It’s been a very busy time for the College of Science at George Mason University. Our administrative, research, and academic teams have brought forward countless community building programs, inspiring educational pathways, and new research discoveries. Our productivity is in part fueled by our strong and effective collaborations. Yet, as we consider areas of opportunity across our scientific enterprise, there are some who still work within silos. I’m not suggesting every project needs a team. That said, many suggest there are countless benefits from including others in our work. Surely, you've all heard the buzz words ad nauseam. Multidisciplinary collaborations. Group brainstorming and blue-sky thinking. Leveraging scale and synergies.

What are the benefits of not collaborating? Here’s a quick list.  Solitude. Focus. Control. Less stress. Maybe even saving time (at least in the short term). Yet at what cost?

Some suggest 1+1=3, the concept that collaborating brings forth an idea, perspective, hypothesis, discovery, or end product that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

by Laura Powers

The Virginia Board of Education approved funding for George Mason to launch the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing and Applications (DSCA Lab School). This school will support 10th through 12th grade students through academic programming that fosters data literacy and showcases the latest innovations in STEM. Efforts will be led by George Mason mathematical sciences professor Padhu Seshaiyer. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications/George Mason University.

by Laura Powers

George Mason physics graduate student Laura Akesson received a COVES Fellowship to explore energy policy during the summer with Senator Ghazala Hashmi in Virginia’s 15th district. She will provide her scientific expertise and witness firsthand how that expertise is then utilized to develop and impact policy. The goal of the fellowship is to prepare scientists and engineers to effectively advise on public policy within the state—something Akesson said very much interests her. Photo provided. 

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. 

This past #FacultyFriday featured Emanuel Petricoin, co-director, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM), and professor in the School of Systems Biology, who recently received funding for the project: “Protein Pathway Activation Based Signaling Mapping of Head And Neck Cancers.” View original Instagram post. 

by Laura Powers

Amy Fowler, an associate professor in George Mason University’s College of Science, received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to conduct research in Finland between July 2024 and January 2025 from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University.

by Laura Powers

Rocío Prisby, a biosciences doctoral student at George Mason University, led the first comprehensive analysis of proteins found within wheat starch-based and flour-based pastes used in historic texts. This study produced a working database for historians to cross-reference for their own samples that will ultimately result in greater understanding of the evolution of adhesives, while also providing a starting point to determine the best conservation practices for bookbinding and paper conservation. Prisby worked alongside George Mason researchers Alessandra Luchini and Lance Liotta, as well as Caroline Solazzo from the Museum Conservation Institute at the Smithsonian. Photo provided. 

by Erdal Yiğit

Getting humans to Mars is difficult enough. But things won’t be any easier after they arrive: The red planet’s climate and weather are anything but friendly. Photo by NASA.

by By Timothy DelSole and Paul A. Dirmeyer

For the past five years, faculty in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences at George Mason University have used a qualifying process that overcomes many of the shortcomings of traditional exams. Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash.

George Mason University’s Graduate Division is piloting a new tuition support program to help and incentivize Principal Investigators (PIs) to fully fund more full-time doctoral students and contribute to their research goals. PI’s who appoint a full-time doctoral student to an external award are eligible to receive up to 18 credits of tuition support for this student. Please see the attached flyer for additional details. Only one student is allowed per principal investigator. Award decisions will be made on a competitive basis according to the review criteria. Applications should be submitted by 5 p.m. on July 29, 2024.

by Preston Williams

CNBC has named Virginia America’s Top State for Business in 2024, and the No. 1 state for education, dual distinctions that highlight George Mason University’s impact as the largest and most innovative public university in Virginia and a top 50 public university nationally.

IT Security Awareness Training
All Mason employees, including contractors, affiliates, and student wage workers, were assigned Information Technology (IT) Security Awareness Training in their MasonLEAPS accounts. Those with specialized functions will also receive mandatory role-based training. Users must complete the training before their semi-annual password reset. Learn more about the requirements. Contact the Information Technology Services (ITS) Support Center at support@gmu.edu or 703-993-8870 with questions.  

UBC's Strategic Planning and Implementation
July 17, 2024 | Noon | Merten Hall 1203 and virtual
University Business Consulting hosts an annual Knowledge Share Series each summer, which are open to all George Mason faculty and staff. Join the second of the three sessions. Registration is available in MasonLEAPS. 

Mental Health First Aid
July 22, 2024 to July 23, 2024 | 1 to 5 p.m. 
Complete Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to learn how to help someone suffering from a mental health crisis, increase your mental health literacy, and dismantle the stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being will split the eight-hour MHFA training into two four-hour sessions. Learn more and register.   

STEM Professionals Networking Session
July 26, 2024 | 9 a.m. to noon | Johnson Center Bistro
College of Science faculty (including graduate students and post-docs) and STEM industry professionals are invited to join the STEM Professionals Networking Session for high school participants attending the VALHEN Hispanic STEM Academy. Complimentary visitor parking is available in the Shenandoah deck for all those who volunteer to attend. Session volunteers are also welcome to attend the STEM Academy’s closing luncheon immediately following the networking session in the HUB Ballroom. Please consider attending the Networking Session and/or sharing this opportunity with adjunct faculty and industry professionals in your networks. All volunteers must pre-register.

Queer Parents/Caregivers Social
July 26, 2024 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Women and Gender Studies Center, Johnson Center 240K (second floor)
The LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is hosting a Queer Parents and Caregivers Social meet-up open to all faculty, staff, and GTAs/GRAs who are LGBTQ+ parents, caregivers, and/or queer individuals in the process of building a family. Coffee and tea will be provided, and you are welcome to bring a lunch. Join to enjoy some casual conversation with colleagues/friends. If you have questions, contact Holly Mason Badra. 

Save the date: George Mason Thriving Together 5K
Registration is now open to attend the George Mason Thriving Together 5K on Saturday, October 19 at 9 a.m. on Merten Hall Lawn on the Fairfax Campus. Registration is $20 for students and $35 for non-students. Register now.