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

There's still time to participate!
Faculty and Staff Experience Survey deadline extended to today, 4/24

After receiving feedback that this is a busy time of year and many need more time to complete the Faculty and Staff Enrichment Survey (FSE), the university decided to extend the survey deadline through today, April 24 to ensure every voice is heard. All faculty and staff are encouraged to participate. 

The FSE survey provides a measure of your specific work environment and workplace experience. It captures what matters most: whether you have what you need to do your best work, feel valued for your contributions, see meaning and purpose in your work, and see opportunities for growth. 

The STEM Accelerator offers a STEM Teaching Fellowship this summer for all instructional College of Science faculty. Based on a National Science Foundation–funded program, the fellowship provides training in modern, evidence-based STEM pedagogies designed to help faculty better support and engage all students.

The college seeks volunteers and faculty marshals for the College of Science Degree Celebration on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in EagleBank Arena. Your support plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and memorable experience for our graduates and their families.

George Mason University continues to strengthen its national reputation in the sciences, with four academic programs newly ranked by U.S. News & World Report. In its most recent disciplinary rankings, George Mason’s programs in chemistry, earth science, mathematics, and physics earned placements nationally while standing out among public universities both in Virginia and across the Washington, D.C.–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) region.

The College of Science announced that this spring’s degree celebration keynote speaker is City of Fairfax Mayor, the Honorable Catherine S. Read. An alumna of George Mason University who earned her BA in Government and Politics in 1984, Read is currently serving her second term as mayor, elected as the city’s first woman mayor in 2022. The degree celebration takes place Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus. Be sure to also check out this year's student speaker, Ali Tyler. 

by Tracy Mason

Scientists from George Mason University, including AOES Distinguished University Professor Paul Dirmeyer, and the University of Tokyo developed Lagged Ensemble Analog Sub-selection (LEAS), a method reusing the most accurate past forecasts to improve one to five week temperature predictions without extra computing. 

by Laura Powers

Konrad Wessels, an associate professor of geography and geoinformation science, is helping NASA measure changes in ice and forests through a newly selected satellite mission. He is part of a NASA-funded science team that developed the concept to study shifting ice levels and ecosystem carbon stocks—work that could inform climate resilience planning, disaster management, ocean navigation, and national security.

by Bob Henderson, edited by Clara Moskowitz

Physicists identified “altermagnets,” long-misunderstood materials combining features of two magnet types, according to an article in Scientific American. Their unique electron patterns can control electric currents efficiently, enabling faster, low-energy data storage. The discovery could reshape magnetism theory and advance computing, with Physics and Astronomy Professor Igor Mazin emphasizing their complexity and importance for emerging technologies like spintronics.

by Lauren Dalban

Inside Climate News recently highlighted how cities are warming as concrete and asphalt act like “heat batteries,” absorbing and re-radiating heat, intensifying urban heat islands. AOES Assistant Professor, Luis Ortiz explains cities can both worsen and mitigate heat exposure, stressing public awareness, infrastructure choices, and access to cooling resources. Ortiz is a member of the New York City Panel on Climate Change, an advisory body that helps inform policy on climate issues. 

Enjoy concert headliner Waka Flocka Flame, carnival rides and games, food trucks, inflatables, student performances, and exclusive Mason Day t-shirts and giveaways. All events are free for George Mason students, faculty, and staff. See this year's full schedule. 

George Mason's AI Day is an all-day event, taking place Wednesday, April 29 at 9 a.m. in FUSE, brings together AI researchers, faculty, policymakers, students, and practitioners to explore foundational questions and real-world impact. The program features speakers, research showcases, panels, and workshops. 

Students, faculty, and staff planning to attend the event must complete the parking request form and receive approval in advance to park at Mason Square. You can also consider taking the George Mason shuttle. 

Faculty and Staff Experience Survey (deadline extended)
Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026
After receiving feedback that this is a busy time of year and many need more time to complete the survey, the university decided to extend the survey deadline through Friday, April 24 to ensure every voice is heard. You can complete the survey now using this direct link to Gallup’s site. 

Open Call for Faculty and Staff Headshots
Monday, April 27, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Merten Hall 1202
George Mason's Creative Services Photography will be holding a free open photo session for new faculty, staff, and administrators. This photo session is your opportunity to obtain a professional George Mason head shot for use on George Mason-affiliated websites and publications. Please sign up to reserve your spot. Sign up now. 

Kritikos: Black Joy in Community: Hip-Hop and Mental Wellness
Friday, April 27, 2026 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Virtual
The Kritikos series explores books, music, art, essays, podcasts, and documentaries that allow participants to critically question and consider their roles as artists, thinkers, citizens, and creatives in a society founded on systems of oppression. This event is free and open to the public.

Student Opportunity: College of Science Undergraduate Research Colloquium 
Poster Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026
Encourage your students to present at the College of Science Undergraduate Research Colloquium (URC) that will take place May 11, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center. Undergraduates with STEM research may present posters. Projects may include preliminary results. Posters are judged across four STEM categories, with scholarships awarded to top presenters. 

The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI (DE-FOA-0003612)
Phase I applications deadline: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
This upcoming funding opportunity has important deadlines to keep in mind. Phase I applications are due April 28, 2026. For Phase II, the mandatory Letter of Intent is also due on April 28, 2026, with the full application submission deadline on May 19, 2026. 

Call for Volunteers: College of Science Degree Celebration
Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
The college seeks volunteers for this year's College of Science Degree Celebration taking place Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in EagleBank Arena. Your support plays a vital role in creating a smooth, welcoming, and unforgettable experience. A staff volunteer meeting will be held via Teams on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to review event details and volunteer responsibilities. To volunteer, email cosevent@gmu.edu.