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

For anything to grow, it must have a strong foundation. In the case of the higher education sector, most people consider the faculty, staff, and students as the foundation (and they'd be right) yet after touring the Fairfax, Science and Technology, and Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation campuses the past few weeks, I would also add another important foundational ingredient to fueling growth...our facilities and infrastructure.

George Mason and its College of Science have been investing heavily in our facilities and infrastructure. During the recent tours for our new provost, James Antony, we entered one scientific lab after another highlighting the relatively new equipment that our researchers and students are utilizing to make their important discoveries. Next semester, we will open another great investment to benefit our biology, chemistry, and forensic science programs. Designed with multidisciplinary collaboration in mind, this new Life Sciences and Engineering building creates learning spaces for our scientists to interact with mechanical engineers, fluid dynamics researchers, game design experts and kinesiology teams at George Mason. From drones to chemical and gait analysis, the possibilities are endless. 

And our prospective students and their families are also noticing. For the past two years, our College of Science has sustained a 4-7% increase in enrollment. And those supporting our important work are also responding as our research funding continues to climb to record breaking levels year after year. 

There's still time to nominate the individuals you feel deserve recognition for their contributions to the Mason Science community for the 2024 calendar year. Just as in 2023, there are 16 available Dean's Awards, and you may submit nominations for one or more awards. Anyone can submit a nomination or even self-nominate. 

Submit nominations no later than Monday, November 18 at noon. 

Join us Thursday, December 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Exploratory Hall Atrium for the annual College of Science Celebration of Success, recognizing faculty and staff for their service during the 2024 calendar year. 

by Laura Powers

In May, the college celebrated its first graduates from the Histotechnologist Certification Program, offered in partnership with Inova Health Systems. Accepting four individuals per year, three George Mason University students, and another from Old Dominion University, joined family and friends to celebrate their accomplishment, punctuated further by all four having passed the required American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) board exam. George Mason alumnus Nicholas Hoo-Fatt, PhD BINF ’22 and Department of Biology assistant professor Anne Verhoeven led efforts to form this partnership.

The new limited submission opportunities are now available to view along with the details about any required internal submissions. View the detailed summary of each opportunity available on the Mason Science Intranet. You will be able to find these and other limited submission opportunities under the limited submission grants programs deadlines dropdown menu on the research development website.

This past #FacultyFriday highlighted Alireza Ermagun, assistant professor in geography and geoinformation science. Ermagun is making waves in urban freight transportation, studying the impact of the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse on freight flow and supply chains. His work, backed by NSF RAPID grants, is helping us understand how such disruptions ripple through local and global logistics networks. From trucking companies to maritime shipping, Ermagun’s research is vital in shaping more resilient infrastructure. See original Instagram post. 

by Laura Powers

George Mason University received a $1.25 million NSF grant to launch a postdoctoral fellowship program aimed at preparing recent PhD graduates as leaders in quantum education and workforce development, focusing on inclusivity and equity. George Mason researchers include physics and astronomy associate professor and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center, Jessica Rosenberg (PI), College of Science Associate Dean of Access, Belonging, and Community Engagement Paula Danquah-Brobby, College of Engineering and Computing associate professor Jill Nelson, and College of Education and Human Development assistant professor Nancy Holincheck. Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

by Nathan Kahl

With a new $3.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Research and Engagement for Action in Climate and Health (REACH) Center is set to tackle the urgent intersection of climate change and public health in the nation’s capital. George Mason University is part of a team of institutions working on environmental health innovation. Jim Kinter, director of the Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies and the Virginia Climate Center (VCC) at George Mason, sits on the REACH internal advisory board. VCC's interdisciplinary team of George Mason experts conduct research on Virginia’s vulnerability and risks to the impacts of climate change in order to provide local decision makers with actionable climate information.

Ever wonder if hair and nails keep growing after you die? According to College of Science forensic expert, Emily Rancourt, it’s all an eerie illusion. Uncover more of the chilling science behind this phenomenon in The Washington Post. Photo by Lisa Yount on Unsplash.

by Priyanka Champaneri

George Mason University’s new brand, fully unveiled just a half year ago, is already garnering award-winning notice from marketing, communications, and higher education spheres. The #ChooseMason video series was a Silver Winner at the 2024 Telly Awards in the Educational Institution–Branded Content category. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Creative Services/George Mason University.

by John Hollis

George Mason University has been recognized with a 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight into Diversity magazine, an honor given to institutions that demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion across their campuses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

NSWCDD Networking Event
November 14, 2024 | 1 to 1:30 p.m. | Johnson Center Bistro
Discover research opportunities in areas such as weapon systems development, model-based systems engineering, cyber resiliency and survivability engineering, and autonomous systems. As space is limited, respond to mbuntin@gmu.edu ASAP.

Visiting Filmmakers Series and COS present: Lagueria Davis, with Black Barbie: A Documentary
November 14, 2024 | 4:30 p.m. | Johnson Center Cinema
Join us for the Visiting Filmmaker Series for a screening of Black Barbie: A Documentary, followed by an engaging interview with the filmmaker. The College of Science's Women Leaders in STEM is proud to sponsor this event, and invite you to be part of the discussion. The documentary highlights the significant contributions of three Black women at Mattel who shaped the Barbie brand. Through their compelling stories, the film reveals the journey to creating the first Black Barbie in 1980, exploring the vital role of representation and the impact of dolls on identity and imagination.

Information Session: ORIEI NSF CAREER Cohort
November 15, 2024 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Virtual
This “Information and Q&A Session” will describe the intensive grant writing bootcamp to be conducted January – May 2025. The bootcamp is designed to provide assistant professors planning to submit an NSF CAREER application in July 2025 with a structured grant writing timeline, mentorship and additional resources. Faculty interested in participating in the bootcamp are NOT required to attend the informational session. Register to attend. 

President's Town Hall
November 18, 2024 | 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall and Virtual
The November President's Town Hall is for faculty and staff working in academic units. One for those in non-academic units will take place December 9. 

Mental Health First Aid Training 
November 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2024 (four two-hour sessions) | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Virtual
Attend MHFA training in these sessions to understand common mental health issues and learn how to assist those who may need help. Register here.

Monthly Career Coaching Sessions
November 19, 2024 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Encourage your students to take part in monthly, STEM-focused virtual career coaching/resume review drop-in sessions led by College of Science Career Pathways Director, Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon.

Women and Gender Studies Lecture Series: "FOCUS STEM"
November 19, 2024 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Join founder of GIRL, inc Danielle Craddock, forensic science professor Kelly Knight, and mathematics professor Padhu Seshaiyer for a lecture on the FOCUS program at George Mason. Register on Mason360. 

Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being Open House
November 21, 2024 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Register now for a virtual open house to learn more about our collaborative, research-based approach and connect with our Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being faculty. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting
November 21, 2024 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3301, Fairfax Campus
All College of Science faculty are encouraged to join in person, though a virtual option will also be available. 

Exploring Undergraduate Research at Mason and Beyond
November 21, 2024 | 4 to 4:45 p.m. | Virtual
Encourage your students to join Career Pathways Director Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon for a virtual seminar series tailored to the unique needs of our STEM student community.

Mental Health First Aid Training 
November 25 and 26, 2024 (two four-hour sessions) | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Attend MHFA training in these sessions to understand common mental health issues and learn how to assist those who may need help. Registration required.

University Closed
November 27, 2024 to November 29, 2024
George Mason University will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.