Mason Science honors faculty and staff achievements

Bob Sachs is a distinguished educator, researcher, and mentor whose impact on George Mason University and the broader STEM community is profound. As a mathematics faculty member, he led the transformation of calculus instruction, focusing on making math more accessible to diverse student populations and addressing gender and socio-economic gaps in STEM.

Bob has been a driving force behind initiatives like NSF-funded projects and the Gateway2STEM team, creating engaging and effective active learning environments that have influenced thousands. His training and mentorship of graduate teaching assistants and faculty have sparked enthusiasm for learning and improved teaching practices across campus.

Beyond his academic and cross-disciplinary work, Bob led Mason's Fairfax Math Circle, a key outreach program that engages talented youth in STEM. His commitment to active learning and collaboration across disciplines has earned him national recognition as a leader in STEM education reform. Bob’s legacy extends beyond the classroom, with lasting contributions to both George Mason and the broader STEM education landscape.

Alireza Ermagun, assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, is a leading researcher at the intersection of access, resilience, and urban science, whose groundbreaking work has advanced both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Since joining the our college in Fall 2022, he has secured $2.9 million in research funding, including two competitive NSF grants. Alireza’s impressive publication record includes 77 peer-reviewed articles in 38 high-impact journals, with 42 as first author, and 3,198 citations, establishing him as a recognized expert in his field. Beyond research, Alireza is an exceptional educator, teaching four to five courses at George Mason in rotation with an average student evaluation score of 4.7. He has also been a passionate advocate for underrepresented groups in STEM, securing nearly $175,000 for K-12 outreach programs. Through innovative, textbook-free course designs, Alireza has saved students over $100,000 in educational expenses. As a mentor, he has guided 34 student presentations at international conferences, supervised dozens of high school students in our Aspiring Scientist Summer Internships Program, and provided invaluable support to both graduate and undergraduate students in their research pursuits.

Genevieve McKenna is the trusted communications anchor for the Department of Biology, known for her innovative efforts to improve communication effectiveness and enhance the department’s digital presence. She has created dynamic campaigns that engage students with courses, programs, and clubs through social media, digital newsletters, and lobby slideshows. These initiatives have boosted enrollment in under-enrolled courses and increased the visibility of department events. Genevieve also fosters a strong sense of community within the department by designing collaborative social media video campaigns that bring together student groups, faculty, and staff. Her development of standard operating procedures for scheduling and training has streamlined operations, earning her recognition as a subject matter expert in scheduling for the College of Science. Beyond communications, Genevieve plays a pivotal role in organizing major departmental events, including the End-of-Year Multi-Department Award Celebration. Her dedication and expertise have made her an invaluable asset to the department and the wider university community.

Monique van Hoek, a professor in the School of Systems Biology, is pioneering innovative solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using antimicrobial peptides. Her latest discovery, GATR-3—derived from an alligator peptide—has shown remarkable effectiveness in killing some of the most resistant bacteria responsible for chronic wound infections. This breakthrough holds significant promise for patients with conditions like diabetes and soldiers with severe wounds, offering new treatment options for difficult-to-treat infections. In collaboration with Barney Bishop from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Monique has advanced GATR-3 through pre-clinical testing with support from the Joint Warfighter Program. With more than 60 publications and five patents, she is a recognized leader in her field. Monique also mentors 15 to 20 graduate students annually in her lab at the Center for Infectious Disease Research. Recently, she and her collaborators received a Virginia Catalyst grant to develop a hydrogel for delivering antibiotics to surgical and orthopedic infections, further expanding her impact in the fight against bacterial resistance.

Jessica Rosenberg joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy in 2007, initially focusing on extragalactic astronomy. After her NSF Fellowship and a leadership role as acting director of the STEM Accelerator, she became the director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center in 2018. Since then, Jessica has redefined her academic career, pivoting to physics education research (PER). She pioneered the PER program at George Mason, forging strong partnerships with the College of Education and Human Development and College of Engineering and Computing. Jessica’s work addresses key issues in STEM education, particularly the challenges leading to attrition among women and minority groups. Her research focuses on mentorship, leadership, and active learning strategies. She has published extensively, secured more than $4.2M in funding, and delivered talks at major conferences, including the Quantum World Congress. Jessica improved and expanded our courses, especially the introductory Physics sequence, and significantly impacted how we teach at every level. Her efforts in quantum workforce development and curriculum improvement have made her a national leader in the field of physics education.

Amy Fowler, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, is an expert in aquatic invertebrate ecology, with a focus on biodiversity, phenotypic plasticity, and invasive species. She currently leads a laboratory studying host-parasite interactions, invasion dynamics, and the management of commercially and recreationally important aquatic invertebrates. Amy’s research spans freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems, both in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her research, Amy served as interim chair of her department for a year, successfully managing daily operations while launching initiatives aimed at strengthening the department's future, all while maintaining her teaching load and research productivity. She is also the associate director of the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center and has gained attention for her "Zombie Crab" research in the Chesapeake Bay. In 2024, Amy received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to conduct research in Finland on invasive crab species in the Baltic Sea, further expanding her global research impact.

Benjamin Schweinhart, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, is recognized for his impactful mentorship and dedication to fostering the academic and professional growth of his students. His research spans applied, stochastic, and computational geometry and topology, with applications in materials science, physics, and biology. However, it is his mentorship that truly sets him apart. Benjamin, whose position is funded in part by the TTIP program, takes great pride in guiding his graduate students, as evidenced by the success of two of his PhD mentees, One who earned the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, and the other an honorable mention. Benjamin’s approach to mentorship goes beyond research guidance; he encourages his students to pursue opportunities such as grants, study-abroad programs, and interdisciplinary conferences, strongly advocating for student recognition by the academy. His dedication exemplifies the values of leadership and mentorship central to George Mason’s mission of academic excellence.

Sarah Ward, instructional assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is a true embodiment of the Patriot spirit. Since joining the department, she has consistently gone above and beyond, making significant contributions to both departmental and university-wide initiatives. Sarah serves on the College of Science Scholarship Committee, helped establish the Elissa Williams’ Memorial Scholarship, and chairs the Organic Chemistry Division for textbook selection and course development. She is also the department's digital liaison with the College of Science, chaired the social and publicity committee for the department’s student awards ceremony, and served as a marshal at graduations. Beyond her academic role, Sarah is a co-advisor for the ACS student chapter, participates in graduate student mental health initiatives, and serves on multiple PhD committees. She also dedicates time to Scouts of America, where she mentors students on chemistry merit badges. A natural leader and team player, Sarah’s engagement and dedication inspire all around her.

Jennifer Lawler, assistant in the Department of Mathematics, hired as a full-time administrative assistant in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in Spring 2023, has quickly become an invaluable asset to the department. Amidst significant challenges from enrollment growth and expanding research initiatives, Jennifer seamlessly supports a broad range of functions, from logistics and scheduling to fiscal and student support. Her ability to adapt to new roles, particularly in research administration, has been key to the department’s success. Jennifer’s creativity and dedication have been instrumental in launching successful summer camps, which not only boosted math major recruitment but also improved retention for first-year students. She excels in facilitating meetings, managing both in-person and remote participants, and ensuring smooth communication. Her organizational skills were essential in coordinating the department’s annual retreat, fostering vital information sharing. A Mason alumna, Jennifer’s professionalism, friendly demeanor, and commitment to excellence make her a true standout, earning her deserved recognition as a rising star in her department.

Valerie Olmo, a term associate professor in the Department of Biology is a tireless advocate for student success, inclusivity, and academic excellence. Known for her exceptional creativity, Valerie pioneered programs like the “I Am Biology” peer mentoring initiative, long before peer mentoring became a widespread trend. She has played a pivotal role in guiding students through complex academic journeys, providing personalized advising to over 2,500 students between fall 2023 and fall 2024 alone. Valerie’s commitment extends to addressing students’ diverse needs—whether physical, mental, or behavioral—ensuring each student’s success is within reach. She is also redesigning the department’s writing-intensive course and contributes to student recruitment through programs like the Valhen Summer Program, serving as an advisor and role model for Hispanic and Latinx students, helping them navigate the path from high school to college. 

Tait Short, human resources administrative assistant, has been an integral part of the College of Science since 2019, initially joining as a student wage employee and transitioning to a non-student wage position after his graduation in 2021. Throughout his time with the college, Tait has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, work ethic, and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow. Tait’s positive attitude, willingness to take on additional tasks, and collaborative spirit have made him a key asset to the college’s human resources (HR) team. He has been instrumental in managing several HR tasks, particularly with temporary hires, and is known for his supportive nature and commitment to helping colleagues. Tait’s patience, compassion, and problem-solving skills in working with stakeholders, staff, and faculty have further enhanced his reputation as a valued team member. His dedication to excellence and continuous improvement makes him a well-deserving recipient of this recognition.

Sam Stone, academic programs manager in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) is a key asset to the College of Science, consistently contributing to student success through his dedicated work. One of his standout contributions is his annual trips to the Mason-Korea campus, where he meets with students in the CDS program about to transition to the Fairfax campus. With his deep knowledge of the country and language, Sam offers informative presentations and provides answers to anxious students, easing their transition and ensuring they have a familiar face upon arrival. In addition to his work with international students, Sam manages the demanding workload of more than 110 active PhD students in two CDS degree programs. He expertly guides them through complex paperwork, ensuring they stay on track and graduate on time—last year, the department saw more than a dozen PhD graduates. Sam’s dedication and student service make him a key figure in the department’s growth and success.

Charles Madden, professor in the Department of Biology, has been a dedicated member of the Mason community since 2007, with a teaching portfolio that spans a wide range of biology courses. Known for his exemplary teaching, Madden consistently receives student evaluations well above college averages. He coordinates the large BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function course, which enrolls nearly 700 students each semester, overseeing 30+ lab sections and supervising ten to 15 Graduate Teaching Assistants. Additionally, he teaches courses such as BIOL 305 - Biology of Microorganisms, BIOL 406 - Microbial Physiology, and BIOL 311 - General Genetics, among others. Madden is also a highly regarded undergraduate advisor, participating in daily advising, summer orientation programs, and department recruiting events. His innovative approach to online teaching, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, earned him praise for his preparedness and use of professionally recorded lectures. Popular with students, he is regularly nominated for teaching awards and featured on the “Thank a Teacher” site. His wit and thoughtful contributions make him a beloved figure in his department.

Ashley Carpenter, a lab manager and researcher at the Center for Infectious Disease Research within the School of Systems Biology, has made significant contributions to the field of antimicrobial peptides. Working closely with her mentor, Monique van Hoek, Ashley helped develop a standardized method for defibrinating human blood to study the effects of antimicrobial peptides on human red blood cells. Their collaborative research was published in the Journal of Immunological Methods. In addition to her work on antimicrobial peptides, Ashley contributed to a second publication on a lead peptide and recently received a Student Travel Award to present her research at the Chemical and Biological Defense Science and Technology Conference, hosted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. She balances these accomplishments while being a full-time PhD student and a mother of four. Ashley’s dedication and contributions to the research program in the van Hoek lab are exceptional, marking her as a rising star in her field.

Harbir Antil, professor in the Department of Mathematics, is a leading researcher in the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs) with applications across diverse fields, including fluid dynamics, imaging science, engineering, and health care. His work integrates optimization algorithms, machine learning, and digital twins to solve complex scientific and engineering problems. With more than 130 research papers and a book, his contributions have been published in prestigious journals such as SIAM and Journal of Computational Physics. Antil’s research has had significant real-world impact: his development of the Reduced-Order Quadrature method was integral to the first detection of gravitational waves via the Ligo detector, which won the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. He has also explored mathematical opportunities in digital twins research, worked on modeling and optimizing pathogen spread, including COVID-19, and has collaborated on neuromorphic imaging and optimization techniques used by the Department of Defense and the International Space Station. A recipient of multiple major research grants, Antil is a leader in fostering global cross-sector collaborations, including the creation of two NSF programs with $20M in funding. Harbir balances a global lecturing schedule with local speaking engagements, recently addressing Chief Technology Officers from the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations on digital twins, AI, and healthcare at the US Capitol. 

Laura Powers, assistant director of Marketing and Communications, an essential member of the college's promotional efforts, is known for her dedication, exceptional work ethic, and collaborative spirit. Always going above and beyond, Laura handles every request efficiently, meeting deadlines while maintaining the highest quality standards. Her communication skills ensure transparency and collaboration, fostering a positive, supportive environment for her colleagues. Laura plays a key role in producing the college’s print and digital annual reports and is responsible for compiling newsletters, event listings, and emails for digital tracking. Despite the absence of a full-time writer, she consistently steps in to write and post stories, handling multiple projects at once. Her ability to manage tasks and support her team makes her a true “juggler,” always helping to move projects forward. A calm and thoughtful presence, Laura has also served on several college committees, including the Strategic Plan and Staff Advisory committees.

Melissa Hayes, director of graduate programs for the college, is a tireless advocate for student success and an invaluable member of the College of Science community. Known for her unwavering dedication, she creates an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. As a key leader in the graduate recruitment process, Melissa works to ensure prospective students feel supported and welcomed, helping to build a vibrant and diverse student body. Her impact extends far beyond recruitment, as she is a constant source of support for students, offering a friendly smile, a listening ear, and valuable advice for their future. Melissa’s advocacy has made her a trusted figure, and her contributions to both the College of Science and the broader university community have been nothing short of transformative. Her dedication to fostering student success, social well-being, and personal growth makes her a true champion of our students.