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

Every few years, the world comes together to celebrate the best in sport. At this year's Olympics in Paris, France, the 10,500 and 4,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes personify the spirit of competition, bravery, and creativity, with so much national pride on full display. Can you hear the 2024 Olympic song Hello World by Gwen Stefani and Anderson Paak playing in your head?

We can't help but tune in and root for the athletes from our countries and heritage. The George Mason hometown favorites include Katie Ledecky, the Maryland native who has become the most decorated female Olympian from the U.S. Or did you watch Arlington, Virginia’s Torri Husk, a swimmer who takes home five medals, after anchoring a few USA swimming relays and competing admirably in her own individual events. How about the USA sprinter from Alexandria, VA, Noah Lyles, whose gold in the 100M allows him the title of fastest man in the world right now. 

There are some elements of the games that to some may seem different this year. The camaraderie and community across nations is palpable. Maybe it's because the athletes are so thankful their families, coaches, and friends can be there with them. You may recall the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo kept spectator stands empty to limit COVID-19 spread.

We find ourselves rooting for people we didn't even know—the sprinter from St. Lucia who wins the country’s first Olympic medal ever, a specialist who competes in one event among superstars and manages to deliver the best routine of their lives. The local hero in the pool, who sees his moment and wins gold again, and again, and again, and again. He smiles at the crowd, perhaps realizing his life will be forever changed by what happened at these Olympic Games. 

Andre Clayborne, Acting Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs

Jason Kinser, Acting Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

As Cody W. Edwards assumes the role of interim Dean of the College of Science at George Mason University effective July 1, 2024, the college announces the following faculty appointments to its leadership team for the 2024/2025 academic year. Andre Clayborne has been tapped as acting associate dean of faculty affairs and Jason Kinser will represent the college as acting associate dean of academic affairs. Both roles will continue the momentum on the college’s existing strategic projects.

As Kinser assumes this role, Professor Arie Croitoru will become the acting chair of the Department of Computational and Data Sciences. Other faculty who have stepped into department chair roles during 2024 include: Ernest Barreto, Physics and Astronomy; Mikell Paige, Chemistry and Biochemistry; and Gad Perry, Environmental Science and Policy.

“I am thrilled these experienced leaders can support the college during this important time of transition,” shared Cody W. Edwards. “These appointments will allow us to continue our progress towards enhancing the faculty and staff experience and elevating the impact of our academic and research enterprise, all while further cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and satisfaction.”

by Laura Powers

Scientists in George Mason University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) and Tulane National Primate Research Center conducted a breakthrough proof-of-concept study in Nature’s Gene Therapy that found an HIV-like virus particle that could cease the need for lifelong medications. Yuntao Wu, professor in the School of Systems Biology served as the study's principal investigator. Photo by Evan Cantwell/George Mason University.

by Laura Powers

Computational and data sciences doctoral candidate, Jericho McLeod, attended the International Pandemic Sciences Conference at Oxford University in July, presenting his research on the spread of COVID-19 through extended family connections. The conference, which hosted some of the top minds in the field, selected McLeod’s work as the “best poster presentation” in the Epidemiology, Data and Analytics category. Photo provided. 

Environmental Science and Policy assistant professor Jennifer Sklarew appeared in the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure's (Aii) Energy Month series, Energy Spotlight. She highlights the roles of awareness, finance, and community engagement in solving clean energy challenges. 

By Erin Moriarty

In a recent CBS news article on the unsolved murder of Kay Wenal in 2008, Forensic Science Program director Mary Ellen O'Toole shared her insights as a former FBI profiler. Analyzing a strange letter sent after Wenal's murder, she proposed that the "cut and paste" format might suggest the letter was crafted by a woman aiming to mislead investigators, hinting at the possibility of multiple individuals being involved in the crime.

Fairfax Campus
Thursday, September 5 | 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Exploratory Hall Atria

Science and Technology Campus 
Tuesday, September 10 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Katherine G. Johnson Hall

Start off the semester by connecting with our College of Science faculty and staff community. Interact with new and returning students while learning about our summer successes, the college’s new programs, research collaborations, and professional opportunities.

As of August 1, housekeeping will NO LONGER be picking up any trash from individual offices or personal spaces on all campuses.

Faculty and staff will be responsible for emptying the individual trash can in their workspace into larger trash receptacles in common areas. Housekeeping staff will no longer empty personal trash cans located at desks/cubicles/private offices. Workspaces and offices will be cleaned weekly. 

Find out more about the new process on the Mason Science Intranet. 

Gradstravaganza Success Sessions
August 13, 2024 to August 22, 2024 | Virtual
All new and continuing Mason graduate students are invited to this multi-day event: first, a fully virtual line-up of sessions spanning six evenings over two weeks, which will kickstart the graduate student experience, followed by an in-person picnic to celebrate the beginning of a new year and the beginning of the graduate and/or professional journey at Mason on Saturday, September 7 on Wilkins Plaza. Brought to you by Graduate Student Life, the Graduate Division, the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA), Mason Recreation, Office of International Programs and Services, UL Mason Square and University Life.

University Business Consulting: Measuring Progress
August 14, 2024 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Collecting and analyzing performance metrics is vital to understanding the impact and success of any project. This session will explore the processes in identifying and measuring project progress and success, such as key performance indicator (KPI) and progress metric development, data collection tools, and a brief overview of visualization tools available to George Mason faculty and staff. Register on MasonLeaps.

Nominations open to serve on Dean Search Committee
Open now through August 15
The provost would like to formally kick off the search for the next College of Science dean by September 3, 2024. Those wishing to nominate classified staff and/or AP faculty should email Myisha Washington. Those wishing to nominate tenure track, instructional term, and tenured faculty should email Ferah Munshi and cc Ben Schweinhart. All nominations must be submitted by August 15.

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day workshop proposals due
Deadline August 16, 2024 | 5 p.m.
Human Resources seeks innovative and engaging workshop proposals from faculty and staff. Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day is scheduled for October 15. This year’s professional development event will focus on faculty and staff engagement, guided by the Gallup Q12.

New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop 
August 17, 2024 | Virtual
The upcoming New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, Aug, 17. This workshop helps new adjunct faculty transition into their role at George Mason with professional development support, resources, and some friendly faces on campus. Departments should share the registration link with adjunct faculty as they are hired.