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

A message from Dean Cody W. Edwards

Welcome back. I hope the winter break provided you time to rest, reflect, and recharge as we begin a new semester together.

This spring marks an important moment as we continue advancing the College of Science Strategic Plan. The priorities outlined in that plan—strengthening student success, advancing research excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivating an inclusive and supportive academic community—remain central to our work. Each of you plays a vital role in bringing these goals to life through your daily efforts, leadership, and long-term vision.

I am especially encouraged by the momentum around George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative. The College of Science is deeply engaged in addressing complex, real-world challenges, from climate resilience and health innovation to data science, space exploration, and national security. These efforts highlight the power of science to drive impact while creating new opportunities for faculty scholarship, student engagement, and cross-unit collaboration. Thank you to those already contributing to this work. We will be advancing several strong proposals in the coming weeks and will share updates as they move forward.

by Tracy Mason

The College of Science launched a new Space Forward Frontiers seminar with Northrop Grumman (PHYS 391/590, cross listed as ME 500) to teach space industry insights through weekly lectures, hands-on projects, and networking opportunities, open to all students. The last day to add classes is January 27. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students in any major at George Mason. Photo by NASA. 

The Mason Science Mentorship Program connects current College of Science students with experienced mentors from the George Mason faculty, alumni network, and local scientific community. Share your insights, industry experience, and career wisdom with students eager to grow professionally and academically. Current students can sign up as mentees to get paired with mentors who align with their goals and interests. Students must sign up by Friday, February 6. 

The College of Science recently soft launched Science Job Opportunities, a curated collection of STEM internships and roles. Encourage your students to explore these opportunities and connect with Career Services for guidance.

George Mason University mourns beloved math instructor Ermias Kassaye, a dedicated educator whose impact, and support meaningfully impacted touched students and colleagues. Photo by Kevin Wolf. 

by Tracy Mason

Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) researchers, including systems biologist and Research Fellow Marissa Howard, in collaboration with Children’s National Hospital, aim to reduce child sickle cell mortality by developing early kidney‑damage detection using advanced urinary biomarkers. Photo provided. 

by Laura Powers

Through the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP), students work alongside faculty mentors on cutting-edge research. Applications for the Summer 2026 program are open through Sunday, February 15. Learn about ASSIP Director, Amanda Haymond Still. Photo by Evan Cantwell/George Mason University.

The Atlantic recently reported a sharp decline in college students’ math proficiency, particularly in algebra and quantitative reasoning. In the article Maria Emelianenko, chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, noted that the department is revamping its summer programs to strengthen foundational math skills, while Professor Padhu Seshaiyer emphasized the importance of remedial math in a Fox 5 DC interview.

If you watch the final season of Queer Eye, be sure to pay special attention to episode four, “Queer Eye-Eye, Captain.” Around the 29-minute mark, one of the participants visits George Mason University’s Observatory, where they go stargazing with Karamo Brown alongside Observatory Director Rob Parks. The episode can be viewed on Netflix. 

The Spring 2026 Faculty Success Workshop Series continues with a set of practical, skill‑building sessions designed to support faculty in advancing their research, teaching, and professional growth. Upcoming workshops include Demystifying the Process of Obtaining Funding from Foundations (2/4), where successful George Mason awardees and the director of foundation relations share strategies for targeting and tailoring proposals; Writing Teaching and Mentoring Statements (3/18), which helps faculty articulate the impact of their pedagogy for renewal, tenure, and promotion; and Planning for a Productive Summer (4/6), an interactive session focused on setting clear personal and professional goals for the months ahead. Be sure to register prior to attending. 

Advancing teaching and learning in the age of generative AI
Friday, January 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | McIntire School of Commerce, UVA or Virtual
Faculty are invited to participate in the Virginia AI Symposium on Friday, January 23, a statewide event offering high-level insights and practical guidance on teaching and learning in the age of generative AI. The symposium is co-organized by UVA, George Mason’s Stearns Center, JMU, and SCHEV, and registration is available through the event website.

Programs Serving Minors Summit
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Merten Hall 1204 
Hosted by Operational Risk Management, summit presentations will be shared by University Events, Human Resources, University Counsel, Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, Housing and Residence Life, Risk, Safety and Resilience, Parking and Transportation, Fiscal Services, Dining Services, and University Branding. Following the presentations there will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to connect directly with campus partners. If your department offers a program, event, or camp (PEC) that serves minors, hosts a minor in an internship or mentorship, or plans to develop a PEC, you are welcome to attend. This year’s summit is an in-person only event. Registration required. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 3 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301 and Virtual

Instructional and Research (I/R) Faculty Annual Performance Timeline/Process Updates
Launch: Sunday, February 1, 2026
This year, the APE covers activities completed between January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. The APE form for I/R faculty is on the college's human resources page. Please review key dates, starting with self-evaluations due Monday, March 2, 2026. See Andre Clayborne's email from December 15, 2025 for additional details. 

Grand Challenge Initiative RPF Due
Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026
Don't wait until the last minute to submit your Grand Challenge Initiative RPF as the platform will close and lock you out. Thank you to all who have been working hard on the project submissions that include college collaborators. We appreciate your efforts and innovative ideas to the GCI solution areas.

Submit a nomination: Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence
Nominations open through Monday, February 9, 2026
Nominations are invited from across the entire George Mason community through Monday, February 9, 2026. Recipients will be selected by a team of faculty representatives and senior leaders. 

Classified Staff & A/P Faculty Annual Performance Timeline/Process Updates
Launch: Monday, February 16, 2026 
The annual performance evaluation process for classified staff and A/P faculty will launch on Monday, February 16, 2026, and conclude on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Details can be found by visiting the annual evaluation guidance page. See additional details in Myisha Washington's email sent Friday, January 16.