Fall 2024 ScienceConnect events build community among 900+ attendees
Plant sale boosts student emergency fund, community service project adds "warmth," and college shares new branded merch.
The College of Science started the fall 2024 semester with its annual ScienceConnect event, offering students the opportunity to meet other science students, faculty, and staff while learning about different college departments, student organizations, and university resources.
Organized by the College of Science’s Office of Student Affairs, the Fairfax Campus welcomed more than 750 students, faculty, and staff to Exploratory Hall while more than 150 at SciTech gathered in Katherine G Johnson Hall to connect with the college’s academic departments and administrators sharing student opportunities, resources, and fun SWAG. Hands-on activities included microscopic seed viewing and a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator that allows one person to control another person’s movements, thanks to the Biology and Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience. Representatives from Career Services, OSCAR, and other George Mason organizations discussed library and fellowship programs, study abroad options, and professional development opportunities.
This year introduced a few new elements, including a plant sale, with proceeds raised to support the College of Science Emergency Fund that helps students in immediate need of financial support like purchasing books, paying rent, or covering childcare costs. Thanks to the Biology Greenhouse and the individuals who propagated the several species of plant made available for sale, the event raised more than $3,000.
ScienceConnect also featured a community service project, inviting attendees to construct blankets for local shelters. Participants gathered to chat and craft, assembling several colorful blankets ready to provide warmth to those in need.
College of Science community members were also encouraged to sign up for the college's Explore Mars Challenge, where participants (virtual) journey to collectively walk the circumference of Mars—21,344 km (13,263 miles). It's not too late to participate. Download StepUp and register to join our College of Science team to track the miles you walk and see how your distance, and our team's distance, compares to the vast expanses of Mars.
Students unable to attend are encouraged to reach out to your department for information on the program and research opportunities, ideas to develop a minor in a science discipline, and to check out the many exhibiting student organizations sharing interests similar to your own.
