College of Science Faculty,

Welcome to the start of a new academic year. We hope you all had a restorative summer and are ready for the exciting opportunities ahead. Our College of Science Faculty Meetings for the fall semester are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, September 12 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, October 17 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 at 2 p.m.

We encourage you to join us in person in Exploratory Hall 3301, though a virtual option will also be available.

The agenda for next week’s meeting will be posted. During this meeting, we will discuss key initiatives currently underway in the college, including the ongoing movement towards a 2/1 teaching load, the refinement of the faculty performance evaluation process, and the search for our next dean.

We will also hear from our dean, Cody W. Edwards, about some of his plans for the coming year, and there will be an open forum for discussion to gather your input and feedback on these and other important topics.

Our faculty leadership team is dedicated to advancing these priorities to create an environment where our faculty can excel in both teaching and research, ensuring that our college continues to thrive.

Your participation and input are crucial as we work together to strengthen our academic community. Please feel free to reach out to me, Ferah, or Xiaoyan with any questions or suggestions.

~ Tim

By Shayla Brown

Hanna “Bell” Tucker, a rising senior majoring in atmospheric sciences, landed a coveted internship with the FOX 5 News weather department despite the challenge of finding a media-focused position in her field. Her coursework, particularly CLIM 301 Weather Analysis and Prediction, and practical lab sessions, were instrumental in preparing her for the internship, providing valuable experience in weather forecasting and communication. Photo provided.

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren (a space medical doctor who graduated from nearby Robinson High School) will return home to headline the university's third annual George Mason Space Day on September 28, 2024, at its Fairfax Campus. Lindgren, who has spent a total of 311 days in space, will be joined by aerospace engineer Oleg Goushcha from NASA Langley Research Center, who contributes to analyzing the Space Launch System for future Artemis missions. The FREE, all-ages open to the community event will offer attendees the opportunity to engage with space experts and participate in various hands-on activities. Photo by NASA.

Visit the Intranet to read the latest on the status of the College's Administrative Assessment. This assessment remains one of the highest priorities for the college, and both college and provost leadership are committed to its success. The purpose of the Administrative Assessment is to improve the college's efficiency, effectiveness, and career pathing, and will not lead to reductions in staff. The assessment is on track with the goal of instituting a new structure during the spring semester.

The past two #FacultyFridays highlighted the appointment of Andre Clayborne as the College of Science's acting associate dean of faculty affairs and Jason Kinser as the acting associate dean of academic affairs. View original Instagram post for Clayborne and Kinser.

By Sarah Holland

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been facing intense conflict between the military and a militia, resulting in severe humanitarian issues with thousands dead and millions displaced. Schar’s Daniel Rothbart and his team, including Dieter Pfoser from the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, are using satellite imagery and Open Source Investigations (OSINT) to document and analyze the destruction and human rights violations. This work provides crucial evidence for potential legal actions and helps enhance conflict research methodologies. Photo: Comparison photos of an area of El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan showcasing the destruction of civilian property as a result of the ongoing civil war, as featured in the Sudan Conflict Observatory Situation Report "Impact on Civilians from Fighting in El Fasher, North Darfur, May 9-27, 2024.

By Sara Melena and Eva DiDonato

National Park Services highlights the environmental impact of sunscreens on coral reefs, specifically focusing on how toxic chemicals in sunscreens, when washed off by swimmers, can exacerbate existing threats to coral ecosystems. Karen Akerlof, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, played a key role in a project that combined behavioral science with environmental advocacy to address this issue. Photo by NEOM on Unsplash. 

George Mason's Center for the Arts is pleased to offer free student tickets to eligible Mason students. By completing the request form below, you can request a group of free student tickets for a class or student group where a curricular or extracurricular connection can be made to a performance. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services/George Mason University.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to participate in a variety of service projects on the 12th annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service on Wednesday, Sept. 11, on the Fairfax Campus. The event will also include an opening ceremony and lunch honoring first responders, veterans, and volunteers. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

ScienceConnect 2024 - Fairfax Campus
September 5, 2024 | 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Exploratory Hall Atria
Start off  the semester by connecting with our College of Science faculty and staff community. Interact with new and returning students while learning about our summer successes, the college’s new programs, research collaborations, and professional opportunities. Grab your newly branded tshirt, and check out our next service project. Register to attend. 

Gradstravaganza Picnic - Fairfax Campus
September 7, 2024 | 12 to 4 p.m. | Wilkins Plaza
Graduate Student Life, the Graduate Division, and GAPSA invite all new and continuing graduate students to join this event featuring FREE food, t-shirts, games, crafts, giveaways, campus tours, and plenty of activities to enjoy! Attendees can connect with academic units, campus resources, and graduate student organizations.

Faculty and Staff Fellowships Office Info Session
September 12, 2024 | 9 to 10 a.m. | Johnson Center
Discuss all things fellowships and how they can help your students by providing travel opportunities, research funding, and more. Join for breakfast and learn about fellowship opportunities or reach out at fllwshps@gmu.edu. Register to attend.

College of Science Faculty Meeting
September 12, 2024 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301, Fairfax Campus
All College of Science faculty are encouraged to join in person, though a virtual option will also be available. The first meeting topics include review of some current initiatives under way at the college, as well as an open forum for discussion. Attendee participation and input are vital as we work together to strengthen our academic community.