Ali Tyler named student speaker for George Mason University College of Science Spring Degree Celebration

The College of Science is excited to announce Ali Tyler as this year’s degree celebration student speaker. A distinguished BS and MS graduate, Tyler embodies the university’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service through her achievements both inside and outside the classroom. 

“I feel incredibly honored to be selected as this year’s student speaker and am so grateful for the opportunity to represent such a resilient and vibrant graduating class,” said Tyler. 

Tyler earned her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Forensic Chemistry from the George Mason University Honors College in 2025 and is graduating with her Master of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Biometric Identity Analysis. With aspirations of serving in a federal forensic capacity, she currently works as a fingerprint specialist with the Northern Virginia Regional Identification System (NOVARIS), where she conducts fingerprint classification and evidence management while advancing her training in latent fingerprint analysis.

Her academic journey has been marked by early and impactful research contributions. Through the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program, Tyler published original research in 2023 in George Mason’s Journal of Student-Scientists’ Research, examining the effectiveness of drone LiDAR technology in crime scene investigations. She also gained hands-on experience with the George Mason University Police Department, conducting campus crime analyses and supported her peers as a learning assistant for Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis.

Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Tyler excelled as an elite Division I athlete. As captain of the George Mason’s NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming Team and a 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and discipline. Her standout athletic career includes winning all 12 of her individual races at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. In recognition of her achievements, she received numerous honors, including the 2025 Dr. Frank Pettrone Student Athlete of the Year award, the 2025 Susan Collins Leadership Award, and a nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year.

"Ali exemplifies the many qualities of a successful Mason Science student; her competitive spirit is evident in the way she excels both in her sport at the highest levels while also achieving strong academic standing, utilizing the Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's program to get not just one but two degrees in our forensic science discipline during her time at George Mason." said College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards. "What's so impressive is, despite the student-athlete workload, Ali also found time to give back to our science community by serving on the Dean's Advisory Council. She has a bright, bright future ahead," Edwards enthused. 

Reflecting on her time at George Mason, Tyler shared, “One of my favorite Mason moments has been having the privilege to represent the university both athletically and academically throughout my time here.”

Tyler credits George Mason not only for her academic development but also for shaping her mindset and resilience. “Mason has prepared me for my life after school not only by strengthening my academic foundation, but by teaching me how to pursue my goals regardless of the circumstances,” she said.

She also highlighted the university’s supportive environment as a defining feature: “Mason is a university full of opportunities, but what makes it so special is the community that supports both personal growth and curiosity.”

In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Tyler has served in key leadership roles across campus, including the College of Science Dean’s Student Advisory Council. As she prepares to take the stage at the College of Science Degree Celebration on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in EagleBank Arena, she brings with her a unique blend of scientific expertise, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to public service.

Tyler’s selection as student speaker reflects not only her extraordinary achievements but also her ability to inspire others—making her a fitting voice for the graduating class.