Office)

Do you have suggestions or questions for the Dean’s Address?

To submit topic suggestions or questions for consideration, please email Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu no later than August 19.  

Dean's Address

August 27 | 11 am | Multipurpose Room

Join us to kick off the new academic year. Address followed by a lunch reception. RSVP to come.

Add these important dates and deadlines for the 2025–2026 academic year to your calendar now. This list will continue to be updated throughout the summer.

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