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Table of Contents
- $1.1 million to revolutionize Lyme disease testing
- George Mason scientist secures $1.4 million DTRA grant to study viruses’ impact on organ health
- Pioneering Research Air Force grant launches first U.S. Neuromorphic Imaging and Digital Twins Lab
- $1.2 million NSF funded fellowship at George Mason aims to foster diversity in quantum science workforce
- New DSCA Lab School launched to focus on high schoolers’ Data Literacy
- $6 million NSF grant will translate research into practice to help local communities become climate-resilient
- Combining neuroscience, forensics, and politics — to help others
- College of Science celebrates its first graduates of unique AI-enhanced histotechnologist program
- George Mason postdoc leads scientific breakthrough that could revolutionize cancer treatment
- Unique outdoor forensics research lab reaches major milestone with first donors
- Supporting communities in disaster preparedness and recovery
$1.1 million to revolutionize Lyme disease testing
by Mary Cunningham
George Mason University researchers received a $1,176,645 grant in federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Army to revolutionize Lyme disease detection and diagnosis with urine testing. The collaboration between George Mason’s College of Science and College of Public Health aims to harness the many advantages of urine testing over other methods and increase mainstream adoption.
“We have developed a urine test for Lyme disease that detects the bacteria (Borrelia species) that causes Lyme disease, making it a direct test to confirm an infection soon after the tick bite. This leads to earlier treatment when necessary and could prevent the long-term debilitating effects of the disease,” said Alessandra Luchini, systems biology professor and the project’s principal investigator.
The current standard of care test for potential Lyme disease is an antibody blood test that measures the immune system response to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. In contrast, the George Mason test detects molecules derived from the bacteria themselves, which have the advantage of high specificity (accuracy) and early detection.
School of Systems Biology professor and co-director of Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) Lance Liotta, as well as College of Public Health dean Melissa Perry, serve as co-investigators of this study. Additional collaborators include Virginia Espina, research professor in CAPMM Jenna Krall, associate professor in the College of Public Health, and Ashley Groshong, unit chief of the Bacterial Physiology and Metabolism Section of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health. Photo by Evan Cantwell, Creative Services, George Mason University.
George Mason University researchers lead breakthrough study to find functional cure for HIV
by Laura Powers
Researchers from George Mason University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) and Tulane National Primate Research Center have developed a promising new HIV treatment approach, published in Nature’s Gene Therapy. Led by CIDR researcher and School of Systems Biology professor Yuntao Wu, the team created an HIV-like virus particle called the HIV Rev-dependent lentiviral vector, which uses an HIV protein to target and activate therapeutic genes in infected cells.
This novel approach, known as “rehab and redeem,” aims to selectively destroy or inactivate HIV reservoirs and boost the immune system to produce antiviral antibodies. Tests on monkeys showed significant reductions in viral levels, maintaining low levels for over two years after stopping ART. This breakthrough offers hope for a future where lifelong antiretroviral therapy might not be necessary. While further studies and human trials are required, this research represents a significant advancement in HIV treatment, potentially transforming how the disease is managed for the 39 million people worldwide living with HIV.
The George Mason team, including Brian Hetrick, Mark Spear, Jia Guo, Huizhi Liang, Yajing Fu, and Zhijun Yang, in collaboration with Ali Andalibi, have been developing the HIV Rev-dependent vector technology since 2002. Photo by Evan Cantwell, George Mason University.
George Mason scientist secures $1.4 million DTRA grant to study viruses’ impact on organ health
by Laura Powers
George Mason University research and biology professor Aarthi Narayanan recently secured a $1.4 million grant from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to investigate how an infection spreads between organs, and how a therapeutic will impact connected organs. The work will initially focus on mosquito-transmitted viruses while Narayanan hopes to expand the implications from these studies to other human disease states.
The study will utilize the organ on a chip platform—an emerging technology that more closely replicates human organ-based parameters—to understand how disease affects the body. The focus of this multiorgan effort will be to explore the interactions between the brain, the lung, and liver. Photo by Evan Cantwell, Creative Services, George Mason University.
Pioneering Research Air Force grant launches first U.S. Neuromorphic Imaging and Digital Twins Lab
by Elizabeth Grisham
Harbir Antil, principal investigator and director of the Center for Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence (CMAI) and Rainald Löhner, co-principal investigator and director of the Computational Fluid Dynamics Lab, received funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). This grant, awarded under the prestigious Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP), is earmarked for the creation of a groundbreaking Neuromorphic Imaging and Digital Twins Lab. This is the second DURIP award received by the PIs from AFOSR; the previous used to procure a high-performance computing cluster.
This pioneering facility, the first of its kind in the nation, will be housed within the CMAI at George Mason University and will feature advanced equipment for neuromorphic imaging, neuromorphic computing, and digital twins. The lab aims to not only enhance research capabilities at George Mason but also serve the needs of local organizations and beyond.
Neuromorphic sensors, a key component of this project, differ from traditional cameras by detecting changes in pixel intensity asynchronously rather than synchronously. This innovative approach allows neuromorphic sensors to sample data at a micro- second level, capturing dynamic scenes with unprecedented clarity.
“This technology will significantly improve image and video quality for devices such as phones, planes, drones, and others that are affected by motion blur, high contrast conditions, and limited power and memory,” Antil explained.
The lab will serve as a testbed for developing new algorithms and deploying this advanced hardware in practical settings. The generated data will be used to refine algorithms for object recognition, motion detection, and scene understanding. “We are currently procuring neuromorphic cameras, drones, and audio sensors to start our testing phase,” Antil noted.
Additionally, the lab will be an open resource for neighboring institutions, including academic entities, national labs like the U.S. Naval Research Lab and Air Force Research Laboratory, industries, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It is expected to have a national impact on various fields, including the Air Force, Space Force, civil engineering, and machine learning.
For years, Antil organized workshops and conferences to advance Digital Twin technologies and computational mathematics. For instance, the NSF funded 2023 workshop on Mathematical Opportunities in Digital Twins helped shape various initiatives and foster a Digital Twins community. Last June, George Mason hosted the eighth annual International Conference on Computational and Mathematical Biomedical Engineering, which brought together leading researchers and academics to discuss recent advancements in the field. This workshop was co- organized by Antil; Löhner; Juan Cebral, professor in the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason; and Perumal Nithiarasu from Swansea University.
$1.2 million NSF funded fellowship at George Mason aims to foster diversity in quantum science workforce
by Laura Powers
George Mason University received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a fellowship program that prepares recent PhD graduates for leadership roles in quantum education and workforce development research. The program focuses on addressing challenges in quantum education, particularly in building an inclusive and equitable workforce.
The George Mason University Quantum Education Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, led by physics and astronomy associate professor Jessica Rosenberg, aims to address equity challenges to ensure historically marginalized* groups have access to education and career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of quantum science. She will work alongside co-principal investigators 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 to engage with fellows, provide mentorship, and assist in research projects.
The two-year fellowship emphasizes the importance of collaboration in tackling longstanding issues that have hindered progress in many STEM disciplines, including computer science and physics, from which quantum researchers typically originate. By fostering this environment of shared expertise, Rosenberg said the program seeks to develop a more inclusive quantum workforce that reflects greater diversity in the coming years.
*See details at bottom of main page
New DSCA Lab School launched to focus on high schoolers’ Data Literacy
by Laura Powers
The Virginia Board of Education approved $2.8 million in funding for George Mason to launch the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing and Applications (DSCA Lab School). This collaborative partnership includes George Mason University, Frederick County Public Schools, as well as six rural and rural-fringe school districts in the Shenandoah Valley, (Clarke County, Fauquier County, Page County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, and Winchester Public Schools), and the Mountain Vista Governor’s School and Laurel Ridge Community College.
This DSCA Lab School, one of only 14 available in Virginia, will support 10th through 12th grade students through academic programming that fosters data literacy and showcases the latest innovations in STEM. Programming will cover data science and computing, mentored research opportunities, apprenticeships and internships, experiential and project-based learning, certifications and micro-credentials in data analytics,opportunities to earn an associate’s degree and college credits, as well as work-based learning opportunities. Students begin preparing for the lab-school during their sophomore year, with programming starting in their junior and senior years.
“The vision is to create a data literate workforce empowered with skills, knowledge and the mindset necessary to solve problems in a data driven world,” said George Mason mathematical sciences professor Padhu Seshaiyer who will lead the effort.
The DSCA Lab School will officially begin fall 2025 with online offerings starting in FY 2024-25.
$6 million NSF grant will translate research into practice to help local communities become climate-resilient
by John Hollis
George Mason University scientists and partners will leverage their climate expertise and the university’s resources into broader societal implications, thanks to a $6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that is going to translate research into practice to support the creation of climate-resilient communities across Virginia.
The funding from the NSF’s Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program will allow George Mason to expand its capabilities and capacity for translating research into real-world practical applications, with the creation of programming that will allow George Mason faculty to serve communities across the Commonwealth by co-producing science-based solutions that help them increase their resilience to climate change.
The George Mason project includes Leah Nichols, the project’s principal investigator and executive director of George Mason’s Institute for a Sustainable Earth, as well as co-PIs Jim Kinter, a professor in the Climate Dynamics PhD program and the director of both George Mason’s Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies within the College of Science and the Virginia Climate Center; Celso Ferreira, a professor within George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing and the director of the Flood Hazards Research Lab; Luis Ortiz, an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences within the College of Science; and Tom Peterson, the CEO of the Center for Climate Strategies. Other entities involved include MN Associates Inc and the University of Kentucky.
Congratulations to Jim Kinter, who received the 2025 Cleveland Abbe Award for Distinguished Service to the Atmospheric and Related Scientists at the Society at the American Meteorological Society's Annual Meeting in January. The award is “For scientific leadership in Earth system modeling, predictability and seasonal forecasting, and service to the operational forecasting and high-performance computing communities.”
Combining neuroscience, forensics, and politics — to help others
by Buzz McClain
First year student Ian Candy’s fascination with politics began at age ten, watching news shows with his parents rather than cartoons. With a strong interest in both politics and the sciences, Candy selected to double major at George Mason University in both neuroscience and government and international politics.
“Neuroscience captivates me, and I feel a duty to study it,” he says, motivated by personal connections to mental illness and brain disorders. He sees a unique intersection between neuroscience and government and aims to explore this synergy through storytelling as a member of George Mason’s forensics team, which placed second nationally in 2024.
Candy hopes to blend these fields in a future career, striving to help others through advocacy, psychiatric assistance, or innovative roles.
“I hope to achieve what ten-year-old me envisioned: to help other people,” Candy said. Photo by Kayla Wilmarth.
College of Science celebrates its first graduates of unique AI-enhanced histotechnologist program
by Laura Powers
In May 2024, the College of Science 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 to offer this certification for students seeking to give themselves the edge in the pathology workforce. The ten-month program, taught by Inova Health System pathologists, certified histotechnicians and histotechnologists, and certified cytologists, is the only one in the United States to offer both digital and molecular pathology within its curriculum. Students study the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular techniques to diagnose patients using a combination of methodologies and tools Hoo-Fatt pioneered.
Interested in this certification? Applications for the 2025-26 school year are being accepted through February 7, 2025. Learn more: histologyprogram@inova.org.
George Mason postdoc leads scientific breakthrough that could revolutionize cancer treatment
by John Hollis
Marissa Howard, BS Bioengineering ’17, PhD Biosciences ’22, a postdoctoral research fellow at George Mason University, made significant strides in cancer treatment with her research. Leading a team at George Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM), Howard discovered how to “eavesdrop” on cellular communications using extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny bubbles that carry molecular information between cells. This breakthrough allows for real-time insights into tumor behavior and could revolutionize cancer treatment by enabling more precise adjustments to therapies. Howard’s work, which began as part of her dissertation and earned her a $200,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute, includes innovative methods for studying EVs directly within living tumors. The findings, published in The Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, show that different EV types influence cancer growth differently. Beyond cancer, this research has potential applications for diagnosing other diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Photo by Ron Aira, Creative Services, George Mason University.
Unique outdoor forensics research lab reaches major milestone with first donors
George Mason’s Forensic Science Program celebrated a significant milestone with the acceptance of four donors into George Mason’s Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory (FSRTL). One of only eight facilities in the United States and ten in the world, the FSRTL is designed for examining crime scenes in an outdoor setting. Under the leadership of former FBI profiler and Forensic Science Program director Mary Ellen O’Toole, the laboratory will enhance the study of human decomposition through various scientific perspectives, aiding in the identification and recovery of human remains. During the dedication ceremony, O’Toole honored the donors’ extraordinary and selfless contributions, emphasizing how their gifts will advance forensic science, aid in solving homicides, and ultimately bring closure to families of missing persons. Her words highlighted the profound impact of such donations on both science and justice. Photo by Shelby Burgess, Strategic Communications, George Mason University.
Supporting communities in disaster preparedness and recovery
by Milinda Polisetty, Laura Powers, and Tracy Mason
Alireza Ermagun, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, is leading multiple NSF-funded projects focused on reducing the vulnerability of communities to weather and climate disasters. Drawing on his expertise in the complex dynamics of mobility, access, and resilience, he is spearheading four notable initiatives.
One project, in collaboration with Tufts University, local law enforcement, and the American Red Cross, advances wildfire preparedness strategies and improves access to resources for all communities in Lake County, California. This initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of communities with the knowledge and science-based tools needed to make informed decisions and reduce preventable impacts of wildfires.
Another project with scientists from Villanova University and the University of South Carolina, aims to reduce the vulnerability of communities to the social and environmental impacts of urban nuisance flooding in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This initiative will develop strategies to improve mobility and manage urban flooding, while establishing a science-based, community-centered platform to support public officials in adapting to increasing flood risks.
Ermagun, through the Accelerating Research Translation award with the Center for Climate Strategies, will assess climate change-related mobility vulnerabilities in Alexandria, Virginia, and develop adaptation strategies. This initiative focuses on engaging municipal and community stakeholders, translating research into actionable insights, and integrating training programs to build a climate-resilient workforce.
In collaboration with the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, Ermagun’s fourth study will lay the groundwork to enhance the ability of geographers, geoscientists, social scientists, and community leaders to assess and address the evolving impacts and risks of cascading hazards (e.g., hurricanes, extreme rainfall, floods, landslides) on communities in Puerto Rico. The effort fosters partnerships, ensuring research meets community needs, while providing training and engagement opportunities for students. Collectively, Ermagun’s interdisciplinary efforts seek to enhance mobility while fostering inclusive adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts.
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