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

I love this time of year. It’s incredible to walk around campus and see George Mason’s natural green and gold on full display. It lifts my mood and re-energizes the conservationist in me. Living and learning in this part of the country definitely has its perks.

As scientists, we understand the biological reasons leaves change color. But beyond the facts, I’m always struck by the resilience of the trees—and the full ecosystem—during this season of transition. For months, leaves have provided shade, shelter, and protection. Now, as they turn shades of red, rust, brown, and gold—or stay green—they remind us of the beauty of diversity within a shared forest. And when those leaves eventually fall, they create a foundation for future growth. Nature shows us that change, though inevitable, serves a purpose.

Our college is experiencing its own season of change. Like the forest, we’re evolving—embracing transformation that sustains and strengthens our community. Change for its own sake isn’t ideal, but purposeful change—rooted in improvement and collective benefit—is vital. To be resilient through it is a skill; to navigate it together as a community is our superpower.

This is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate the colleagues who make a difference in the Mason Science community. Take a moment to nominate the individuals you feel deserve recognition for their exceptional contributions during the 2025 calendar year. Nominations must be submitted by Monday, November 3. The Celebration of Success will take place Tuesday, December 9 at 2 p.m. in Exploratory Hall. 

Learn about major College of Science initiatives on our dedicated web pages. Visit the Strategic Plan page to learn about our goals, priorities, and implementation efforts, and check out the Administrative Assessment page for updates on the process, anticipated timelines, and opportunities for feedback as the assessment moves forward.

By Laura Powers

This summer, George Mason University hosted the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program to prepare high school students for careers in the emerging field of quantum science. The program is led by Jessica Rosenberg, professor of Physics and Astronomy, and Nancy Holincheck, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science.

By Colleen Kearney Rich

When Trish Jarvis, BS Biology ’10, tells people what she does for a living, their eyes usually light up. As an employee at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., Jarvis has one of the most coveted—and adorable—jobs around: She’s a panda keeper. Photo by Rosh Patel/Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute 

By Laura Powers

The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, a leader in hands-on conservation science, now offers a ten-week summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation. This 2025 program is only the second NSF-REU awarded to George Mason University. It’s led by College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards and Biology Professor David Luther.

In this episode of Access to Excellence, President Washington speaks with Geoffrey Gilleaudeau, associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences Department in the College of Science, about the past, present, and future of Earth’s oceans according to the physical and chemical characteristics of sedimentary rocks. 

In a recent episode of The Inquiry, a podcast by BBC World Service, researchers including SSB Professor Alessandra Luchini explore the rising global incidence of Lyme disease. They highlight that about one in ten people worldwide may have been infected, according to a recent BMJ Global Health review.

Professor and Director of the Forensic Science Program Mary Ellen O’Toole spoke to Fox News on the recent robbery at the Louvre that unfolded in broad daylight. According to the coverage, the thieves struck during the museum’s busiest time of day. O'Toole said the thieves likely planned this for months, if not years, and may have had prior experience in a high risk crime.

As part of George Mason’s bold effort to shape a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future, this RFP invites proposals that go beyond traditional seed funding—this is a call for catalytic, transformative investments in talent, programs, projects, and infrastructure that support one or more of the six GCI Grand Solutions.

Applicants should present a bold, scalable vision with a clear work plan to achieve lasting impact and unlock future growth.

Key Dates:

Upcoming Community Events:

Renewal, Promotion and Tenure
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 11 a.m. | Virtual
Join Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Kim Eby on October 28 to learn more about the institutional Renewal, Promotion and Tenure process for tenure-line faculty. Access via Zoom. 

Faculty Success Workshop Series: Writing for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Work Statements
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Virtual
Register to attend. 

College of Science All Staff Meeting
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Exploratory 3301
Attend the upcoming All Staff Meeting where we will discuss major college initiatives, including updates on the Administrative Assessment, new budget model, and space allocation. The format will be a panel discussion, providing an opportunity to ask questions and engage with college leadership. Register to attend. 

Adjunct and Online Teaching Excellence Awards
Nominations open now through Sunday, November 2, 2025
Take a moment to nominate a George Mason faculty member for an Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award (for part-time faculty), or Online Teaching Excellence Award (for all faculty who teach online courses). Review the nomination criteria for each respective award. 

Celebration of Success Dean's Awards
Nominations open now through Monday, November 3, 2025 | 11:59 p.m. 
Celebration of Success Award Season is here. Take a moment to nominate the colleagues you feel deserve recognition for their contributions to the Mason Science community for the 2025 calendar year. Nominations must be submitted by Monday, November 3. 

Lightning Talks and Matchmaking Mixer
November 14 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Are you looking for research connections across the university for the Grand Challenge Initiatives? Register to participate in the Lightning Talks and Matchmaking Mixer for the university.