Appreciating and preserving a star-filled sky |
|
|
In lieu of the Dean’s Blog, today’s article provides an example of our college’s support for explaining everyday science in our world and ways we can personally make a difference based on the science we learn.
The wonder inspired by gazing at a star-filled sky has deep philosophical and cultural significance, reinforcing the importance of studying the heritage of the night sky.
Next week, April 21 to 28, 2025, is International Dark Sky Week, a global celebration of the night. Here are some of our college‘s multidisciplinary efforts to contribute to the science and support of the issue of light pollution along with ways you personally can appreciate our shared night sky.
Did you know George Mason has an Observatory on the Fairfax, VA campus? The largest on-campus observatory in the mid-Atlantic region and the second largest on the east coast, the George Mason University Observatory mission is to inspire curiosity, foster scientific understanding, and ignite a passion for the wonders of the Universe among people of all ages and backgrounds. By embracing innovation, scientific rigor, and a passion for discovery, the George Mason University Observatory aspires to be a catalyst for scientific learning, and a cherished community resource, fostering a shared sense of awe and appreciation for the marvels of the night sky and beyond.
|
|
|
Call for STEM presenters – FOCUS Camps, July 14–18, 2025 |
The College of Science STEM Accelerator is seeking dynamic presenters for both FOCUS and FOCUS Academy, held from July 14–18, 2025, on the Fairfax campus. They seek individuals to serve as panelists or lead interactive STEM workshops (1 hr 15 min, repeated twice for groups of about 25 students). Graduate students are welcome to apply, and reasonable support for workshop supplies will be provided, with camp counselors available to assist with facilitation. You must sign up no later than May 1.
|
| Chemistry PhD Candidate receives U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholarship |
A'Laura C. Hines, a physical chemistry PhD candidate at George Mason, was awarded the prestigious Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship. This scholarship offers educational and workforce development opportunities for STEM students, fostering the next generation of DoD civilian experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
|
|
|
College of Science Office of Faculty Affairs has a new email |
The College of Science Office of Faculty Affairs has a new dedicated email address: cosofa@gmu.edu. This email will allow the team in the College of Science Office of Faculty Affairs to assist faculty more effectively and efficiently. Faculty are encouraged to use this email for all faculty-related inquiries and communications, including but not limited to: faculty recruitment and appointments; Tenure and Promotion processes; faculty development and support; inquiries regarding Interfolio; study Leave; policies and procedures related to faculty matters; general inquiries and assistance for faculty members.
|
| Help us highlight your graduating students' achievements |
Do you have one or two graduating undergraduate or master's students worthy of a shout out? The marketing and communications team would like to spotlight these students and showcase what makes the College of Science a premier choice for STEM education. Email cosnews@gmu.edu with the students' names and why you think they make a great story.
|
|
|
In a muddy turtle rescue at the Potomac Science Center, slow and steady wins the race |
At George Mason’s Potomac Science Center, a pond needed to be drained for maintenance, which risked harming the wildlife living there. A group of nearly 20 volunteers, including environmental, science and policy professor Cindy Smith and environmental science major Rylee Ledoux, rescued around 85 turtles, including various species like painted and snapping turtles. The turtles were safely relocated to the Occoquan River. This event highlighted the importance of environmental awareness and the impact of habitat disruptions on wildlife. Photo by Cindy Smith.
|
| College of Science microbiologist joins forces with Pascal Medical to combat surgical infections |
Monique van Hoek, a microbiology professor in the School of Systems Biology and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research, is collaborating with Pascal Medical Corp. on their innovative ClickGel technology. This antibiotic-releasing hydrogel aims to prevent infections, particularly MRSA, in brain and spinal surgeries.
|
|
|
Explore Rome’s hidden underworld, where a city lurks beneath a city |
by Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine
|
Featured in Smithsonian Magazine for her work, Giuseppina Mattietti, professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, has spent years exploring the layers beneath modern Rome to trace the city's complex evolution. A native of Rome and long-time Virginia resident, she leads students on annual expeditions beneath the Eternal City, offering a rare glimpse into its hidden history.
Photo by Paolo Verzone / Agence VU.
|
| Human decomposition has been a mystery–until now |
By Matt Ribel, Washingtonian
|
George Mason's outdoor forensic research site welcomed its fifth donor recently. Their cutting edge work garners much attention, including a recent article in the Washingtonian, highlighting the facility's efforts to not only provides the highest quality education to forensic science students, but also help transform how homicide cases are solved.
|
|
|
Submit your proposal for a customized faculty-led study abroad program by May 1 |
The Global Education Office (GEO) invites faculty and instructors across the university to submit a proposal for a customized faculty-led study abroad program, which allows students to travel over university holiday, with George Mason faculty, and earn George Mason credit. GEO is accepting customized proposals until May 1, 2025, for courses held in spring, summer, fall 2026 and winter break 2027. For the formal proposal guidelines, program details, rubric, and upcoming virtual trainings, visit the Customized New Programs Portal page.
|
| Patriot Connect to launch April 30 |
Patriot Connect: The university’s new system of engagement to connect the student journey launches April 30. This program will serve as a centralized online tool for students to help them throughout their journey at George Mason. It is meant to strengthen bonds within the George Mason community, as well as encourage life-long engagement with the university.
|
|
|
Workshop: ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence Text Generator Tools, and… Inclusive Teaching?
April 18, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | via Zoom
Facilitated by Rachel Yoho and fulfilling an AIEM-Teach Level 2 credential, this workshop is meant to help educators navigate the changing landscape of artificial intelligence being used in the education field. With the goal of easing stress and implementing strategy, the workshop explores different instructional approaches and methods for teaching.
International Dark Sky Week
April 21, 2025 - April 28, 2025
International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide event that draws attention to light pollution, promotes simple solutions to mitigate the issue, and celebrates the irreplaceable beauty of a natural night. Find out how you can participate.
Apply for June ReDesign Academy
Deadline: April 21, 2025
Course ReDesign Academy will be online/hybrid in June—with prepwork in May and Zoom/hybrid meetings June 4-5, 2025—to support your advanced planning for summer or fall. Accepted participants receive a stipend to support course development. See more online and submit your application by April 21.
OSCAR: Undergraduate Research Week
April 21-25, 2025
Take part in the 2025 OSCAR Seminar Series: Navigating Undergraduate Research Experiences through several virtual workshops offered April 21 through April 25.
College of Science ADA Training: Updated Title II Regulations
April 25, 2025 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Virtual
This presentation serves as a resource for George Mason faculty and staff to learn about new information about changes to the accessibility of digital resources, including images, documents, and video. The goal of this presentation is to ensure George Mason faculty and staff are aware of how to keep these resources as accessible as possible. Register to attend.
Women Leaders in STEM: Donut Destress
May 2, 2025 | 12:30 to 2 p.m. | Exploratory Hall, Second Floor
Join Women Leaders in STEM's end of year social. All students, staff, and faculty in the George Mason Community are welcome to participate.
Undergraduate Research Colloquium
May 12, 2025 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center, Fairfax Campus
Join Mason's STEM Accelerator to view a variety of undergraduate research projects from students in the College of Science and find out more about what they have achieved this past year.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
4400 University Drive | Fairfax, VA 22030 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
|
|
|
