Big things are happening at the College of Science!  Major construction is going on all over the many campuses of George Mason:  

Expansion of Core Teaching Labs and Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

We are very excited to announce a major new project to provide state-of-the-art space for science education in the core sciences on the Fairfax campus.  With a vision to improve and expand teaching lab capacity in the core sciences and make research opportunities available to undergraduates, we have begun a major renovation of the Science and Tech II building, including a 50,000 sq ft. expansion, with $53M funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia.  This project will have groundbreaking in the Fall of 2010, with completion and occupancy scheduled for the spring of 2013

National Leadership Laboratory in Infectious Diseases Research

From AIDS to bioterrorism, airborne infectious diseases require the ultimate in careful study and facilities to match.  The recent dedication and imminent commissioning of the Biomedical Research Laboratory will position the College of Science to be a national leader in biodefense and infectious disease research with a specialty in aerosol technology.   Located on the Prince William Campus, the 53,000 sq ft biosafety laboratory has been constructed with a $27M NIH grant and $22M supplemental funding, carrying forward the vision and dedication of its Director, Charles Bailey.

New Research Capacity for Frontiers of Proteomics in Molecular Medicine 

College of Science researchers Lance Liotta and Emmanuel Petricoin have introduced the world to Proteomics, the study of the role of proteins in molecular medicine.  The new 75,000 sq ft laboratory for research on the Prince William Campus provides room not only for our College researchers, but also incubator space for innovative and stimulating research partnerships with high-tech groundbreakers.  From the Fall of 2010 through Fall 2012, this public-private partnership will take shape into a leading facility for proteomics.

New Graduate Student Housing in Prince William Campus

With the explosion of research on the Prince William Campus, and the opening of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the campus is being transformed from a set of highly productive labs to a true campus, reflecting the vitality and excitement of university life.  The latest project provides housing and amenities to create a full campus environment for graduate students and researchers.  105,000 sq ft of space with 140 beds and retail space will be buit for occupancy in the Fall of 2012 through the efforts of a public-private partnership.

Potomac Science Center Facilitates Environmental Research

The Potomac river is one of the leading tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.  The College of Science has already dedicated the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) to the study of the Potomac riverine ecosystem, but now we are pleased to look forward to the Potomac Science Center at Belmont Bay, a permanent presence to facilitate environmental research and to expand Geoinformatics training and research in close proximity to Ft. Belvoir defense operations.  The size of the project is currently being scoped, and a public-private partnership is leading the way to making this possibility a reality in the near future.

Smithsonian-Mason Conservation Center - Housing at Front Royal

The collaboration between Mason and the Smithsonian's National Zoo has led to a major program in Conservation studies.  With the construction of a 120 bed dormitory and dining center at the Front Royal Smithsonian site, we are creating a living learning research environment for undergraduate, graduate and professional opportunities that emphasize science-based approaches to conservation.  This project is scheduled for completion in Fall 2012 with $15M of financing behind the effort.