This is the College of Science biweekly newsletter. For the most up-to-date information, visit science.gmu.edu or the college intranet. To submit information for inclusion in the newsletter, please submit your request by 5 p.m. on the Monday prior.

A message from Interim Dean Cody Edwards

It's happened since 1887. Each February 2, in a small town in Pennsylvania, people gather and watch to see if a small furry groundhog comes out from hibernation and sees its shadow. If it sees its shadow, legend decrees we are in for six more weeks of winter. Alternatively, if the creature does not see his shadow and stays outside, it is time for spring to begin. In effect, perhaps the creature is just reacting according to the natural environment. 

I'd have to ask our meteorological experts if Phil is truly a bright prognosticator yet, according to NOAA, Phil has seen his shadow 107 times, forecasted an early spring 20 times, and was correct in predicting the long 2014 winter, and early spring in 2016 and 2020. Regardless, let's look beyond the tradition of this activity and ask ourselves conceptually, when the light is brightest on each of us, do we turn and run back in our burrow or do we stay and bask in the sun's warmth? Are we ready for whatever the new season will bring or do we want to curl up and take another long nap?

There are days when I bet we feel both courses of action are the right solution. And that's OK.

by Danielle Hawkins

João Felipe Sousa Pereira’s research on solar flares could one day help us safeguard astronauts and technology in space and even prevent widespread blackouts here on Earth. Pereira, a second-year Physics PhD student at George Mason University, is studying solar physics with the goal of uncovering the precise triggers of solar flares. 

by Milinda Polisetty

Soukaina Amniouel, BCB ’20, BCB ‘24, a George Mason University alumna and NIH researcher, is advancing precision medicine through computational biology, driven by her personal experience with cancer. Her PhD research focused on using AI to improve chemotherapy effectiveness, leading to a patent and recognition through the NIH Fellowship Award. Amniouel’s work aims to develop biomarkers for targeted treatments, with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mentorship to improve patient outcomes in complex diseases.

Review upcoming deadlines regarding I/R faculty performance evaluations, with more details on the HR web pages. 

Monday, March 3, 2025: Self Evaluations due to LAUs (local academic unit chairs/directors).

April 4 – April 25, 2025: Results and rationale for the evaluation due in writing to the I/R faculty member from the academic unit chair/director. 

Monday, April 28, 2025: Completed evaluations from the LAUs chairs/directors are due to the College of Science Dean.

Please contact Acting Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Andre Z. Clayborne, and Director of Human Resources, Myisha Washington, with all questions and concerns.

The College of Science is launching a new internal process to ensure that all college programs that serve minors meet the university’s “Programs and Events for Children” (PEC) standards, as well as college guidelines related to staff training and safety. Please complete this survey by COB Friday, 2/14 to allow the College of Science to track our STEM outreach and community engagement impact, and to ensure compliance with the university's policies governing Programs and Events for Children/Minors (PEC). Visit the Intranet for more details. 

by Nathan Kahl

Steve Kan, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of the Center for Collision Safety and Analysis, serves as co-principal investigator on research focused on developing innovative vehicle technologies. This work is supported by a $1.6 million grant from the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, part of the Digital Enterprise Technology for Maintenance and Sustainment Improvements - Phase II initiative, sponsored by the Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center.

by Lauren Reuscher

Last fall, Cindy Smith, a professor in environmental science and policy, took her EVPP 302 students to a composting facility to see food and yard waste recycling in action. The course explores human impacts on ecosystems, and Smith uses this field trip to highlight positive ways humans can help mitigate these effects. Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science.

by Milinda Polisetty

Phys.org shared a recent College of Science article on George Mason researcher Andrea Weeks who played a key role in identifying an ancient seedling linked to the biblical myrrh. The seed, a yellow and fragrant resin from the Commiphora tree, was discovered in the Judean desert and revived by a team of researchers.

Read a message from ORIEI on the recently issued Executive Orders from President Trump and the Acting Director of the Office of Budget and Management's memo that may impose new restrictions on federal research agencies, potentially affecting research projects at George Mason University.

The Office of Sponsored Program’s website is regularly updated with federal funding information. 

The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the educational excellence of the university. Read more and nominate a colleague by Feb. 12. Contact the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning with questions.

Surviving to Thriving: Incorporating Trauma-Informed Instructional Practices
February 7, 2025 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Virtual
Whether experienced individually or collectively, trauma can have a profound impact on lives and affect how students—and instructors—show up and engage in the classroom. In this workshop, participants will explore the concept of trauma and its relevance to the classroom, recognize common trauma responses, and investigate several educational best practices. They will expand their thinking with resilient pedagogy and begin to apply these concepts to their own teaching. Together, participants will move beyond minimum legal requirements or accommodations, working to design and implement evidence-based instructional strategies in university education. Register.

Course Proposal Workshop: Successfully (Re-)Designing and Proposing a Mason Core Course
February 10, 2025 | Noon to 2 p.m. | Virtual
The Mason Core Committee is seeking course proposals for the revised Global Contexts category, the new Just Societies flag, and the Mason Apex category. Faculty interested in proposing a course for QEP-Community Engaged Learning status are also encouraged to participate. The session will offer a review of the new learning outcomes, a guide to the proposal process, and an opportunity to draft the first version of a proposal while receiving early feedback. Faculty are welcome to attend individually or bring colleagues who will be involved in designing or teaching the course. Register. 

Submit a nomination: Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence
Deadline: February 10, 2025
Sponsored by the Office of the President, the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence were created to recognize, promote, and honor outstanding members of our community. If you want the dean to submit a nomination (no self-nominations), send drafts to Andre and Teri by Mon., Feb 3.

AI Test Kitchen: Reimagining Creativity
February 11, 2025 | Noon to 12:45 p.m. | Innovation 427 and Virtual
Whether participants are newcomers or AI pros, they are invited to join the second test kitchen of the semester. In this session, attendees will explore different prompts and engage in a discussion about the day’s AI topic: Reimagining Creativity. They will have the opportunity to test the creativity of various AI tools and collaborate with colleagues to consider how creativity may (or may not) evolve when using AI tools with students. This session is based on the book Teaching with AI by Bowen and Watson. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch to the session. Register.

Brown Bag Series: Hiring 101 (with HR) 
February 12, 2025 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301 or Virtual
This brown bag aims to empower faculty by providing knowledge on hiring staff, postdocs, and/or students. Keep an eye out for future brown bag opportunities 3/6, 3/20, and 4/9. Visit the intranet for more event information. 

Mason Lobbies: Join fellow students in Richmond to advocate for funding and support
February 12, 2025 
George Mason students are invited to go to Richmond to advocate for funding for student support and programs, as well as other priorities. Volunteers will receive a signed excused absence for classes, and Student Government will cover 100% of costs for meals and transportation. Register to participate. 

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY: Prince William -Manassas Regional Science and Engineering Fair (judges needed)
Deadline: February 15, 2025
The 2025 Prince William-Manassas Regional Science and Engineering Fair seeks knowledgeable and enthusiastic STEM professionals to serve as judges. No previous judging experience is required, and judging rubrics are provided. Judges can choose to participate in-person, virtually, or both. The greatest need is for in-person judges on Saturday March 22, 2025. Judges are also needed virtually between March 6-13. Volunteers select the division they wish to judge: middle (grades 6-8) or senior (grades 9-12) the category they prefer (e.g., math, robotics, physics, engineering, environmental science, animal science, etc.) A certificate documenting volunteer hours will be provided to all judges.Tell the marcom team you are participating to get a free  Mason Science tshirt. Email cosmc@gmu.edu. 

College Tenured and Term Faculty Study Leave 2025-26 eligibility, form, and deadlines
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Applications for study leave during the 2025 - 2026 academic year are open for eligible faculty members. If you've already spoken to your unit head, please submit your application no later than February 15. View information on tenured faculty study leave OR term faculty study leave. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting
February 18, 2025 | 2 to 3 p.m. | Exploratory Hall, 3301
Please send agenda items to tleslie@gmu.edu or fmunshi@gmu.edu by Monday February 10. The agenda is scheduled for distribution on Tuesday, February 11.

SAVE THE DATE: College of Science All Staff Meeting
March 4, 2025 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301
We have invited members of college leadership to serve on a panel and answer your questions, provide clarification on important issues, and engage with staff directly. Submit your question(s) in advance via our survey.