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

What’s coming next? Is it safe? Can we change the current state for the better?

These are not abstract questions. They are the questions our scientists ask—and answer—every day.

Driven by curiosity, critical thinking, and data-informed discovery, our faculty and students are constantly pushing at the boundaries of knowledge. At the College of Science at George Mason, our responsibility is to create the conditions that allow this work to thrive: to identify emerging opportunities and challenges, and to ensure that our research, teaching, and partnerships remain relevant, responsive, and impactful.

In many ways, our scientists working across physics, space, health, environmental science, data science, and modeling are operating at the tip of the spear—helping society anticipate what’s next and shaping how we respond.

So how do we see what’s on the horizon?

Connected DMV has announced that George Mason University, one of the nation’s most innovative and fastest-growing public research universities, will serve as the Lead Academic Partner for spaceNEXT, the inaugural global convening focused on the commercialization of space and a flagship program of Connected DMV’s Potomac Center for the New Space Economy. SpaceNEXT will take place Wednesday, February 18 through Friday, February 20, 2026. 

Applications are now being accepted for the College of Science Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs position. This role provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for matters related to faculty within the College of Science, including recruitment, appointment, promotion and tenure, professional development, mentoring, evaluation, and faculty success initiatives. For full consideration, apply by February 26, 2026. 

by Sarah Holland

Led by Environmental Science and Policy Professor Cindy Smith, Burke Lake watershed field experiences immerse seventh graders in hands-on science, from invertebrates to water chemistry, building environmental literacy through real-world outdoor learning. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding. 

Be sure to follow us on social media where each Friday we highlight another amazing member of our faculty for their work with students, in research, and their impact on the college. This past Friday highlighted Mohammad Nawandish, Human Resources and Academic Administration Specialist in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who earned the Outstanding Staff Award in December.

by CEC Communications

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a George Mason research team $2.1 million to create a system that could transform the study of seizures. The project is led by Principal Investigator (PI) Rob Cressman, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, with co‑PIs Parag Chitnis and Remi Veneziano from the Department of Bioengineering. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

by Sarah Holland

Chaowei “Phil” Yang, professor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, has teamed up with researchers from California State University—Los Angeles (CSU-LA), NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the City of Los Angeles to develop a wildfire digital twin to understand fire evolution and air pollution impact. Photo by University Branding. 

by Annalise Iraola, Richard Kolko, and Elyssa Morataya

Paramount+’s new Handsome Devil: Charming Killer docuseries explores Cape Coral murderer Wade Wilson’s 2019 double killings and viral “Deadpool Killer” notoriety. Forensic Science Program Chair Mary Ellen O’Toole spoke to Wink and shared why violent killers attract fans, how fascination minimizes victims, and documentaries fuel attention.

by Claire Cameron, edited by Jeanna Bryner

Scientific American reports that SpaceX has proposed launching up to one million satellites to act as an orbital AI data center powered by solar energy. Physics and Astronomy Associate Professor Peter Plavchan warns the plan could let early movers dominate key orbital space, raising fairness and governance concerns. Photo by SpaceX on Unsplash.

RSR-Employee Health & Well-Being has partnered with TimelyCare to provide George Mason employees with free, confidential mental health and well-being support, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Faculty and staff can access care from anywhere, at any time, using their George Mason email to register. 

by Paola Duran

George Mason earned top Virginia placements across business, nursing, and education, and leads in the region as a college destination for veterans and working professionals in the 2026 Best Online Programs rankings by U.S. News & World Report, 

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

Submit a nomination: David J. King Award
Nominations open now through February 11, 2026
The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the overall educational excellence of the university. Nominate a colleague by Wednesday, Feb. 11. Learn more on the Stearns Center website. 

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 website. See additional details in Myisha Washington's email sent Friday, January 16.

Intro to PatriotAI: Hands-on training at Mason Square
Tuesday, February 17, 2025
Information Technology Services (ITS) is hosting Intro to PatriotAI events for students, faculty, and staff at Mason Square on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Thursday, Feb. 19. These hands-on training sessions will introduce this suite of AI tools and provide tips and best practices to set users up for success—no prior experience required. Register.

Career STEMinar - Preventing Summer FOMO: STEM Edition 
Wednesday, February 18, 2025 | 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. | Virtual
Encourage your students to make this summer count. Even if a full internship or summer research experience isn’t feasible, they can still gain valuable skills and experiences. Short-term projects, virtual opportunities, and skill-building activities can strengthen their resumes and help prepare them for meaningful programs and opportunities in the future.

Intro to PatriotAI: Hands-on training at Mason Square
Thursday, February 19, 2025
Information Technology Services (ITS) is hosting Intro to PatriotAI events for students, faculty, and staff at Mason Square on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Thursday, Feb. 19. These hands-on training sessions will introduce this suite of AI tools and provide tips and best practices to set users up for success—no prior experience required. Register.

2026 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium
Abstract submission deadline: February 20, 2026
Faculty, please share with your students. The Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies (COLA) and the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences (AOES) invite graduate students to participate in a one-day, in-person graduate symposium on April 10, 2026. This year's theme is: Integrating Traditional and Novel Approaches to Earth System Science. Graduate students are welcome to submit an abstract on a wide range of related topics until February 20, 2026. Graduate students are also welcome to attend without presenting. Registration is complimentary for all attendees.

Nominate Today: Outstanding Achievement Awards 
Nominations open now through Friday, February 20, 2026
The Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of George Mason’s faculty and staff across several awards categories in support of the university's values and mission. Nominate a colleague today. Contact Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement, with questions. 

College of Science Faculty Meeting 
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 11 a.m. to noon | Exploratory Hall 3301 and Virtual