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

By Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm

Day in and day out, we try our utmost to do good and meaningful work. Although we each may have those days when we ask ourselves, "What's it all for?" And we wonder, do I make a difference? 

When we consider our motto, Understand. Innovate. Succeed, the latter two elements, although different for each of us, are fairly self-explanatory. Time and again, members in our community demonstrate that meaningful mentorship goes a long way to address the first element, cultivating understanding – of one’s scientific field, of the societal problems at hand now and in the future, and ultimately, of developing an understanding of oneself and purpose. Nowhere is the impact of our strong mentorship more evident than at graduation or when one of our faculty is honored. 

Last week, more than 60 people gathered together to support the contributions of retiring chemistry professor, Greg Foster. Surrounded by family, friends, staff, faculty, and former students, we celebrated Foster's 35 years at Mason, with speakers detailing the instrumental role he played in the shaping of the department (both serving as chair and encouraging others in the role), his work in his multidisciplinary lab at Mason's Potomac Science Center, and the impact he has had on the day to day learning and work environment he created. Visit the intranet for photos from the celebration. 

Faculty and former students (and even his students’ children) spoke at the celebration; recurring themes included how he saw something in them that they perhaps hadn’t seen in themselves, how he motivated them to grow, and also how he treated each of them like family. Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and the many people who respected his efforts, they were able to honor the meaningful mentorship he provided. 

by Milinda Polisetty

George Mason University student Oliver Yu has long aspired to work with NASA and delve into space exploration. With graduation this month, his dream job awaits.

Check the Intranet for the latest updates on the new Mason logo and branding. The college's marcom team will continue to make updates regarding available brand elements and timing. 

Congratulations to Rainald Löhner, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of the Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), for earning The Beck Family Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Research. Löhner's research focuses on fluid dynamics, and he has been a pioneer in developing computational models for solving fluid flow problems. View the original Instagram post. 

By George Mason University

The Honors College at George Mason University and Peraton awarded 11 students, including one from the Forensic Science Program and another from the Department of Computational and Data Sciences, the selective Peraton Scholarship in National Security at the conclusion of the spring semester. Award winners are committed to advancing the field of national security

by Laura Powers

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Undergraduate Research Colloquium that took place on Tuesday, May 7. In its thirteenth year, this annual STEM Accelerator organized event highlights the research achievements of College of Science undergraduate students and awards the best of the best with a scholarship funding and opportunities to share their hard work with the greater George Mason community. 

by Elizabeth Grisham and Kaylee Jeffries

Biosciences PhD student, Madeleine Becker, recently received funding as part of the Ecological, Evolutionary, and Conservation Genomics Research Award from the American Genetics Association for her research on evolutionary and conservation genomics questions centered around California Channel Island deer mouse. Photo provided. 

By Fox News and reposted by the New York Post

Last week, people across the country could look to the sky with a chance to view the northern lights, a phenomena usually only seen in certain parts of the world. Physics and Astronomy professor Peter Becker describes how solar flares can set off geomagnetic storms, lending to the unique view of the night sky across the United States. Photo by Lightscape on Unsplash.

By Johannes Stitz and Jocelyn Blore

Forensic Science assistant professor, Georgia Williams, spoke to Forensics Colleges about her current research, what excites her about the field, and advice for the next generation of forensic scientists. Photo provided. 

Mason Recreation is offering a great faculty and staff membership promotion this summer! Sign up for a $75 faculty/staff membership and receive one free InBody Scan fitness assessment. The membership runs from May 16 - August 15, 2024. Even better? Take advantage of this offer and be eligible for a 20 percent discount on an annual membership purchased after the summer. 

Eligibility:
Must be a current George Mason faculty or staff member. 

Offer not valid in combination with any other type of Mason Recreation membership.

Stipulations:
Purchases made for summer, and the subsequent annual membership promotion, cannot be made using payroll deduction. 

The free InBody scan is only valid during the membership period. Photo by Ian Shiff/Creative Services. 

Fostering Engagement and Belonging with Inclusive Classroom Techniques | CPD Level 1 Engage
May 23, 2024 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Virtual
*Formerly known as Anti-Racism and Inclusive Teaching: An Introduction to Developing More Inclusive Educational Spaces 
 
Are you ready to integrate inclusive teaching throughout your instructional spaces? Would you like to explore techniques and build tangible plans for your classes? This is where that journey begins. In this workshop, we will explore some of the definitions and terms often found in conversations about creating more inclusive classrooms. We will work together to advance our individual abilities in broadly inclusive teaching and learning to support all students. At the end of the workshop, we will have developed familiarity with concepts and terminology, explored deliberately inclusive classroom activities, and set one or two manageable goals for our classes. Register here.

CECiL Course Proposal Workshop
May 23, 2024 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Virtual
Course Proposal Workshops are opportunities to work with CECiL Staff members to enhance civic and community outcomes within your course(s). These workshops are intended to help faculty with existing CBL courses or courses with Civic Outcomes. Faculty will learn about current best practices and how to apply for a Mason Impact course designation. Faculty will receive a participation letter for their portfolio when their course has the Mason Impact designation. Register to attend. 

Surviving to Thriving: Incorporating Trauma-Informed Instructional Practices
May 29, 2024 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom
Whether individual or collective, trauma can have a significant impact on lives and how students (and instructors) show up and are able to engage in the classroom. In this workshop, we will explore the concept of trauma and how it applies to the classroom, recognize a few common trauma responses, investigate several educational best practices, expand our thinking with resilient pedagogy, and begin to apply these concepts to our own teaching. Together we will move beyond minimum legal requirements or accommodations to design and implement evidence-based instructional strategies in university education. Register here.

Ask Me Anything: STEM Career Planning Edition
May 29, 2024 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Reach out to your Mason Science students who may need help developing post-graduation career plan? Do they need help with their resume, cover letter or e-Portfolio? Are they seeking support with writing a compelling grad school Statement of Purpose, or preparing for employment or graduate school interviews? Do they need help finding research and internship opportunities, or have any other career development questions? Encourage your students to join our resident STEM Career expert, Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon, for a STEM career-focused drop-in session held the last Wednesday of each month.