Learn more about our departments and how you can get involved:
The “science of data” and the exploration of evolving analytical techniques is the unique focus of the fast-growing Department of Computational and Data Sciences. Mason is a global leader in computational and data sciences; our program is one of only a few offering degrees at all levels: bachelors, masters and PhD.
Graduates with Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS) degrees have state-of-the-art geospatial knowledge to pursue careers in industry and academia. They are highly sought by regional industry and government agencies.
CMAI is a thriving partnership between George Mason University, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, and the Department of Navy. The center organizes conferences, workshops, a visitor program, educational programs via tutorials, summer schools, and active involvement in the Mason Department of Mathematical Sciences graduate program.
The Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) at George Mason University supports the exploration of these high-risk high-reward ideas by fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-focused environment at Mason. This provides a unique environment for graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to make transformative contributions to quantum technology.
Patrick O’Neil, MS ’15, PhD ’17, is the chief data scientist at BlackSky, a global monitoring firm leveraging high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced artificial intelligence to map global activity in real time. In his role at BlackSky, he is responsible for building BlackSky’s analytics business and developing cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems.
With extensive technical expertise in statistical modeling, deep learning, and mathematical modeling, O’Neil has spent his career building artificial intelligence solutions in the remote sensing domain. A strong proponent of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, O’Neil teaches university courses on machine learning for remote sensing and is an advisor to the Virginia Department of Education’s data science initiative.
Prior to working at BlackSky, O’Neil worked as a research scientist for geospatial intelligence companies including SPADAC, GeoEye, and OpenWhere. In 2017, O’Neil received his PhD in mathematics from George Mason University, where his research analyzed point clouds using methods derived from topological data analysis. While at Mason, O’Neil led industry outreach efforts for the Department of Mathematical Sciences and worked alongside researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developing high performance computing solutions for materials science research. Prior to his graduate work, O’Neil received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Virginia Tech.
We offer a variety of ways to give to the GMU College of Science. Contact our team to learn more about how you can make a real difference.
Audrey Kelaher
Director of Development
George Mason University — College of Science
akelahe@gmu.edu | 703.993.3436