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

A message from Dean Cody W. Edwards

As we kick off the fall semester, we’re focusing on community building and partnerships—with much more to come. I look forward to seeing faculty, students, and staff at Science Connect (Sept. 4 in Fairfax; Sept. 9 at SciTech), always a highlight of the season. Please also spread the word and encourage your students and families to join us for Space Day on Sept. 20.

Yesterday, Meghan St. George, Padhu Seshaiyer, and I had the privilege of joining Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin for the ribbon-cutting of George Mason’s new Data Science and Computing Applications Lab School. You can read the full story, watch the video, and see my remarks (19 minute mark) from the event. This exciting partnership reflects our collective commitment to preparing the next generation of learners.

At the event, I also learned about a new AI upskilling opportunity that I am thrilled to extend to all Mason Science faculty, staff, and students (science.gmu.edu/GoogleAI). Through a partnership with Google, we now have free access to a multi-session AI certification program. This self-paced virtual learning opportunity is available on a first-come basis—let’s see who will be among the first to complete it. The college will offer swag to our first 25. 

The start of the academic year is always busy, but I hope you also find joy in pursuing our shared passion: helping students succeed.

I look forward to connecting and learning with you throughout the year.

The College of Science is once again partnering with George Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) to build a dedicated “College of Science” track of interactive STEM sessions for the 2025-26 STEM Fusion program. 

Faculty volunteers are needed to lead engaging STEM sessions for Northern Virginia students in grades 8–12. STEM Fusion serves Northern Virginia students who have an interest in STEM but face one or more barriers to achieving their post-secondary and career goals. This is an excellent opportunity for College of Science faculty, especially those whose grants include a K–12 outreach component, to connect with and inspire future scientists.

Find out more from Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon's email titled Faculty Volunteers Needed: EIP STEM Fusion 2025-26 from 8/27. 

Join us at ScienceConnect 2025 and get your chance to welcome new and returning students to the Mason Science community. 

Fairfax Campus: September 4 | 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Exploratory Hall Atrium

SciTech Campus: September 9 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | LSEB Lobby

Join us Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Center for a free, interactive event open to all. Explore cutting-edge aerospace science through expert talks, hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and more. Register to attend.

Share this opportunity with your students! Let them know about this upcoming event by sharing this slide in an upcoming class. 

By Rebecca Kobayashi

Soukaina Amniouel, MS Bioinformatics and Computational Biology ’20, PhD ’24. is now a postdoctoral fellow at the NIH. Inspired by her background and guided by Neuroscience Director M. Saleet Jafri, she developed a patented machine-learning model to personalize chemotherapy. At the NIH, she continues impactful research on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

by Katarina Benson

Growing up in Winchester, Virginia, Jordan Edlich would often visit Blandy Experimental Farm on field trips as a child. Now a graduate student in environmental science and policy, Edlich just spent a summer interning at the farm, which is also the State Arboretum of Virginia, cataloging native plants. One of Edlich’s main goals for their master's research is to create a local floristic survey to help the rehabilitation and revitalization of native plants in Northern Virginia. Photo provided. 

by Elizabeth Grisham

Paul Acosta, Assistant Research Professor, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences, College of Science, will receive funding for the project: “Collaborative Research: Mechanisms of moisture-driven ice growth: a warm Miocene data-model comparison.”

He and his collaborators will use state-of-the-art isotope-enabled general circulation and ice sheet models to test a suite of hypothesized mechanisms for precipitation-driven Antarctic ice growth during the Middle Miocene 

In a recent New York Times article on the Minneapolis church shooting, Forensic Science Program Director Mary Ellen O'Toole emphasized that clear motives are often hard to define and highlighted the importance of focusing on patterns of behavior and missed warning signs rather than a singular motive. Her insights underscore the need for early intervention. Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications.

George Mason grant seekers can take advantage of free, confidential technical editing for both new and previously reviewed proposals. Applications must be submitted by October 17, 2025. Drafts will be reviewed by advanced students enrolled in English 483/503 technical editing courses, providing professional-level feedback at no cost. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash.

Faculty can take their academic career to the next level with the Faculty Success Workshop Series, hosted by Faculty Affairs in partnership with Research Development Services (ORIEI). These interactive, virtual workshops tackle the most important topics for faculty growth—equipping them with practical strategies and proven best practices. Each session is mentored by experienced George Mason faculty and staff, ensuring guidance that’s relevant and actionable. Photo by Kvalifik on Unsplash.

ScienceConnect Fairfax Campus
Tuesday, September 4 | 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Exploratory Hall Atrium
Start off the semester by meeting College of Science faculty, staff, and students while exploring college programs, research, and professional opportunities. Be sure to grab some food and win college swag. Register to attend. 

Communicating Science for Policy in a Populist World
Monday, September 8, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon
What happens when science meets policy in a populist age? Join leading international experts for a global workshop with in-person and Zoom participation options. Explore the role of civic science practices in shaping the future of evidence-informed policy. Sign up to attend in person. Sign up to attend virtually. 

Microsoft Copilot Chat AI Prompt-A-Thon 
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Johnson Center, meeting room E
Join this George Mason and Microsoft event for students, faculty, and staff to learn and experience the value of Copilot Chat to accelerate the adoption of AI into their daily routines. There will be four in-person sessions available offering prompt training to help users try their hand at using Copilot Chat and learn how to maximize its capabilities. Register for a session via MasonLEAPS.

ScienceConnect SciTech Campus
September 9 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | LSEB Lobby
Start off the semester by meeting College of Science faculty, staff, and students while exploring college programs, research, and professional opportunities. Be sure to grab some food and win college SWAG. Register to attend. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | Noon | Exploratory Hall 3301
If you would like to suggest items for future meeting agendas, please direct them to Lori Mandable

Discover New Funding Opportunities with Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN)
September 10, 2025 | 3 to 4 p.m. | Virtual
Join William DeCocco from InfoEd Global for an engaging webinar to learn how to unlock the full potential of SPIN, a powerful database featuring 40,000+ grant opportunities from a diverse range of funders. SPIN is free for the George Mason University community. 

University Adjunct Faculty Social
Respond by Monday, September 15, 2025
Network with adjunct faculty from around campus and engage with some members of George Mason’s leadership team. The event will take place Monday, September 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Merten Hall, room 1201. Register to attend.