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| Wednesday, September 27, 2023 science.gmu.edu
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Rankings value access and growth – for all
by Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm
Around this time each year, the higher education community is abuzz with discussions of program rankings. And here at George Mason University, it’s no different. This week, according to a variety of credible sources including U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2024, Mason continues to rise in many various ranking assessments. Most notably this year, the rankings have taken the element of social mobility into account, and our university reputation is on the rise — #51 among all public universities and #105 among all universities nationwide. Across the U.S., Mason also remains a top 20 most innovative university and a top 50 university for veterans. (Just ask our service members in the signature Mason EMDP2 partnership).
We describe the Mason Nation as “All Together Different” and the diverse, inclusive, innovative, engaging, and accessible environment we are working diligently to create and deliver is getting noticed.
Mason Science enrollment has experienced the highest percentage of growth since I became dean. Increasing five percent, at a time when others discuss enrollment cliffs and are consolidating programs, more and more families are counting on Mason for the academic rigor, access to opportunity, and diversity of experience and perspective that will prepare our students for a successful future. The university’s total student enrollment has surpassed 40,000 this year, a first for the Commonwealth of Virginia, including the largest freshman class in school history with 4,500 students. Mason’s graduation rates are higher than the national average. In addition, 86 percent of recent graduates are employed in the greater Washington, D.C. area and 89 percent in positions related to their career goals.
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Mason Science soft launches Intranet
In response to the feedback and our priorities noted in the Strategic Plan, we have launched a beta version of the college Intranet to improve our internal communications, aggregate important information, and build community. Please take a moment to review the Beta version of the Mason Science Intranet and provide any feedback. We will be updating content on a regular basis, measuring the usefulness of the content, and adjusting where needed. We aim to create an internet that is a living repository of useful information that should be updated and accessed regularly.
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Nominate your colleagues for a 2023 Dean’s Award
It’s that time of year again when we recognize the work of faculty and staff in the College of Science during the 2023 calendar year. Dean’s Award nominations will open next week. Visit the Celebration of Success web page for a full list of the 16 awards (there are some new ones) and information on who is eligible for each. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Anyone can submit a nomination, and self-nominations are also accepted.
The 2023 Celebration of Success will take place Monday, December 4, 2023 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Exploratory Hall Atrium.
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#FacultyFriday highlights Forensic Science adjunct professor
We conclude #NationalForensicScienceWeek by highlighting Deborah Leben, Adjunct Professor for Forensic Science. Leben currently works on a project that helps students follow a career path that aligns with their strengths and personal interests. When people work to their strengths and follow their interests, they can accomplish more and can have a greater impact on their careers. View original Instagram post.
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Student team improves substance use disorder app thanks to venture capital funding
by Shayla Brown
A George Mason University multidisciplinary research team recently received $5,000 in funding from the VentureWell Accelerator to continue to develop their app, iCONNECT SUD.
The team, which includes neuroscience PhD student Dylan Scarton, calls themselves the Good Troublers. Their project started as part of the National Science Foundation-funded National Research Traineeship (NRT) program at the Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain Body Interactions (CASBBI). Image: Rebecca Leung, Srinath Silla, Dylan Scarton, and Tolulope Abidogun in Peterson Hall. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.
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United States District Court for the Southern District of New York thanks Löhner for COVID-19 guidance
Rainald Löhner, the director of Mason’s Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics, is an expert in the dispersion of contaminants and focused heavily on ways air flow affects the spread of COVID-19 at the peak of the pandemic. In 2021, he influenced the way courtrooms set up their spaces when returning to in-person legal proceedings. Recently Löhner received a letter from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, thanking him for his service. Photo by Nellie Adamyan on Unsplash.
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Nominate your colleagues for a Mason Teaching Excellence Award by Oct 10.
The Teaching Excellence Awards are both institutional recognition and a monetary acknowledgment of the significant work that faculty members devote to course planning and preparation; curriculum development; and innovative teaching, advising, and undergraduate and graduate mentoring. Submit your nominations by October 10, 2023. We urge you to take this opportunity to recognize teaching excellence at Mason; please nominate someone you view as an outstanding educator for this honor. Awards are open to all full-time faculty members who have already completed at least three years of full-time teaching at George Mason.
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You and your family invited to attend NanoTechnology Day
Are you looking for an engaging way to spend the morning with your children exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)? Families and K-12 children are invited to attend and learn more about the Nanoscale with hands-on activities, including a Nobel Prize winning experiment. Lab tours will also be available for students 12 years and older.
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Mason Now: Power the Possible Faculty and Staff Reception
September 28, 2023 | 4 to 6 p.m. | Merten Hall Lawn, Fairfax Campus
The Mason community is celebrating the launch of the biggest, boldest campaign in the university’s history. Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and giveaways as we get ready to make a difference—together.
The Stearns Center invites all faculty and staff to the 15th annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference. Join us in person for a full day of interactive workshops, panels, research presentations, and networking with colleagues. This hybrid conference format will also include live-streaming options and On Demand content.
WATER Research Symposium
October 9, 2023 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Potomac Science Center
Attend this one-day interdisciplinary symposium to gain a new perspective on water. Talks and posters will examine water in research, education, art, culture, and society, and highlight current work by Mason faculty, students, and staff and additional external partners and collaborators. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
Compassionate Conversation Workshop
October 12, 2023 | noon to 2 p.m. | Exploratory Hall, 3301
Join Erikca Brown, Inclusive Education Manager in the Office of DEI and Paula Danquah-Brobby, Director of AJEDI in the College of Science for a faculty and staff workshop that develops skills for communication and interaction across cultures and expand opportunities to engage in authentic and compassionate communication.
Woman In Motion Documentary Event
October 16, 2023 | 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Johnson Center Cinema, Fairfax Campus
The College of Science STEM Accelerator, Women Leaders in STEM, and CVPA's Visiting Filmmakers Series are pleased to collaborate on a free screening and discussion of the documentary film Woman In Motion. Register on Mason 360 to attend. Guests can be registered on the night of the screening.
Mason Space Day 2023
October 22, 2023 | 3 to 9 p.m. | Fairfax Campus
Mason Space Day is a FREE, exciting, collaborative, and engaging event, with an aim to educate the public on the technology and science behind some of the leading aerospace projects in the area. The day offers lectures from those at the forefront of space exploration and a number of organizations with hands-on space-related activities, educational information, and more. Register to attend.
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