Elizabeth Foy is August Employee of the Month
Elizabeth Foy has been an anchor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at George Mason University since 2014. As lab manager, she oversees the preparation and distribution of all chemistry materials required at both the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses. In recognition of her dedication and excellence while managing nearly 100 lab class sections per week, Foy has been named August Employee of the Month.
“Ms. Foy is not only an effective manager but also an exceptional mentor and role model,” said Silvia M. Auffret Ayala, assistant lab manager. “Her work is foundational to the success of our teaching labs.”
Mikell Paige, professor and chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, emphasized how hard Foy works, saying “Ms. Foy is an effective leader and valuable member of our team. She helps plan for future needs as we propose new budgets, keeps up with instrument maintenance, and manages complex student employee schedules to keep the labs running on time.”
“Elizabeth does an outstanding job training and supporting her team members,” said Megan Erb, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “All George Mason students enrolled in chemistry lab courses benefit from her strong work ethic and dedication to her job.”
Kenneth W. Foreman, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said, “Ms. Foy is a fantastic colleague to work with. She is constantly looking to improve the lab experience for students, suggesting potential modifications to the labs to help them run more smoothly and safely.”
“Elizabeth demonstrates excellence through her attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work,” said Fabiola Suarez, fiscal technician in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.
How did you come to Mason:
I joined George Mason University over 12 years ago because I wanted to be part of an institution that makes a difference through education and research. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to grow professionally while serving the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. It has been a privilege to support our faculty, staff, and students by helping create a safe, organized, and successful laboratory environment where learning can thrive.
Best day on the job:
My best days are at the beginning of each semester when all the teaching laboratories are fully prepared, and students are excited to begin their experiments. Knowing that my team's hard work behind the scenes helps create a safe and successful learning experience for hundreds of students each semester gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy working with my colleagues to solve challenges and continuously improve our laboratory operations.
What do you like best about working at George Mason:
What I like best about working at George Mason is the people and the sense of community. I enjoy working with dedicated faculty, staff, and students who share a commitment to education and excellence. Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new, help others, and contribute to the success of our department. It is rewarding to know that my work supports student learning and helps prepare the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.
What do you like to do when you’re not working:
When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family, especially my three beautiful granddaughters, who are 1 month, 1 year, and 4 years old. Watching them grow, playing with them, reading stories, and celebrating life's little moments brings me so much happiness. They remind me every day of the importance of love, family, and creating lasting memories.
