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

Important Announcement

Science focus on five of seven Grand Challenge Initiative first round projects selected

As the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) enters its second year, George Mason University recently announced funding for seven catalyst research projects and the launch of the Grand Challenge Research Exchange—quarterly convenings for all GCI-related research to accelerate solutions to the grand challenge of our time. Our College of Science is a strong participant in the initiative, leading and collaborating in five of the seven new catalyst projects involving over two dozen of our scientists.

“We have placed our first bets on building a better future for humanity,” said President Gregory Washington. “These awards represent the very best of George Mason faculty research. They sit at a crossroads where the world’s greatest problems meet our faculty’s greatest research strengths to solve them. At a time when the world’s greatest challenges can appear to be winning, today the smart money is on George Mason professors.”

“This round of Grand Challenge Initiative funding reflects what the College of Science does best—bringing together bold ideas, deep expertise, and collaborators across disciplines to tackle problems that truly matter,” said Dean Cody W. Edwards. “From quantum science and space systems, to climate risk and humanitarian forensics, our scientists are not just advancing knowledge—they are building solutions with real-world impact. We’re proud to help lead an effort that positions George Mason at the forefront of shaping a more resilient, just, and prosperous future.”

College of Science projects, in collaboration with the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, College of Public Health, Costello College of Business, Scalia Law School, and Schar School of Policy and Government, and participating faculty include: 

George Mason’s Quantum Leap will expand George Mason’s strength in quantum hardware, algorithms, degree and training programs, and workforce development for Virginia’s emerging quantum economy. Principal Investigator: Patrick Vora 

George Mason University Space Center will design and launch small satellites that generate data for climate forecasting, disaster preparation, infrastructure protection, and scientific discovery, and expand degree and training programs. Principal Investigators: Anamaria Berea and Ferah Munshi

Toward a Center for Aerial Intelligence and Digital Earth Histories will digitize and analyze unclassified historical aerial archives into usable digital data resources for research, education, and societal impact—laying the groundwork for a future full‑scale center. Principal Investigator: Dieter Pfoser

Industry–University Working Group on Climate Change and Physical Risks will advance understanding of shifting climate hazards and develops practical tools that strengthen physical risk assessment and decision-making for the insurance, reinsurance, and finance sectors of the economy. Principal Investigator: Luis E. Ortiz 

Humanitarian Forensics and Peacebuilding will improve how human remains are located, identified, and reunified with families after conflict or disaster. Principal Investigator: Joseph DiZinno 

by Michelle Cragle

This year, 82 College of Science faculty members were recognized through George Mason University’s tenth annual Thank-A-Teacher program, led by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning. The annual program gives students an opportunity to thank faculty who have inspired, guided, encouraged, and supported them throughout their academic journey.

by Colleen Kearney Rich

George Mason graduate student Jose Meneses pursued conservation science after early interests in nature and documentaries. Transferring to George Mason led him to the Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation, where hands‑on research, internships, and collaborations with Smithsonian scientists shaped his academic path, strengthened his research focus, and confirmed his commitment to wildlife conservation. Watch his highlight video. Photo provided. 

by Laura Powers

From a nervous first-year student navigating unfamiliar spaces to a confident leader encouraging others to step beyond self-doubt, Xia Parkes, Biology '25 sees her college experience as transformational. Parkes will earn an MS in Systems Biology this May and will attend pharmacy school at Virginia Commonwealth University this fall. Photo provided. 

Take part in the Global Innovation Showcase tomorrow, May 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, SciTech Campus. Presented by Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator (NISA), the event explores breakthrough technologies from top international startups entering the U.S. market. These companies from the U.S., Israel, Japan, and South Korea innovate in healthcare, AI, advanced materials, and wearables.

by Laura Powers

Mathematics PhD student and COVES Fellow, Jeanie Schreiber, BS Mathematics ’20, created a transparent AI career recommendation system during work with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The project used data and NLP to match skills with pathways while emphasizing explainability, supporting policymaking, education planning, and more informed career decisions. Photo provided. 

by Colleen Kearney Rich

George Mason’s Top 100 patent ranking reflects strong innovation output, including advances in VR and transportation systems. Researchers Monique van Hoek and Barney Bishop contributed significantly with patented antimicrobial peptides inspired by natural defenses, offering promising solutions to combat drug-resistant infections and highlighting George Mason’s impact in health-focused technologies. Photo by Lathan Goumas/Office of Communications and Marketing.

by Kelly Barraza, Site Selection

Fairfax County’s innovation growth is driven by strong talent pipelines, industry partnerships, and emerging sectors like AI and space tech. Dean Cody W. Edwards highlights the College of Science's role supplying skilled graduates, fostering research collaborations, and building regional capacity in fields such as life sciences, climate science, and quantum technologies.

by Sarah Jones, MSN

Scientists modeled the consequences of the Sun suddenly disappearing, finding a rapid collapse of light, temperature, and ecosystems after about eight minutes of delay. Physics and Astronomy Professor Michael Summers explained that photosynthetic life would quickly die, food chains would collapse, and even fungi would only briefly persist before extreme cold dominates Earth’s surface.

George Mason University, Prince William County, and Manassas have launched Nexus234, a 6,000-acre innovation district centered on the SciTech Campus. It aims to connect researchers, students, and companies to accelerate technology development, commercialization, and workforce training across sectors like life sciences, AI, defense, and semiconductors, driving regional economic growth. Photo by Evan Cantwell/University Branding.

by University Life Staff

George Mason University’s new Activities Building is designed to strengthen campus life by creating a central hub for student engagement. It offers gyms, multipurpose rooms, and event spaces where students can gather, participate in activities, and connect with peers, faculty, and organizations, fostering stronger community ties across campus. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

15th Annual College of Science Undergraduate Research Colloquium
Wednesday, May 11, 2026 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center
The College of Science and STEM Accelerator invite you to attend the 15th Annual Undergraduate Research Colloquium (URC). This event will showcase the variety of undergraduate research projects in the college to the George Mason community. All students engaged in undergraduate research at any level in any academic unit within the College of Science are encouraged to participate.

Workshop: AI Test Kitchen: Classroom Discussion
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Virtual
Whether you’re new to AI tools like Microsoft CoPilot or have a lot of AI experience, join this session to explore prompts and discuss the role of AI as part of classroom discussions. Based on the book Teaching with AI by Bowen and Watson. Participation in past AI Test Kitchens is not required. This workshop is part of the Teaching with AI credential Level 1 series. Register to attend. 

University Commencement
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. | EagleBank Arena

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

Strengthen Learning in Your STEM Courses
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Innovation Hall, room 427
Join fellow science faculty for the STEM Education Retreat, a focused, in‑person workshop STEM for All: Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Your Courses. This session is designed for STEM instructors who want to improve student learning and engagement using a framework which anticipates learner variability so you can design more effective, scalable STEM courses from the start. Register now. 

Rethinking Security in the Age of AI
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. | LSEB, SciTech Campus
Enjoy coffee and conversation about AI and security, led by Massimiliano Albanese, the director of George Mason University’s Center for Infrastructure Security in the Era of AI (ISEAI).

Faculty Writing Retreat and Panel
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 and Thursday, May 21, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Horizon Hall, rooms 2008/2009 and virtual
The Faculty Writing Retreat offers an active approach to uninterrupted writing time, a chance to learn from panelists, and a supportive and collegial community of peers to boost your writing productivity. The retreat will be held on Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21, both on Zoom and in-person in Horizon Hall. Register to attend.