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Main Page | Collaborative Thinking, Bold Discoveries | Innovative Learning and Research
Table of Contents
- Forensic science student athlete sets records
- FOCUS program celebrates a decade of engaging students in STEM
- Science Community Overview
- Meet Mason Korea’s first computational and data sciences graduate
- Success celebration honors outstanding achievement
- PhD student awarded prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- A Strategic Plan for transformative learning and community impact
- Many science faculty honored with prestigious awards for outstanding impact and educational excellence
- George Mason University announced long-term rebrand, including new logos
- Explore George Mason University's 2024 rankings
- This meteorology student’s summer internship was a breeze
- In Memoriam: remembering those we lost this past year
- Christine Fox named College of Science Distinguished Alumni for 2023
- Support Mason Science
Forensic science student athlete sets records
By Damian Cristodero
Ali Tyler, a senior forensic science major, chose George Mason University for its esteemed Forensic Science Program and proximity to Washington, D.C., aligning with her career goals and swimming ambitions.
A standout athlete, Tyler is a three-time Atlantic 10 champion in the 100-yard backstroke, 50 freestyle, and 200 backstroke, with multiple conference records and gold medals in individual and relay events. Balancing intense training with academic excellence, she made the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and conducted notable research in forensic science.
“What is amazing about her is her ability to maintain such high grades along with a rigorous aquatic training schedule,” said Steven Burmeister, an associate professor in the Forensic Science Program. “This balance demonstrates great discipline and maturity.”
Tyler appreciates George Mason’s community feel; set to graduate in Spring 2025, she plans to pursue an accelerated master’s in forensic science, seeking a career in toxicology or law enforcement, driven by her love for puzzles and investigative work. Photo by Christian Torres, Strategic Communications, George Mason University.
FOCUS program celebrates a decade of engaging students in STEM
by Laura Powers
The college’s FOCUS outreach is growing rapidly thanks to its confidence-boosting programs. FOCUS Camp, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, brings middle school students to campus for hands-on STEM activities like coding, robotics, and stargazing. Since its inception in 2014 with just 18 participants, the camp has hosted more 460 campers, filling up quickly each year.
The program’s founders include George Mason mathematics professor Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, former biology professor Claudette Davis, forensic science professor, Kelly Knight, and founder of Girls Inspired and Ready to Lead Inc. (GIRL), Danielle Craddock. Knight now leads planning efforts on behalf of the College of Science’s STEM Accelerator Program and has remained steadfast in the FOCUS mission to introduce students to STEM fields and nurture their scientific curiosities, with a particular focus on students from historically marginalized* backgrounds.
Since its inception, the program expanded to include the FOCUS Academy for high school students and FOCUS MOST, a professional development initiative for K-12 STEM teachers. “Looking forward, FOCUS aims to extend its impact nationally and support students in STEM through college and early career stages, addressing the need for ongoing support and representation of those historically marginalized in the field,” Knight said. Photo by Evan Cantwell, Creative Services, George Mason University.
*See details at bottom of main page
Global impact: Meet Mason Korea’s first computational and data sciences graduate
by Seihoon Lee
Traveling abroad has been part of Jimin Jeon’s life for as long as she could remember. She traveled with her mom during every school vacation, which allowed her to visit 23 countries by the time she was a college student. Being exposed to different cultures from a young age helped her develop a desire to pursue her college education abroad. That brought her to Mason Korea after 12 years of Korean public-school education.
Jeon was part of the first cohort in the newly established Department of Computation and Data Sciences (CDS) at Mason Korea. Although her frequent travels around the world prompted her to major in global affairs, she had her mind set on the world of big data since high school. Once the new major became available after her first year, she made the jump to STEM.
Transitioning to the Fairfax Campus in the fall semester of 2023, Jeon diversified her experiences, working as a teaching assistant for CDS, performing data cleaning for an on-campus project, and helping students practice their Korean through the language exchange program.
Jeon is now a proud graduate in computational and data sciences. Excited about her future professional opportunities, she hopes her story can encourage others looking for a transformative, data-focused global experience in their educational journey.
Success celebration honors outstanding achievement
The College of Science brought together more than 150 faculty and staff at the college’s Celebration of Success, an end of year celebration of all Mason Science faculty and staff contributions. Due to our collective efforts, the college experienced an extremely productive and successful year, honoring 17 faculty and staff (one an honorary service award) for their work during the 2023 calendar year. These individuals were selected out of the more than 80 nominees.
(Top Row L-R) Maria Dworzecka, Dean’s Leadership Award | Geoffrey Gilleaudeau, Dean’s Early Career Excellence Award | Robert Axtell, Dean's Big Challenge Award | Kathleen Hunt, Dean’s Emerging Leader Award | Greta Ann Herin, Dean’s Creative Educator Award | Geraldine Grant, Dean’s Mentorship Award
(Middle Row L-R) Catherine Sausville, Dean’s Engagement Award |Krista Knieriem, Dean’s Rising Star Award | Pritha Roy, Dean’s Excellence in AJEDI Award | Natasha Gilliam, Dean’s Creating Unity Award | Rhonda Troutman, Dean’s Centricity Award
(Bottom Row L-R) Keanah Turner, Dean’s Student Service Award | David Luther, Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award | Patricia Theimer, Dean’s Research Support Award | Liping Di, Dean’s Research Scientist Award | Caitlyn Ford, Dean’s Outstanding Staff Award | Paul So, Dean’s Impact Award
PhD student awarded prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
by Milinda Polisetty
Anthony Pizzimenti, a doctoral student in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at George Mason recently received the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) award. This award recognizes and financially supports outstanding graduate students conducting research in STEM or STEM education. For Pizzimenti, the support will aid his quest to advance mathematics education.
Pizzimenti’s research focuses on pure mathematics, particularly in algebra and topology. He investigates the connections between different mathematical areas and their potential to provide innovative solutions to complex problems. “My research is driven by curiosity about how different mathematical disciplines intersect and the insights they can offer into broader scientific questions,” he said. These intersections often influence various fields, including computer science and theoretical physics.
Beyond his research, Pizzimenti is committed to making mathematics more accessible. As an assistant manager for the Mason Experimental Geometry Lab, he promotes undergraduate research and community engagement. His excellence in teaching earned him the Dean’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, which recognizes extraordinary teaching skills. “Teaching is about inspiring students and making complex ideas simple and interesting,” he noted.
Pizzimenti credits his success to diverse experiences, including undergraduate research and participation in the Department of Mathematical Science’s Launchpad Program. He advises students to seek collaboration and mentorship: “Engage with your peers, seek feedback, and be open to different perspectives.” Looking ahead, he aspires to become a professor, developing interdisciplinary courses that integrate mathematics with technology and society, enriching students’ educational experiences.
Benjamin Schweinhart (center), Pizzimenti’s mentor, expressed immense pride in both Pizzimenti (right) and fellow mathematics PhD student Shrunal Pothagoni (left), who received an honorable mention from NSF. Photo provided.
Many science faculty honored with prestigious awards for outstanding impact and educational excellence
2024 Presidential Faculty Excellence Awards
This is the eighth year for the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence, selected by a review committee that includes prior award recipients and senior leaders from relevant areas.
Dominic White, Computational and Data Sciences | Faculty Excellence in Teaching
Rainald Löhner, Physics and Astronomy | Faculty Excellence in Research
Kelly Knight, Forensic Science | Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
2024 Teaching Excellence Award Winners
The Teaching Excellence Awards recognize faculty for their exceptional course planning, student engagement, curriculum development, and innovative teaching and mentoring.
Hao Jing, Chemistry and Biochemistry | Featured teaching strategy: Engagement through a Relaxed Environment
Rebecca Jones, Chemistry and Biochemistry | Special Recognition in Teaching Mason Core | Featured teaching strategy: Developing Scientific Communication with Chemistry Infographics
Jim McNeil, Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation | Special Recognition in Teaching with High Impact Practices | Featured teaching strategy: Ticks and Lyme Disease
Kimberly Rule, Forensic Science | Featured teaching strategy: Engaging Students Through Hands-on Active Learning
2024 Celebration of Distinction
Recipients selected by the George Mason University Alumni Association
Gabriele Belle, Physics and Astronomy | Faculty Member of the Year
Catherine Z. Becker, MS '96 | College of Science Distinguished Alumni
George Mason University announced long-term rebrand, including new logos
In April 2024, George Mason University unveiled a completely redesigned logo as the capstone of its three-year-long comprehensive rebrand. The new look, based on significant research and stakeholder focus groups, includes a single logo for the university and its athletics program, asserts George Mason’s emerging identity as a national top 50 public university and Virginia’s top-ranked university for innovation and upward mobility, as well as the Commonwealth’s largest, most innovative, and most diverse university. The College of Science will shift its look to the new brand over the next year.
This meteorology student’s summer internship was a breeze
by Shayla Brown
Hanna “Bell” Tucker, a senior meteorology student at George Mason University, never expected to land an internship with the FOX 5 News Weather Department. “As a meteorology student, it was hard to find a media-based internship,” she said. Despite many listings favoring journalism majors, Tucker persisted. After an interview with FOX 5’s HR director, she was accepted and spent her summer gaining experience as a weather personality in Bethesda, Maryland.
Tucker credits her internship preparation to George Mason’s CLIM 301 Weather Analysis and Prediction course, which combined both lectures and lab sessions. The course, taught by professor Bohua Huang from the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, includes student-led weather briefings, where students practice presenting and discussing weather analysis and forecasts. Huang highlighted that these briefings, which reflect the daily routines of weather forecast offices, offer essential training for students in atmospheric sciences.
Tucker, who transferred from Liberty University, emphasized the importance of confidence. “Taking small steps and putting yourself out there can take you a long way,” she said. Photo provided.
In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost this past year
Don Kelso, a retired professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, passed away on August 31, 2024. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree from the University of Florida, and a PhD from the University of Hawaii. In 1970, he became George Mason University’s first marine and freshwater ecologist, helping establish what is now the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Kelso played a pivotal role in founding the PhD program in environmental science and public policy in 2000, which was the first doctoral program in the sciences at George Mason and the first of its kind in the nation. His legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired and through memorable excursions to the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, and the Caribbean.
Support the Kelso Marine Biology Research and Teaching Fund at science.gmu.edu/Kelso.
John Lyver, an associate professor in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences and retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, passed away on June 16, 2024. He earned his BS in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1978 and enjoyed a distinguished career, obtaining three degrees from George Mason University. Lyver worked at NASA for 35 years, where he led nuclear safety reviews for significant missions, including Cassini to Saturn, New Horizons to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, and various Mars missions, such as Pathfinder and Curiosity. He retired from NASA in 2012 and went on to teach at Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University, where he was recognized as a “teacher of distinction” in 2020 by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning for his excellence in online education.
Randolph “Randy” McBride, a professor of geology in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences, passed away May 5, 2024, after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. McBride joined George Mason in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy in 1997, after receiving his PhD in geological oceanography and geology from Louisiana State University. He channeled his passion for coastal geology, geomorphology, and oceanography at George Mason, and served as a Resident Faculty Fellow at the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center. An internationally recognized expert in coastal geology and sedimentology, McBride authored more than 100 scientific publications, taught field courses on volcanoes and glaciers in Colombia, was a visiting principal fellow at the University of Wollongong, Australia, and co-directed George Mason’s Geology Field Camp in Camerino, Italy, that focused on geologic field mapping of the Apennine Mountains and around Naples and Rome.
Make a gift to the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences in memory of Randolph McBride at advancement.gmu.edu/mcbride.
Valery Soyfer, a distinguished university professor emeritus in our School of Systems Biology, passed away June 11, 2024. Soyfer joined George Mason University in 1990 as a Clarence Robinson Professor and was a Distinguished University Professor from 1993 to 2016. Before George Mason, Soyfer was the founding scientific director of the Research Institute for Applied Molecular Biology and Genetics in Moscow and served as a distinguished visiting professor at The Ohio State University. He was a foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and received honorary degrees and professorships from several institutions, including Moscow State University. In 1996, he was awarded the Gregor Johann Mendel Honorary Medal for Merit in Biological Sciences by the Czech Academy of Sciences. Valery was renowned for his pioneering research on DNA mutagenesis and repair and was also a historian of science and human rights activist, authoring works on Soviet biology and science under totalitarian regimes.
Stephan Taub, a professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Biology, passed away May 13, 2024. He joined George Mason University in 1974 as a professor and chair of the Department of Biology. While at George Mason, he initiated the creation of an environmental science concentration within biology’s MS program. This concentration went on to become the basis for the environmental science and public policy PhD program the college now offers. He taught a wide range of Mason students in courses on experimental design and analysis, as well as biostatistics. Taub earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester, later earning a PhD from Indiana University.
Christine Fox named College of Science Distinguished Alumni for 2023
by the Office of Alumni Relations/2023 Celebration of Distinction
The Honorable Christine Fox, BS Mathematics ’76, MS Mathematics ’80, served in President Barack Obama’s administration as acting deputy secretary of defense and as director of cost assessment and program evaluation (CAPE) in the Department of Defense (DoD). As CAPE director, Fox served as the chief analyst to the secretary of defense. Most recently, she served as assistant director of policy and analysis at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and is currently a senior fellow there. Prior to her DoD positions, she served as president of the Center for Naval Analyses, working there as a research analyst and manager. She is a member of the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council, the Division of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the National Academies of Science, the board of directors of the U.S. Naval Institute, and is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She also serves on several advisory and governance boards of commercial and financial companies including Brown Advisory and Palantir Technologies.
She is a three-time recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal. She has also been awarded the Naval Heritage (Lone Sailor) Award and the Department of the Army’s Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service. Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Relations.
Are you a College of Science alum with a story to tell? Reach out and share your success.
Support Mason Science
With your support, over the past year, our faculty and students have significantly expanded our scientific impact, including pushing the boundaries of space exploration, advancing research on infectious diseases, and tirelessly supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals, including securing internships and work opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, our college offers an education that both distinguishes our George Mason scientists in the workforce and research fields while also encourages the importance of a positive impact on local communities and beyond.
On Mason Vision Day in June, we raised more than $30,000 to support the College of Science, directly contributing to the advancement of our mission. Two years ago, the university embarked on a $1 billion capital campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible. The College of Science is dedicated to raising $15M towards this campaign and with your help we have raised over $8M thus far. Last year we set a college record, raising over $3.6M towards the campaign. These funds represent the future of Mason Science and innovative research.
Your support of the college fuels student success, drives innovation, and advances research across a range of critical areas. This includes environment, climate and conservation sciences; biomedical and health sciences; big data and artificial intelligence; geospatial and quantum sciences; foundational scientific studies; as well as outreach and special programs. Together, we’re working towards a more sustainable future and making meaningful strides in essential fields.
You choose when, how much, and where to give. Gifts of all amounts go a long way in supporting our research, programs, and people.
Find out more about how you can support the College of Science at science.gmu.edu/give.
“Pursuit of happiness has many pathways. Giving back the gift of education, empowerment, and opportunity to the next generation of students is perhaps one of the noblest. I have been part of this vibrant George Mason science community for three decades and see the impact such support can provide for our students, our faculty, and this important scientific research and knowledge acquisition.” - Jagadish Shukla
Get the latest research, student achievements, and innovation news happening in Mason’s College of Science by following our various digital channels. Email cosnews@gmu.edu to sign up for our newsletter and to share your science success stories.
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