º£½ÇÉçÇø

Before his appointment as the dean of the , Cody W. Edwards served as interim dean for the college since July 2024. During his time at º£½ÇÉçÇø, Edwards has held numerous leadership positions, including executive director of the  and senior associate dean of academic and faculty affairs in the College of Science. Edwards also serves as associate provost for George Mason’s  and is a faculty member in the Department of Biology. 

Tell us about yourself and what brought you to George Mason?

I’m a first-generation college student who grew up in a rural part of West Texas. My path to science wasn’t linear, but it was fueled by curiosity and encouragement from key mentors. Eventually, I earned my PhD, became a professor, and later joined Mason in 2004 as a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. I’ve worked in various administrative roles for both the College of Science and across the university in the Provost’s Office, including leading the unique learning opportunities at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation for the past eight years. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best minds in science here, and now, as dean, I’m focused on creating opportunities for students including those with similar nontraditional paths.

What are your top priorities for the College of Science over the next few years?

Science is more vital now than ever. One priority is aligning our programs with emerging fields like artificial and geo intelligence, machine learning, quantum and data sciences while continuing to offer well-established pathways in pre-medical and foundational sciences. Another priority is enhancing student outcomes with innovative approaches to learning and research—ensuring our graduates are not just academically prepared but also ready to solve real-world challenges. We are doubling down on access and educational excellence, welcoming students from all backgrounds and ensuring every student has the tools and support to succeed.

How does the college stand out in terms of research and innovation?

We have nationally and internationally recognized research in areas like space exploration, biohealth and biotechnology, mathematics, and climate resilience. Our students and faculty are involved in everything from satellite missions to Mars to drug development and climate modeling with community impact. We’re also leading in digital twin technology and forensic science—our programs offer unmatched hands-on learning environments.

What role does mentorship and student engagement play in your vision?

It’s everything. My scientific trajectory was shaped by mentors who believed in me, and I want our students to have that same experience. Our faculty are deeply committed to student success—both in the lab and in the classrooms, through experiential learning and meaningful undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. Our mentorship can start as early as elementary and middle school for mathematics, quantum science, space exploration, and STEM exploration, and high school in programs like our dual enrollment partnerships and signature Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program. Meaningful mentorship is also received within and offered by those in our master’s and doctoral programs and postdoc experiences.

What do you want students to know about the College of Science?

We don’t pride ourselves on how many students we reject; we pride ourselves on how many we lift up. This college is a family—diverse, driven, and passionate about using science to shape a better world. And we’re here to help every student thrive. If this resonates with you, you belong here.