Lauren Reuscher

The Marvel universe isn't the only place where insects and other invertebrates have superpowers. Mason faculty, staff, and students are studying and explaining the many roles these creatures play on our planet, learning more about a bug's life—and the big world surrounding them—every step of the way. This edition of Around Mason offers a recap of some of those stories.

George Mason University’s Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) recently hosted an invasive species removal event where students, faculty, staff, and community members came together to remove harmful, invasive plants around the Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge, Virginia.

As term associate professor of statistics, Kenneth Strazzeri stays busy teaching about 300 students each semester. Beyond his passion for teaching, Strazzeri discovered two new interests in recent years: running and biking. This hobby is now his major mode of transportation, as well: commuting to Mason by bike has offered Strazzeri motivation and an opportunity to improve as an athlete.

George Mason University faculty and staff were invited to bring the children in their lives to campus for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day on April 27. In this collaborative event organized by Human Resources and campus partners, the “Junior Patriots” got to experience life on a university campus and find out what it’s like to work at Mason for a day.

Congratulations to the George Mason University faculty and staff retirees from February to April 2023.

The Patriot Pathbreakers Award, established by Human Resources and the Staff Senate, honors high- performing staff teams that embody the George Mason University value of “Thriving Together.” These innovative teams use individual talents to overcome obstacles and make progress toward their goals. They have adapted their services and processes when necessary to meet the changing needs of the Mason community. Their work makes Mason All Together Different.

Cathy Pinskey, capital program director at George Mason University, has watched Mason’s square footage grow a lot over the years—by the millions. As capital program director with Mason Facilities, Pinskey has overseen the university’s largest and most complicated capital projects to date, including the Core Campus Project from 2016 to 2022, which revitalized the heart of the Fairfax Campus. Today, her main focus is Fuse at Mason Square, a new building currently under construction.

The Working Moms Support Group at George Mason University celebrated its 20th anniversary on February 23. The group supports Mason faculty and staff through all stages of their parenthood journeys.

Dee Arrington is the site coordinator at George Mason University's Potomac Science Center.

List of faculty and staff who retired from George Mason University between November 2022 and January 2023.