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 Dean Cody W. Edwards

It's a very important time for our college and for our university. 

Bolstered by enrollment growth and significant research and student success, we are ready to embrace immense yet important and necessary changes. A new university budget model. The Learning Management System migration from Blackboard to Canvas. And we look ahead, working together in the future to finalize a freshly focused college level strategic plan, coupled with a possible path forward to implement a best case from our administrative assessment.

And, a new dean. Well, based on the provost’s recent email, you’ve heard the news that we’ve already leaned into that change, and I want to thank you all for that smooth transition and for your unwavering support.

For the past 9 months, I threw myself into this leadership role as interim dean, learning much about our organization and the people and programs that make us so successful. Many of you patiently explained your areas of expertise and interests, offering up potential opportunities. I very much appreciate this time of learning and listening. It has given me great insight into our current situation and where we might best progress. As I assume the role of Dean beyond the interim status, you can expect a few things from me that I've demonstrated thus far: 

I will strive to lead by example and encourage us all to cultivate a collegewide culture true to the values of both our university and our entire organization.

I will continue to communicate important information with transparency and timeliness, asking for input and collaborative ideation as much as possible. 

I will be strongly and strategically advocating for us every step of the way.

The Provost's Office announced the selection of Cody W. Edwards as the next dean for the College of Science. Edwards has served as College of Science interim dean since last July. He has demonstrated strong leadership in securing funding, cultivating partnerships, and promoting innovative program development to support student and faculty success. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services.

Congratulations to Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, professor of mathematical sciences, on receiving the Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). This award honors educators who inspire and foster high school women’s engagement in technology and computing. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications.

The Office of ABCE has partnered with Mason’s Disability Services’ Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) to offer a professional development opportunity for College of Science faculty, staff, LAs, and GTAs (anyone involved in teaching or supporting students in the classroom, lab, or through student success efforts). This virtual, one-hour training will be held on April 7, April 9, and April 25 and will cover updates on Federal Title II ADA regulations. The session will also provide a brief overview of ATI and how they can assist College of Science staff in supporting students and enhancing student success initiatives.

This past #FacultyFriday highlights Hao Jing, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Jing is pioneering the design of novel plasmonic and rare-earth nanomaterials with applications spanning physical chemistry and materials science. His latest work focuses on hybrid nanostructures to harness solar energy for sustainable chemical processes and smart probe technologies for latent fingerprint imaging. See Instagram post. 

by Laura Powers

The EVPP 336: Tackling Wicked Problems course, which recently was added to the Mason CORE class list, offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in multiple projects that require thinking through the lens of complex socio-ecological systems to make recommendations to various real-world stakeholders. Photo provided. 

The latest episode of Keystone Concepts in Teaching features Forensic Science professor Kelly Knight and Geography and Geoinformation Science associate professor Christine Rosenfeld who discuss innovative strategies to increase access to STEM courses, including labs and field experiences. They explore how educators can create learning environments that support all students in their pursuit of STEM education.

George Mason University's new Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus (SciTech Campus) in Manassas, Virginia, supports the university's growing need for highly specialized instructional labs, classrooms, and support spaces. The new building was featured in both Virginia Business and Inside NoVa. 

by Ingrid Fadelli 

Researchers at George Mason, including physics and astronomy assistant professor Fereshte Ghahari and PhD students Nishat Sultana and Robert Rienstra, in collaboration with Brown University and NIST, have demonstrated that thermopower measurements can be more effective than resistivity in detecting fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states in bilayer graphene.

Once a year, every corner of George Mason University unites for a 24-hour period, Mason Vision Day, coming together with the singular goal of moving George Mason forward. In the College of Science, every donation to the college of $25 or more — up to $1,000 — will be matched by our friend and alum Mark Monson, who graduated in 1973 with a degree in biology. 

Signup to participate by 4/4: Loudoun County Public Schools/Mason Science Annual Research Symposium
Judges signup deadline: April 4, 2025 for the April 23 event | HUB Ballroom
Share your expertise. We are seeking science faculty to interact with the over 300 high school students from Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) dual enrolled in George Mason’s COS 120 Introduction to Research will present their research findings at this event-you can join for one or more sessions.

Brown Bag Lunch Webinar: Fostering Civic Engagement
April 7, 2025 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Zoom
George Mason’s Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC) will offer a brown bag lunch on fostering civic engagement that explores ways to become more informed and actively involved in our broader communities.

College of Science ADA Training: Updated Title II Regulations
April 7, 2025 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Virtual
Faculty, staff, GTAs, and LAs are invited to learn about important changes that impact how faculty and staff ensure the accessibility of digital resources used on George Mason websites and in academic courses. Training will also take place April 9 and April 25. Register to attend. 

Complete the COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey by April 7
April 7, 2025 | 11:59 p.m.
As in the previous years, faculty are encouraged to complete the confidential 20-minute survey administered by an entity outside George Mason, which focuses on key factors such as tenure, collaboration, support, and recognition. Search for the email with the title Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education to find the survey link. This research-driven survey provides valuable insight into the faculty experience to help shape future improvements at George Mason and the College of Science. High participation is crucial for meaningful data. The survey closes Monday, April 7. Contact science faculty representative Alexandra Masterson with questions.

14th Annual College of Science Undergraduate Research Colloquium
Abstract submission deadline April 9, 2025
Encourage your undergraduate George Mason students who are doing or have done STEM related research to participate in this year's undergraduate research colloquium. Projects conducted in an independent study, course-imbedded research experience and/or faculty mentored (i.e. REU) are welcome. Students may present research that was performed at non-Mason sites such as NIH, summer REUs. Student presenters will create a research poster and submit it via email by April 30, 2025. A template is available on the event website and after abstract submission. The colloquium will take place Monday, May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center. 

Don't hold your tongue - Let's talk about cancer (an oral cancer awareness month webinar)
April 10, 2025 | 7 to 8:15 p.m. | Virtual
Join the College of Science Alumni Chapter for the second installment of our Science Matters Webinar Series in recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month. This panel discussion will feature Sara Glass, Ida Kondori, and Michelle Williams, who will explore risk factors, warning signs, statistics, and treatment options for oral cancer, including cases that present without obvious symptoms. Experts will also discuss the impact of coexisting medical conditions, community outreach, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis. Discover how research and emerging technologies are shaping the future of oral cancer prevention and treatment. Access the webinar. 

2025 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium 
April 11, 2025 | Merten Hall 1204, Fairfax Campus
Organized by AOES, this event invites graduate students to present research on Earth's climate through oral and poster presentations. The symposium will feature two keynote speakers, Randal D. Koster from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Susan Bates from the Nature Conservancy, as well as a career panel with Nachiketa Acharya, a senior AI weather and climate scientist of Spire, and Anjuli Bamzai, formerly of the National Science Foundation and the 2024 president of the American Meteorological Society. The event offers a platform for students to connect with experts from academia and federal labs. Register to attend by April 4.

Submit nominations: College of Science faculty leadership and committee roles
Nomination deadline: April 15, 2025
Nominate yourself or a colleague to serve one of the following College of Science faculty leadership and committee roles. Nominations should be emailed to Yun Yu (yyu26@gmu.edu) .