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George Mason University

Strategic Plan

The College of Science advances its five-year strategic plan

Now in year two of its five-year strategic plan, the College of Science continues to advance the priorities and initiatives that guide our work. Developed through collaboration within departments and across the College, the plan defines our vision, mission, and values and sets a clear direction for the future. Our FY27 priorities build on this foundation while incorporating the university’s emerging priorities including a focus on artificial intelligence.

Exploratory hall outside

Our Vision

A vibrant future for all, informed by science.

Our Mission

Advance fundamental scientific discoveries and learning through an inclusive community to address our most pressing challenges.

Focus Areas for FY 2027

Doctoral student proof. Photo by Evan Cantwell/George Mason University
Student Success and Educational Pathways​

Focus on retention ​and progression; ​RED Taskforce and curricular innovation; Build stronger K-12, NOVA/ADVANCE, and workforce pathways to meet national and global needs.​

Department of Environmental Science and Policy students and alumni collect on-the-water samples from Gunston Cove for multiple Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center researchers. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding
Research Excellence and Growth​

Evaluate and align strengths with areas of focus for Mason Science research. Continue GCI momentum and University-wide Quantum focus.

Building America: Quantum Innovation presented by George Mason University at Washington Post Headquaters in Washington DC. Photo by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/ George Mason University
Strengthen Funding Resources and Partnerships​

Establish and/or expand funding and partnerships ​to invest in tools and resources needed to support research and educational priorities ​e.g., philanthropy and Industry Partners Program​.

Students at table with laptop
AI-enabled Science, Learning, and Efficiencies​

Identify and implement ​responsible AI-integration into teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes. Track workload impact and ROI so adoption creates capacity rather ​than noise.​ ​

ScienceConnect2026
Improve ​ Working Culture, Organizational Effectiveness​

Continue to optimize internal communication, workloads, and collaboration to ensure​ a culture of respect, transparency, and open dialogue to navigate organizational change.​

Working Group

Barney Bishop - Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Natalie Burls - Associate Professor, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences

Flavia Colonna - Professor, Mathematical Sciences

Melissa Hayes - Director, Graduate Programs, Dean's Administration

Alex Hodge - Lead Scientific Project Manager, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine

Nadine Kabbani - Associate Professor, School of Systems Biology/IPN

Mary Ellen O'Toole - Program Director, Professor, Forensic Science Program

Laura Powers - Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications, Dean's Administration

Michael Summers - Professor, Physics and Astronomy

Lillian Virgil - Assistant to the Associate Dean for Research, Dean's Administration

Konrad Wessels - Associate Professor, Geography and Geoinformation Science

Richard Witt - CSI PhD Student, Computational and Data Sciences

Steering Committee

​​​​​​​Jen Bazaz Gettys - Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs & Strategic Enrollment, Dean's Administration

Jessica Callus - Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Paula Danquah-Brobby - Associate Dean of Access, Belonging, and Community Engagement, Dean's Administration

Hillary Hamm - Fiscal and HR Specialist, Computer and Data Sciences

Audrey Kelaher - Director, Development, Dean's Administration

Jim Kinter - Professor, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences

Sonja Kline - Graduate Research Assistant, Forensic Science Program

Tracy Mason - Assistant Dean, Strategic Communications, Dean's Administration

Aarthi Narayanan - Associate Professor, Biology

Peter Plavchan - Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy

Joel Schnur - Research Professor, Bio/Molecular Science, Dean's Administration

Phil Yang - Professor, Geography and Geoinformation Science

Focus Areas for FY 2026

Students in class in LSEB
Enhance Student Learning

Build signature and relevant academic and research programs that attract and retain students, align with Mason Science strengths, and meet national and global needs.

Forensic Lab in LSEB
Focus and Expand Research

Evaluate and align strengths with areas of focus for Mason Science research.

Dean Cody Edwards at opening of Data Science Lab School
Grow Funding Resources and Partnerships

Establish and/or expand funding and partnerships to invest in tools and resources needed to support research and educational priorities e.g., undergraduate and graduate support packages.

Staff on SciTech campus
Improve Working Culture

Improve internal communication and collaboration to ensure a culture of transparency, respect, belonging, and open dialogue.

Students with laptop on campus
Optimize Administrative Workloads

Address workload challenges to promote well-being and reduce burnout for faculty and staff.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.