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| Wednesday, January 31, 2024 science.gmu.edu
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A new perspective on conflict: well-being strategies to navigate
An excerpt from Kimberly Jackson Davidson, university ombudsperson, Office of the University Ombudsperson.
“Between stimulus and response, there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Victor Frankl
In my roles as Mason’s University Ombudsperson and a CINERGYÔ Conflict Management Coaching practitioner, I often work to resolve conflict. Earlier in my life, I tried to avoid conflict because of the stress it causes. However, I learned to embrace conflict as an inevitable part of life. I saw how practicing communication strategies in everyday disagreements builds our capacity to tackle tougher conflicts with intention and self-control.
We can reframe our approach to conflict by:
- Shifting perspective: Seeing conflict as differences in viewpoints, not battles to win
- Starting small: Applying communication tools in daily interactions to hone our skills
- Prioritizing needs: Focusing on what matters most, not just being "right".
- Actively listening: Understanding the other person’s perspective before reacting
- Reflecting before responding: Choosing our words and actions with purpose
By making these small shifts, we can navigate everyday disagreements more effectively, laying the groundwork for tackling even the most challenging conflicts with greater skill and grace.
Well-Being Strategies to Navigate Conflict Well
The differences and disagreements in our lives don’t have to affect us negatively. They can be opportunities to learn how to manage conflict well and experience positive change as a result. When we use well-being strategies to navigate through conflict, we can emerge from conflict with solutions to problems and stronger relationships with each other. Let’s explore how to reframe our approach to conflict and how we can use 10 well-being strategies to manage it well.
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New Mason Nanofabrication Facility will help drive innovation
by Katie Maney and Tracy Mason
George Mason University stands ready to conduct state-of-the-art research and to help train the next generation of innovators with the opening of the new Nanofabrication Facility (NFF) on its Science and Technology Campus. In Spring 2025, the Department of Physics and Astronomy will offer a course on Semiconductor Material and Processing Technology (PHYS 310) in conjunction with the NFF. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.
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Access the intranet for the latest Mason Science internal news and updates
Be sure to check the college's intranet for important information on college activities, deadlines, resources, and more. You can view the College's 2022-23 annual report and related media kit to help spread the word about our achievements the previous academic year. Taking photos of an event? Be sure your participants sign Mason's photo release waiver. All can be found on the Marketing and Communications section of the Intranet.
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A $6 million NSF grant will translate research into practice to help local communities
by John Hollis
The funding from the NSF’s Accelerating Research Translation program will allow Mason to expand its capabilities for translating research into real-world practical applications, with the creation of programming that will allow Mason faculty to help communities across the commonwealth increase their resilience to climate change. This includes work done by Mason's Virginia Climate Center, as well as Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences professor Jim Kinter and assistant professor Luis Ortiz. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services.
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Hanley's work continues to make headlines globally
Last week, Daniel Hanley, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, and a team of researchers released an article in PLOS Biology on a new camera system that allows ecologists and filmmakers to produce videos that accurately replicate the colors that different animals see in natural settings.
Their work has appeared in outlets around the world including CNN, NBC, BBC, The New York Times, Popular Science, New Scientist, Phys.org, Live Science, Scientific American, New York Post, The Globe and Mail, Business News, The Business Standard, Science Friday, Smithsonian Magazine, Australian Geographic, Live Science, and WFMZ-TV. Photo by Daniel Hanley.
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Workplace well-being accommodations
by Alexis McCaffrey
Workplace well-being looks different for different people. In workplaces today, certain policies don’t benefit all employees. A recent Thriving Together article explains how workplace well-being accommodations can give everyone access to a way of working that helps them thrive.
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Guaranteed ride home
Faculty and staff who bike, carpool, vanpool, use mass transit, or walk to work at least two times per week always have a backup ride with Guaranteed Ride Home. It’s free to sign up and free to use. If a qualifying emergency arises, call Commuter Connections, and they will arrange transportation for you (e.g., taxi, car rental, transit). Conditions apply. For details and to register, visit the Mason Parking and Transportation website. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.
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Black History Month
February 1, 2024 to February 29, 2024
Celebrate Black History Month by attending one or more Mason events.
Mason Science Faculty Lunch
February 1, 2024 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Exploratory Hall 3302
Bring your lunch and enjoy an hour away from your computer with fellow Mason Science faculty.
Kimmy Duong Foundation Scholarship Information Session
February 7, 2024 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. | George's, Johnson Center
If you have students in search of scholarship opportunities, invite them to learn about the unique opportunities provided by the Kimmy Duong Foundation. Students will hear from previous award recipients, members of the Kimmy Duong Foundation, as well as Kimmy herself. Lunch will be provided for attendees (while supplies last).
Course Proposal Workshops
February 7, 2024 | 3 to 4:30 p.m. | Virtual
Course Proposal Workshops are opportunities to work with CECiL Staff members to enhance civic and community outcomes within your course(s). These workshops are intended to help faculty with existing CBL courses or courses with Civic Outcomes. Faculty will learn about current best practices and how to apply for a Mason Impact course designation. Faculty will receive a participation letter for their portfolio when their course has the Mason Impact designation. Registration required.
Reading as Active Learning in STEM
February 8, 2024 | 9 to 10:15 a.m. | Virtual
Discuss some of the research on how students learn from reading, how to teach your students to get more out of reading, as well as how to design more engaging reading prompts, guides and classroom activities. The small changes discussed in this workshop can have large and long-lasting impacts for your students, so be sure to join the session. Register to attend no later than Monday, February 5, 2024.
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