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

A Message from Dean Cody W. Edwards

It's bittersweet. Final projects, research papers, exams, and proposals are turned in and reviewed with deadlines looming. Stress levels are high. Last class. Last lab. Last exam. Last presentation. Last paper. Last survey. Calendars are full of meetings, deadlines, award ceremonies, and saying goodbyes.

And yet, it's one of my most favorite parts of the year because it's also so rewarding; it blatantly demonstrates why we do what we do. And how well we do it. And we get to experience the feeling of this job well done each year in a big way. A life filled with meaning and purpose. Our students are graduating! 

They are taking what they've learned about their science, and themselves personally and professionally, into the world to begin the next chapter of their life's journey--the next year, the next degree--their next job. Or, in some cases, some of our colleagues are retiring from their time with us after building a multi-decade legacy. We wish them all continued success.

We're celebrating our student accomplishments with a rolling calendar of events, dissertation signings, award ceremonies, and retirement gatherings all centered on the scientists who make our vibrant community thrive.

Our upcoming Degree Celebration on Friday, May 16, allows us to fully recognize our collective accomplishments. This year, student successes have been plentiful.

Help support our new graduates by volunteering at the College of Science Degree Celebration ceremony and after party on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. The volunteer opportunities begin as early as noon and can run as late as 4 p.m. Please block this time on your calendar. Volunteer orientation will be held via Zoom prior to the Degree Celebration on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2 p.m. Keep an eye out for an email with more details. Email cosevent@gmu.edu to sign up. Photo by Arian White. 

This transdisciplinary program bridges climate science, policy development and adaptation strategies, equipping students with practical skills to translate cutting-edge research into real-world community resilience solutions. Whether you have students majoring in science, policy, business, or the arts, please encourage them to consider the CRA minor to take their degree to the next level. Registration for Fall 2025 is now open. Photo by iStock. 

Roll up your sleeves—it’s reef-building time! Join us for a hands-on, two-day event where you’ll mix, mold, and pour cement to create artificial reef structures that will help restore oyster populations and marine biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay. The project will take place Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at Bull Run Parking Lot on the SciTech Campus. Register for day one (May 12) and/or day two  (May 13).

This past #FacultyFriday highlighted School of Systems Biology and Neuroscience Professor Frank Krueger, who recently received an OTEA Teachers of Distinction honor. Krueger brings an interdisciplinary lens to his teaching and research—bridging psychology, neuroscience, and physics. His innovative approach to teaching prepares students to think critically across disciplines and tackle complex questions about human interaction and brain function. See original Instagram post. 

George Mason University President Gregory Washington announced the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence, honoring 12 faculty members for their work on behalf of the university, students, and the broader community. Recipients include biology Professor Aarthi Narayanan, for Excellence in Research as well as mathematical sciences Professor Rebecca Goldin, for Excellence in Social Impact. 

Biology Associate Professor David Luther's research utilizes camera traps and acoustic recorders to create an improved monitoring system for biodiversity in tropical forests. The study is a part of the larger Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project launched in 1979 by former George Mason faculty member Thomas Lovejoy. 

by Physician's Weekly

Neuroscience researchers Patricia Sinclair and Nadine Kabbani, along with bioinformatics and computational biology PhD student Navdeep S. Dhanjal were featured in a Physician’s Weekly article for their research on plasma proteins related to gender-specific effects of opioid use.

Two people were killed and six others injured in a mass shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee on Thursday, April 17. As the investigation unfolds, Forensic Science Program director Mary Ellen O'Toole offers insight into the case. CBS News' Kati Weis and Natalie Brand report the latest, with O'Toole providing expert analysis on the incident.

On Monday, April 28, President Washington announced The Grand Challenge Initiative at George Mason, a bold, university-wide research effort aimed at addressing humanity’s most urgent needs. Rooted in the university's innovative spirit, the initiative focuses on six interrelated “Grand Solutions”—ranging from education and climate resilience to digital innovation, health, space exploration, and democratic trust. The initiative seeks to align university resources and research around these themes to proactively shape a better future. Over the next few weeks, please take a moment to share your grand challenge related efforts with the College of Science communications team so they can help feature your work in the university and college-level grand challenge communications. 

The Student Access and Earnings Classification recognizes institutions that foster opportunities for student success. The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) announced Thursday that George Mason University was named to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility.  Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services. 

Patriot Connect is Live for Staff and Faculty
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 
To facilitate students receiving the best support possible at George Mason, all (undergraduate and graduate) staff and faculty academic advisors as well as select units in University Life are required to use Patriot Connect for advising and student support services appointments. Collaborating within one platform will enable us to provide informed, personalized support. Take action today. 

Submit Your Proposal for a Customized Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program
Deadline: May 1, 2025
The Global Education Office (GEO) invites faculty and instructors across the university to submit a proposal for a customized faculty-led study abroad program, which allows students to travel over university holiday, with George Mason faculty, and earn George Mason credit. GEO is accepting customized proposals until a deadline of May 1, 2025, for courses held in spring, summer, fall 2026 and winter break 2027. For the formal proposal guidelines, program details, rubric, and upcoming virtual trainings, visit the Customized New Programs Portal page on the Global Education Office’s website, MasonAbroad. 

Women Leaders in STEM: Donut Destress
May 2, 2025 | 12:30 to 2 p.m. | Exploratory Hall, Second Floor
Join Women Leaders in STEM's end of year social. All students, staff, and faculty in the George Mason Community are welcome to participate.

Undergraduate Research Colloquium
May 12, 2025 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center, Fairfax Campus
Join Mason's STEM Accelerator to view a variety of undergraduate research projects from students in the College of Science and find out more about what they have achieved this past year. 

George Mason University Commencement
May 15, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. | EagleBank Arena

College of Science Degree Celebration
May 16, 2025 | 2 p.m. | EagleBank Arena

Save the date: STEM Canvas Workshops 
June 9 - June 10, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Exploratory Hall, 3301
The College of Science's STEM Accelerator will offer Canvas Workshops for the Mason Science community June 9 and June 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Exploratory Hall 3301. Feel free to stop by any time to learn more about this tool and prepare for the full conversion from Blackboard.