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 Interim Dean Cody W. Edwards

At the start of the spring 2025 semester, we look across the seas of change to identify opportunities. Some excite and encourage, while others may be unsettling, frustrating, or even close to undoing. I encourage each of us to embrace the changing landscape when and where we can, riding this change when possible with a firm and confident grip on the reigns. And when you can’t...we are here for you.

Members of our Mason Science community may not have all the answers, yet we can and will face our collective futures together, allowing our intellect, curiosity, compassion, scientific abilities, and creativity to bring energy and bold thinking, question what is needed, and recognize new opportunities as we seek to bring forward what could be.

In the coming year, change at the college level of which we have spoken is now upon us.

by Laura Powers

George Mason University’s Department of Biology hosted its second annual BIO ART event in December, showcasing the intersection of scientific research and artistic expression. The event themed around herpetology—the study of amphibians—featured nine students presenting their bio-driven research alongside seven others who interpreted the theme through various art forms, including digital animation, origami, acrylic painting, and knitting.

by Milinda Polisetty

George Mason University senior, Ahnaf Akmal Navid, graduated in December with a degree in biology. An international student from Bangladesh, his goal is to become a dentist and build a career that provides quality oral healthcare to diverse communities. Navid plans to attend dental school and gain clinical experience in various settings. He is also determined to inspire other international students who might be discouraged by the limited opportunities in dental and medical schools.

by Laura Powers

Adrianna Berk, MS ESP, ’06 has shaped her long, successful career through continuous learning and a commitment to making meaningful impact. Berk spent the past 25 years leveraging her scientific expertise and strong communication skills at Tetra Tech—a firm specializing in delivering solutions for water, environmental issues, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and international development. 

#FacultyFriday recently highlighted ESP professor and Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center director, R. Christian Jones, for receiving the Environmental Science Award at the Virginia Academy of Science's 2024 Scientists Awards Program. This honor celebrates his outstanding contributions to environmental science that have benefited the Commonwealth of Virginia. View original post. 

by Tracy Mason

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record launched into orbit from Kennedy Space Center as part of the Ghost Riders in the Sky Lunar mission. Aimed at preserving Earth's cultural and scientific heritage, the project is led by George Mason University associate professor Anamaria Berea and involves scientists from multiple universities. It is part of NASA's CLPS initiative within the Artemis program, with the payload placed on the Moon via the Blue Ghost Lander. Photo courtesy of NASA.

by Elizabeth Gillooly

Virginia moves closer to bridging the gap between science and policy, crucial for tackling issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pandemics. This progress stems from a yearlong research project identifying U.S. and Virginia-based science policy programs that engage STEM-H scientists in decision-making. Led by K. L. Akerlof of George Mason University and Todd Schenk of Virginia Tech, the project was supported by a 4-VA@Mason grant. Photo provided.

by Rebecca Turco

Forensic Science professor, Kelly Knight, commented on the case against Mamta Kafle Bhatt's husband after court documents revealed what DNA evidence was collected during the investigation of missing Manassas Park mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt before her husband was officially charged with murder. The article appeared on WJLA-TV7 (local ABC affiliate). 

Applications for study leave during the 2025 - 2026 academic year are open for eligible faculty members. Prior to submitting an application, interested faculty should discuss their potential application with their local academic unit head (i.e. department chair or program director) by Friday, January, 31. Applications for study leave are due by Saturday, February 15. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting
January 28, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301

Mini Course: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Inspired Pedagogies
Wednesdays January 29 to February 26, 2025 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Virtual
By now you’ve probably heard of ChatGPT or one of the other various new large language models (LLMs) that have taken the world by storm. But do you know how to deal with the ever-evolving artificial intelligence technology as it relates to your teaching? In this mini course you will be exposed to the basics of redesigning your course as it relates to learning outcomes and instructional activities. We will also explore how to get feedback from students regarding the changes that you make. (This is the same program as the Mini Course offered August 12-16, 2024 & September 3-October 29, 2024.) Register here. 

Cluster: High Impact Practices (HIPs) Part 1
January 31, 2025 | 10 a.m. to noon | Virtual
Are you interested in developing learning experiences where students can apply their skills and competencies in and beyond the classrooms? In this first of a two-part series of workshops, you will learn the fundamentals of effective teaching in general as well as how to use transparent assignment design for high impact practices such as internships, undergraduate research and project-based learning. By completing Part 1 and Part 2, you can earn a CPD Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential as part of Stearns Center’s Continuing Professional Development program. If you complete the Mason Core Enhancement with Part 2, you can earn the Level 1: Certified Mason Core Instructor Certification. Register here. 

Workshop: Providing Effective and Sustainable Feedback 
January 31, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Virtual
Want to develop a more sustainable plan for providing feedback? This workshop will help faculty increase student engagement with and the impact of their feedback. Participants will first learn more about how students revise before exploring some strategies for providing feedback to support more substantive student revision. The workshop will close by offering faculty some time to implement one of the strategies into their courses. Register here. 

Proposals for George Mason’s NSF ART Seed Translational Research Project (STRP)
Deadline: January 31, 2025 
Under the Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE) and the Virginia Climate Center (VCC), faculty participants will develop their own STRP for which they will receive funding, training, and mentorship to scale-up the impact of their research and support the development of climate-resilient communities. For more information; visit the ISE webpage.

Facilitating Inclusive Practices: An Inclusive Leadership and Community Experience
Deadline: January 31, 2025 
This program empowers George Mason University faculty and staff to create and sustain inclusive workplace environments. Participants will engage in two half-day sessions in March 2025, gaining essential knowledge of the workshop content, foundational principles of participant-centered learning, and practical skills for delivering engaging and impactful workshops. New facilitators will receive mentorship through their first two to three workshops, ensuring a confident and seamless transition into their facilitation roles. By fostering professional growth, this program equips participants to lead workshops that build meaningful connections and advance inclusive practices within their organizations. Sign up by January 31, 2025. 

Complete Survey for New/Redesigned Programs in our College of Science
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Our college has experienced significant growth in emerging interdisciplinary programs over the past decade and seeks input from faculty and staff on potential new programs or redesigns that could benefit the college and its students. They invite feedback on emerging science fields by 2030, leveraging current courses to create new fields of study, and potential challenges in expanding offerings. Complete the survey.