College of Science Announces Leadership Transition

George Mason University’s College of Science announces changes to its leadership team—Laura Lautz begins the new role of Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Innovation, and College Affairs and Jason Kinser, who recently completed his role as interim associate dean of academic affairs, will transition to serve as associate dean of academic and faculty affairs at Mason Korea. 

Kinser’s impact on George Mason spans nearly 30 years. He joined the university in 1997 as a founding member of the Institute for Biosciences, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology (IB3), a pioneering initiative that helped establish the first PhD program in Bioinformatics. That program has since evolved into the School of Systems Biology, reflecting the strong foundation built during its early years.

In 2006, Kinser moved to what was then the School of Physics, Astronomy, and Computational Sciences (SPACS), which later became two distinct departments: Physics and Astronomy and Computational and Data Sciences (CDS). Holding dual appointments during this transition, he played a key role in shaping academic programs and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration.

As the first full-time chair of the Department of Computational and Data Sciences, Kinser led a period of extraordinary growth. “Over eight years, the undergraduate program expanded from just 25 students to 375, establishing CDS as one of the top degree-producing units in the College of Science,” Kinser said. During his tenure, the program also broadened its reach, launching both an online degree and an offering at the Mason Korea campus.

In his most recent role as Interim Associate Dean, Kinser brought steady guidance and a collaborative spirit to the college. His efforts helped strengthen academic programs, support faculty and students, and advance key strategic priorities.

“Jason’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Mason Science have helped move the college forward in meaningful ways,” said College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards. “The college is stronger today because of his service and dedication to our community.”

In his new role at Mason Korea, Kinser will help guide academic and faculty affairs, further strengthening the university’s global presence and academic excellence abroad. He will transition to his new role July 27, 2026.

“The College of Science is deeply grateful for Kinser’s many contributions, and looks forward to continued collaboration as he begins this next chapter,” Edwards shared.

As the college looks ahead, new leadership will build on this strong foundation. 

Laura K. Lautz has been named Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Innovation, and College Affairs for the College of Science. In this role, Lautz will lead the development and execution of strategies that advance innovation and excellence across academic, student, and faculty affairs, as well as strategic enrollment management and community engagement. She will also serve as the college’s deputy, acting on behalf of the dean when needed. She will assume her role July 10. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura, whose experience comes at an exciting time for the college," said Dean Edwards. "Her experience shaping national research priorities and leading innovative academic programs will be invaluable as we advance our mission in education, research."

Lautz is a nationally recognized leader with extensive experience in academic and federal research leadership. She most recently served as a program director in the Geosciences Directorate at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she oversaw major research portfolios, managed more than 350 awards totaling over $160 million, and helped shape national priorities across interdisciplinary scientific programs.

“After several years supporting the broader scientific community at the national level, I am excited to reengage directly with students, faculty, and staff in the vibrant environment of a major public research university,” Lautz said. 

Prior to her role at NSF, Lautz spent over a decade at Syracuse University, where she served as chair of the Department of Earth Sciences and led a period of strategic growth, faculty expansion, and program development. She also directed the NSF-funded EMPOWER interdisciplinary graduate program, securing more than $3 million in federal funding and advancing innovative approaches to graduate education across multiple disciplines.

An accomplished scholar and educator, Lautz has held faculty positions at Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and was named the Jessie Page Heroy Professor at Syracuse. Her honors include the NSF Director’s Commendable Service Award, the Chancellor’s Citation for Faculty Excellence at Syracuse University, and election as a Fellow of the Geological Society of America.

Lautz holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in education from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in geology and environmental geosciences from Lafayette College.

 "I look forward to working with the college community to advance their shared vision and build on the college’s momentum as a leader in discovery, innovation, and student success," she said.