Science News Roundup: August 2015
Here is the science news, relating to George Mason University and the College of Science for the month of August 2015:
August 28
Mason’s Pluto Expert to Give Behind the Scenes Insight at Monday’s Talk
Professor Michael Summers (Physics & Astronomy) is one of about 20 members of the international New Horizons mission to Pluto. He’ll give a behind the scenes talk about the mission before the observatory tour on Monday, August 31.
Mason’s Mary O’Toole Talks about Death of WDBJ Cameraman, Reporter
O’Toole shares insight into the murders.
August 25
Mile by Mile, Chemistry Professor Raises Money for His Endowed Scholarship
John Schreifels, chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, began an endowment in 2008 with $3,000 received from Mason for a Teaching Excellence Award and said he donates each month from his paycheck. Colleagues have pledged as much as a dime for every mile he runs. You can map a pledge too.
August 15
Mason student Christopher Fernandez works to promote diversity in conservation
Christopher Fernandez knows there’s a lack of diversity in environmental and conservation. “That doesn’t mean there’s a lack of interest,” the 20-year-old said.
August 11
ESP’s Thomas Lovejoy Likes the Idea of Barcoding Each Species
Lovejoy beleives that barcoding will help keep track of the world’s creatures.
August 2
STEM Boot Camp Serves Over 80 HS and Incoming Freshmen
STEM Boot Camp, run by the STEM Accelerator program gave more than 80 students, including incoming freshmen and dual enrolled high school students, the chance to learn about content in the “gatekeeper classes”: Calculus I, Cell Biology, Intro to Physics and General Chemistry. They also learned life-long learning skills that will help them to perform well in college.
The program has become another hallmark program for the STEM Accelerator program and the College of Science, and will continue to impact student learning at all levels. This program also impacted the many students who participated as Learning Assistants. The Learning Assistants served as counselors and mentors outside of classroom.
Class Notes
Have we missed your student, faculty or alumni news? This post is updated all month long. Let us know, and we’ll include it! As an alumnus/ae, use this Update Your Information form to tell us about your professional and personal activities! Faculty and students, email cosnews@gmu.edu to see your news added to the monthly news roundup, and spotlighted by COS social media accounts.
