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

The College of Science is excited to recognize the employees whose service milestones reflect years of dedication, growth, and impact. From those marking their first five years to colleagues celebrating decades of commitment, each individual has helped shape the university’s vibrant community and enduring success.

“As I mark 20 years at Mason, I’m especially proud to stand alongside colleagues whose dedication continues to strengthen our university,” said College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards. “Their commitment drives the transformative learning and research experiences that define the Mason Science community, and I am deeply grateful for all they contribute.”

by Laura Powers

The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) has announced Chaowei (Phil) Yang, professor of Geography and Geoinformation Science at George Mason University, as the recipient of the 2025 Carolyn Merry Mentoring Award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional mentoring abilities and practices within the GIScience community.

by Laura Powers

Hao Jing, a Chemistry and Biochemistry Associate Professor at George Mason University, has been named a 2025 Rising Star in Nanoscience by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This national award honors outstanding early-career researchers who are making major contributions to the growing field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

His lab’s recent work, led by graduate student Au Lac Nguyen as first author, will be featured on the cover of a special issue of ACS Nanoscience Au in December. Photo provided. 

Join all College of Science faculty and staff at the 2025 Celebration of Success to honor our colleagues for their outstanding achievements. Let us come together to recognize our hard work, enjoy great food, and maybe even win a prize. 

Sign up for the College of Science bake-off: Show off your baking skills while supporting a great cause. The best baker will receive a trophy and bragging rights, while proceeds from the subsequent bake sale will go to the College of Science Student Emergency Fund.

by Laura Powers

In the College of Science—where nearly 16 percent of students are connected to the military—United States Air Force veteran Rylee Ledoux is using her public health experience and passion for the environment to support fellow veterans and pursue a future in environmental science. A former Air Force public health technician, she now serves as Senior Military Transition Coordinator in George Mason’s Office of Military Services while completing her BS in Environmental Science.

Stay up to date by visiting the college’s Administrative Assessment webpage and other pages related to our Strategic Plan. 

by Tracy Mason

The Virginia Climate Center has released the The First Virginia State Climate Assessment, the first comprehensive, peer-reviewed report of its kind from George Mason University. This comprehensive assessment provides insights into Virginia’s changing climate and its growing impact on key sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy. It also highlights the urgent need for a dedicated state climate office to centralize data and support resilience efforts across the Commonwealth.

by Laura Powers

When disasters strike, survival often depends not only on knowing danger is coming but on being able to reach safety. At George Mason, Associate Professor of Geography and Geoinformation Science Alireza Ermagun is leading a new national effort to make disaster response more effective by ensuring that access to shelter is built directly into the way the nation measures risk.

By Erin Vivid Riley

Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences Associate Professor Daniel Tong is leading research showing that the U.S. is underprepared for the growing threat of massive dust storms that pose a serious public health risk. As reported by the BBC, these storms can spread diseases like Valley fever over hundreds of miles. Tong’s team is developing satellite tools to better predict and track them, highlighting the urgent need for stronger infrastructure, land management, and health preparedness. Photo by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio.

Tong also appeared on the first episode GeoHealth Frontlines, a new podcast created by the AGU GeoHealth Section’s Communication and Outreach Committee, spotlighting leading voices working at the intersection of environment and human health. Be sure to listen to the episode. 

James (Jim) Antony will become the next vice president of academic affairs and provost at the University of San Diego, effective March 1, 2026. Jim became provost and executive vice president at George Mason University on July 1, 2024, coming from the University of California San Diego where he had served as dean of graduate education and postdoctoral affairs. 

Faculty, staff, and students can get a free COVID at-home test on-campus with a valid Mason ID. Test kits are available at One Stop or Express convenience stores on the Fairfax Campus and Student Health Services Clinics during operating hours. Pick up a free test kit and be prepared before you need it. Student Health Services is partnering with Mason Dining to provide these tests to the Mason community. 

Study Leave Applications
Now through Monday, January 12, 2026
Study Leave Applications are being accepted for tenured and term instructional faculty now through until January 12, 2026. For more information regarding the application and requirements, please visit the Faculty Study Leave Page

Evaluations for Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Research Staff 
Submit now through Monday, December 1, 2025
Evaluations for postdoctoral research fellows (University Policy 4018) and research staff (University Policy 2234) are due to the College of Science by December 1, 2025. Completed evaluation forms (complete with signatures) should be submitted to College of Science Faculty Affairs at cosofa@gmu.edu. For more information, please visit the performance management page.

Workshop: Strategies for Effective Decision-Making
Thursday, November 20, 2025 | Noon | Virtual
Decision fatigue draining your energy? Do you spend hours overthinking choices? Join human resources for a virtual, interactive workshop to learn strategies and practical frameworks to make better and faster decisions in both professional and personal contexts. 

Attend an Upcoming CSER Fall 2025 Webinar Series Lecture
Thursdays, November 20, 2025 | 4 p.m. | Virtual
Attend the upcoming Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER) Fall 2025 Webinar Series, featuring Thomas Jones, CIWRO. Also mark your calendar to hear from Erdal Yiğit, George Mason on Thursday, December 4. Register to attend. 

Thanksgiving Observance - University Closed
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 to Friday, November 28, 2025

Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to support your local community. You can support your fellow George Mason Patriots through the Alumni-Owned Business Directory. Alumni looking to support alumni business owners can view the business listings now. Additional businesses are added frequently, so check back often to see what's offered as we keep growing. Alumni who own a business can register here.

Complimentary Access to Mason Career Academy
Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2025
In support of Career and Professional Development Month, George Mason Continuing and Professional Education is offering COMPLIMENTARY access to Mason Career Academy now through November 30. If you've been thinking about joining, now's the perfect time to jump in and start enrolling in courses to help support your upskilling and learning journeys. Participants will get access to 90+ online certificate courses, powered by Coursera, from the world's leading companies that build skills in areas like project management, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. Continue your trainingat George Mason and register for Mason Career Academy today.