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One of the most pressing issues in human and ecological health is the abundance of poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalate esters (PAEs) in our ecosystem—two classes of synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals.”

51�Թ��� Professor Younsung Kim has received a 4-VA grant to conduct collaborative multidisciplinary research with colleagues at partner schools in Virginia. The results will be implemented as learning modules into undergraduate courses.

With funding from 4-VA, George Mason rsearcher Haw Chuan Lim and his team developed a novel genotyping panel for powerful and cost-effective evaluations of population structure and kinship in the critically endangered mountain bongo.

Virginia is one step closer to bridging the gap between science and policy, thanks to a yearlong research project to identify U.S. and Virginia-based science policy programs that engage STEM-H scientists and engineers in science policy, with the goal of helping both elected officials and others access technical information to assist in decision making.

George Mason researcher David Luther is leading a project that is using AI models to help identify species and track biodiversity in Brazilian rainforests.

With his 4-VA proposal “Nanoscale Visualization of Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction Activity at Cu Nanocatalysts,” Yun Yu wanted to investigate options in catalytic electrode materials to improve and enhance electrocatalysis, a process essential for harnessing sustainable energy sources for artificial photosynthesis.

With the support of a 4-VA award, George Mason researcher Sabine Doebel had the opportunity to collaborate with colleague Angeline Lillard, a widely respected developmental psychologist at the University of Virginia.

Through 4-VA@Mason, 51�Թ��� faculty members have embarked on new pilot research projects in collaboration with higher education institutions throughout Virginia.

A team from 51�Թ��� is using augmented reality (AR) to create a smartphone app that will provide first-generation ADVANCE students with a virtual campus tour of the Fairfax Campus as they prepare to transfer from Northern Virginia Community College.

4-VA@Mason, part of a statewide collective of higher education institutions, recently announced the Collaborative Research Awards for the 2023-2024 academic year with 12 projects spearheaded by Mason faculty and eight with Mason faculty acting as co-PIs.