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

by Tracy Mason

It’s award season, and as you know from the many emails and news posts, our annual evaluation processes begin as well. It’s the perfect time to recognize colleagues for their exemplary work and activities that greatly impact their respective fields. In lieu of this week’s dean’s blog, we are taking time to highlight some significant accomplishments and honors bestowed to members of our Mason Science community that have been shared with us. We also thank those of you who take time to engage the broader community to share your passion for and knowledge of all things science.

On Thursday, February 6, in Richmond, Virginia, Forensic Science professor Kelly Knight was one of five distinguished colleagues to receive the 2025 Dominion Energy Strong Men and Women in Virginia History award. This state-wide award honors Black American leaders in Virginia and gives recipients $5K to donate to a non-profit of their choice. Knight selected George Mason’s FOCUS (Females of Color and those Underrepresented in STEM) program that supports young girls interested in STEM fields. 

by Camille Rimbawa and Marissa Joyce

In January, renowned author, animal scientist, and autism advocate Temple Grandin came to George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for a series of talks and Q&A sessions. With support from the Department of Psychology, she was hosted by the student organization Students in Neuroscience as part of their speaker series. Photo provided. 

College leadership and members of the provost's office will engage directly with staff on Wednesday, March 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Exploratory Hall, 3301 to provide clarification on important issues and answer your questions on a variety of topics including the ongoing staff assessment, current events that may impact college operations, and status on the current dean search process. Following the panel discussion, attendees can also share suggestions for career development and training opportunities they would like to see the college offer.

Nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on the College of Science Faculty Senate in the coming year. Deadline to submit nominations is March 24, 2025. The election of faculty senators will be conducted prior to addressing the remaining college slate. This is to comply with forthcoming bylaw changes that requires the confirmation of unit senators for the upcoming academic year as early as possible. The faculty senators (serving a three-year term) are eligible for re-election for 3 seats. Nominations should be emailed to the chair of the nomination committee, Yun Yu at yyu26@gmu.edu.  

by Elizabeth Gillooly

Endangered species, both wild and captive, are at risk of losing genetic diversity due to small population sizes and isolation. This makes proper management essential for their long-term survival. Haw Chuan Lim, an associate professor in biology, identified the challenge of collecting and analyzing genetic data for better breeding practices. He proposed a novel genomic tool to assess population structure and kinship in the critically endangered mountain bongo. His proposal was approved for funding by the 4-VA @ Mason Advisory Board to help address this issue. Photo courtesy of the Lim Lab.

by Laura Powers

George Mason University assistant professor of geography and geoinformation science, Alireza Ermagun, was awarded a $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address mobility challenges caused by nuisance flood in communities. Collaborating with Villanova University and the University of South Carolina, the project centers on understanding how frequent, low-level flooding disrupts daily transportation systems and devising solutions.

by baku.ws

A groundbreaking study led by SSB and Neuroscience professor Ancha Baranova and an international team of researchers has uncovered new insights into the link between mental and metabolic diseases. In a comprehensive genetic analysis, the team identified over 270 shared genetic loci, including 29 that had never been recognized before. Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash.

By Laurence Tognetti

A recent study in The Astronomical Journal, led by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, explores using BARBIE (Bayesian Analysis for Remote Biosignature Identification on exoEarths) to detect methane on Earth-like exoplanets, potentially signaling life. Natasha Latouf, Physics and Astronomy PhD candidate and lead author, discusses the study’s motivation, findings, and the significance of methane detection in the search for life beyond Earth. Photo by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab.

Check out the latest edition of the George Mason President's Report, highlighting the university's achievements in research and scholarship. This edition features multiple acknowledgments of the dedicated work being done by members of the College of Science.

George Mason created a new webpage that will serve as a hub for updates on federal research funding during the current transition period. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest federal orders here. 

Supporting First Generation College Students
February 21, 2025 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Virtual
Supporting first-generation college students in the classroom is a powerful way to create more inclusive learning environments and enhance both participation and retention in higher education. Integrating these strategies can also benefit all students, even those who are not first-generation college students. In this workshop, participants will define what it means to be "first gen," discuss common obstacles to success in higher education, explore approaches for classroom and course design, and identify applicable strategies that can be incorporated into their own teaching. Register. 

2025 Patriot Pitch Competition
Application deadline February 21, 2025
George Mason students and alumni are encouraged to compete in the Patriot Pitch Competition to share a business idea or early-stage venture. Total prizes up to $50K. 

Submit a nomination: Outstanding Achievement Awards
Deadline: February 21, 2025
The Outstanding Achievement Awards (OAA) embody a cherished George Mason tradition, bringing faculty and staff together to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of their colleagues. Check out the new categories added this year. 

Submit a nomination: Outstanding Supervisor Award
Deadline: February 21, 2025
Mason Staff Senate seeks to recognize supervisors who routinely go above and beyond to provide unparalleled leadership, mentorship, and support within their departments or offices. 

Submit a nomination: Patriot Pathbreakers Award
Deadline: February 21, 2025
The Patriot Pathbreakers Award seeks to honor two high performing teams who embody the Mason value of thriving together. High performing teams are active pathbreakers, using the individual talents of team members to overcome obstacles and make progress toward the team’s, unit’s, or Mason’s goals.

Supporting Student Learning through Self-Awareness and Reflection to Navigate a Complex, Global Society
February 24, 2024 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Virtual
Faculty interested in helping students develop self-awareness and navigate a global society are encouraged to attend. This workshop is also ideal for those redesigning courses for new Mason Core designations like Just Societies or Global Contexts. It will explore concepts of positionality and intersectionality, focusing on the new Core areas, and participants will leave with ideas for incorporating these concepts into course activities and assignments. Register.

Digital Self-Promotion: From LinkedIn to ePortfolios
February 27, 2025 | 4 to 4:45 p.m. | Virtual
Students are invited to join Career Pathways Director Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon for a virtual seminar series tailored to the unique needs of the STEM student community. Seminars are held on selected Thursdays from 4 to 4:45 pm.