College of Science at George Mason University

09/02/2026

⚛️ Big news for Mason Science and Virginia’s quantum future!

This partnership with TreQ will bring new opportunities for our scientists and students to explore, innovate, and help build the quantum ecosystem right here in the National Capital Region. 💚💛

09/01/2026

🔬 George Mason research leadership is entering a new chapter.

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, has accepted an assignment with the National Science Foundation (NSF) as program director for the Strategic Partnerships Hub.

Since joining George Mason in 2021, Marshall has helped advance the university’s research enterprise, strengthen federal and industry partnerships, and launch major initiatives including the Grand Challenge Initiative.

Aurali Dade has been named interim vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact.

📸 Pictured: Andre Marshall (left) and Aurali Dade (right). Credit: Office of University Branding

Congratulations to Andre on this exciting next step, and welcome back to this leadership role, Aurali! 👏

🔗 Read more: https://science.gmu.edu/news/andre-marshall-join-national-science-foundation-aurali-dade-named-interim-vice-president

08/31/2026

📊 From the ice rink to the rugby pitch, College of Science student Zaakir Khan is putting data science to work in professional sports.

The computational and data sciences major spent the summer interning with Old Glory DC during the team’s playoff run, gaining hands-on experience with sports analytics, video analysis, live game coding, and more.

Khan, who also minors in sports management, says the experience helped him see how statistics can tell a story in real time and support decisions on and off the field.

🏉 Read more about his internship and how he’s preparing for a career in sports analytics: https://science.gmu.edu/news/zaakir-khan-interned-old-glory-dc-their-playoff-run

📷 Photos: Zaakir Khan (right) with an Old Glory Rugby colleague; Khan using Huddle Sports Code during his internship. Photos provided.

08/31/2026

👕 Want the official Space Day 2026 T-shirt?

Register for George Mason Space Day by Sept. 2 to receive T-shirt ordering details.

Join us Sept. 26 for an afternoon of space science, speakers, hands-on activities, and more.

👕 Register by Sept. 2
🔗 science.gmu.edu/SpaceDayRegister

08/31/2026

🧵 Give back while you connect!

Join us at ScienceConnect Fairfax and help make cozy blankets for a local shelter. Stop by Exploratory Hall, Room 3301 to get creative, meet others in the community, and help make a difference.

Then explore everything else happening at ScienceConnect, from free food and activities to the Biology Greenhouse plant sale and more.

📅 Thursday, Sept. 3
⏰ Noon–4:30 p.m.
🔗science.gmu.edu/scienceconnect

08/28/2026

📅 Mark your calendars, Patriots! Don’t miss these important Fall 2026 academic deadlines.

📚 Aug. 31: Last day to add classes
💰 Sept. 8: Last day to drop with a 100% tuition refund
💰 Sept. 15: Final drop deadline with a 50% refund
📚 Sept. 16–29: Unrestricted withdrawal period
📚 Sept. 30–Oct. 26: Selective withdrawal period for undergraduate students

🔗 View the full Fall 2026 academic calendar:

Approved by Faculty Senate on: October 20, 2021 Updated February 10, 2026 Priority Dates / Time Tickets Important Dates Final Exam Schedule Part of Term and Tuition Liability Dates Priority Dates and Time Tickets Registration times are assigned to each class code in order of completed hours from mos...

08/28/2026

🌎 What does climate science have to do with the cost of insurance?

For this Faculty Friday, we’re highlighting Luis Ortiz, assistant professor in the J. Shukla Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, and his work to help industries better understand and prepare for physical climate risks.

Ortiz is the principal investigator for the Grand Challenge Initiative catalyst project, Industry–University Working Group on Climate Change and Physical Risks.

The project brings together George Mason scientists and experts from the Schar School of Policy and Government, along with public- and private-sector partners, to identify gaps in how climate risks are assessed and develop practical solutions for the insurance, reinsurance, and finance industries.

As Ortiz explains, these sectors are where “the rubber meets the road” when it comes to climate change. Better understanding risks from extreme weather and a changing climate can support stronger decisions for businesses, communities, and infrastructure.

🔗 Learn more about Ortiz and the College of Science’s role in George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative: https://science.gmu.edu/news/science-focus-five-seven-grand-challenge-initiative-first-round-projects-selected

Schar School of Policy and Government

08/24/2026

🎨🌎 What happens when sustainability meets art?

Students in EVPP 480: Sustainability in Action explored a creative new way to communicate complex environmental issues: turning them into visual art.

Led by Environmental Science and Policy assistant professor Jennifer Sklarew, students created felt artwork inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, tackling topics ranging from ecosystem conservation and community resilience to the environmental impacts of data centers.

The project is part of a STEAM approach that helps students think about sustainability from different perspectives and find new ways to make science accessible and engaging.

The student artwork is now on display at the Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge.

🔗 Learn more about Sustainability in Action: https://science.gmu.edu/news/sustainability-action-how-george-mason-students-use-art-communicate-environmental-solutions

📷 Sustainability in Action, EVPP 480, outdoor class with fiber artist Felicia Reed and Professor Jennifer Sklarew. Photo by R. Sison.


Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University

08/24/2026

📚🔬 A new semester starts TODAY!

We’re excited to welcome our Mason Science students back to campus and kick off another semester of learning, discovery, and all things science. 💚💛

See you in class, !

08/21/2026

🧬 What role can forensic science play in peacebuilding?

This , we’re highlighting Joseph DiZinno, associate professor in the Forensic Science Program, who is helping George Mason explore that question through the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

DiZinno brings decades of real-world experience to the classroom, including a career with the FBI that culminated in leading the FBI Laboratory.

Now, he’s helping lead Humanitarian Forensics and Peacebuilding, one of the first projects selected for funding through George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

The project brings together expertise in forensic science, public health, peacebuilding, and international law to improve how human remains are located, identified, and reunited with families after war, disaster, or violence.

🔗 Learn more about DiZinno and the College of Science’s role in the Grand Challenge Initiative: https://science.gmu.edu/news/science-focus-five-seven-grand-challenge-initiative-first-round-projects-selected