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It's That Time of Year

Cody W. Edwards
Cody W. Edwards signing off on PhD dissertations and MA theses..
The College of Science held a signing party recently for graduating PhD and MA students to have their dissertations and theses signed. Dean Cody W. Edwards pictured here signing the dissertation of Dylan Scarton, neuroscience.  

It's bittersweet. Final projects, research papers, exams, and proposals are turned in and reviewed with deadlines looming. Stress levels are high. Last class. Last lab. Last exam. Last presentation. Last paper. Last survey. Calendars are full of meetings, deadlines, award ceremonies, and saying goodbyes.

And yet, it's one of my most favorite parts of the year because it's also so rewarding; it blatantly demonstrates why we do what we do. And how well we do it. And we get to experience the feeling of this job well done each year in a big way. A life filled with meaning and purpose. Our students are graduating! 

They are taking what they've learned about their science, and themselves personally and professionally, into the world to begin the next chapter of their life's journey--the next year, the next degree--their next job. Or, in some cases, some of our colleagues are retiring from their time with us after building a multi-decade legacy. We wish them all continued success.

We're celebrating our student accomplishments with a rolling calendar of events, dissertation signings, award ceremonies, and retirement gatherings all centered on the scientists who make our vibrant community thrive.

Our upcoming Degree Celebration on Friday, May 16, allows us to fully recognize our collective accomplishments. This year, student successes have been plentiful.

Dean Cody Edwards stands with Professor Jagadish Shukla, George Mason President Gregory Washington, and AOES Chair Mark Uhen.
The College of Science recently celebrated the esteemed career of Distinguished University Professor Jagadish Shukla (far left). In attendance were (L-R) College of Science Dean Cody W. Edwards, George Mason President Gregory Washington, and AOES Chair Mark Uhen. 

I'm eagerly looking forward to hearing from our highly accomplished student and keynote speakers, the astrophysicist and newly minted PhD, Natasha Latouf, whose transformative journey at George Mason is both exciting and inspiring, and the multi-faceted, successful leader and community activist Paul Misener who truly demonstrates a life impactfully lived. Both will surely share useful suggestions for us all on our own paths forward as after all, aren’t we are always learning? Hope you can join us.

We've asked a lot from our Mason Science community. Sharing your time and talents, imparting scientific wisdom and personal support and mentorship that we hope may in fact last a lifetime. Telling us what you think about our course delivery, our administrative programs, and the way we provide scientific educational experiences at the highest level. We appreciate the feedback and as dean of our science collaborative, I am definitely listening, encouraging new ideas and ways to work together. 

As each of us reflect on our journey so far, it's clear that such higher educational experiences can indeed be transformative and impactful for us all. The more we put into it, the more we get out of it and our students and communities benefit greatly. Thank you for all you do to make The College of Science of George Mason University such a wonderful place.

It's time to celebrate our successes, together.

~ Cody

* 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.