Faculty and Staff News

91�� announces four senior leadership promotions

ckearney — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:03:58 +0000

91�� announces four senior leadership promotions ckearney Mon, 07/20/2026 - 15:03

91�� President Gregory Washington has announced that four members of his leadership team will step into expanded roles effective July 30.

"These positions will enhance our ability to serve students, advance our strategic vision for institutional and research excellence, and shape George Mason's future as one of the leading public universities in the country," Washington said.

Rose Pascarell. Photo by Office of University Branding

Rose Pascarell, who has served as vice president for University Life since 2012, is promoted to executive vice president and chief of staff. A deeply dedicated leader, Pascarell brings a level-headed perspective and student-first approach that has served the tens of thousands of students, faculty, and staff she has worked with over her 30 years at George Mason. Associate Vice President Pam Patterson and Assistant Vice President Sally Lorentson will share interim vice president duties.

David Burge

David Burge, who has served as vice president for Enrollment Management since 2015, is promoted with an expansion of duties to senior vice president for enrollment and student achievement. Burge will serve as principal advisor for enrollment strategy, market expansion, tuition revenue, and student success. He has been instrumental in the success of George Mason's enrollment growth—at a time when other institutions are experiencing declines—through many accessible pathway programs and an ambitious direct admission effort.

Sharnnia Artis

Sharnnia Artis, who arrived at George Mason in 2021 and most recently has served as vice president for Access, Compliance, and Community, is promoted to senior vice president for organizational excellence and institutional integrity. In this expanded role, Artis will advance organizational excellence by aligning people strategy, leadership development, inclusive excellence, accessibility, civil rights compliance, and institutional integrity to deliver on the university's mission.

Whitney Owen

Whitney Owen, who has served as interim special advisor to the president and chief of staff since April 2025, has been named vice president of strategy and transformation and special advisor to the president, focusing on major transformational initiatives for the university. Whitney is the former executive director of University Business Consulting, an organization she launched when she arrived at the university in 2020. Pam Promisel will continue to serve as interim executive director of University Business Consulting.

"With their leadership, expertise, and commitment, in collaboration with our new Provost Marion Underwood and alongside the continued outstanding work of our faculty and staff, 91�� is well-positioned for continued success at a pivotal time in higher education," Washington said.

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Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community

Susan Martonik — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:32:44 +0000

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community Susan Martonik Mon, 07/20/2026 - 09:32

Academic advisors are among the first people students turn to when making decisions about courses, careers, research opportunities, study-abroad experiences, and campus resources. This wide-ranging role requires advisors to understand the university’s academic offerings, student support services, and the pathways students use to navigate them.

Reflecting the breadth of topics academic advisors address, the 2026 91�� Advising Symposium brought nearly 100 advisors, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants to the Johnson Center on May 21 for a day of professional development, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributions. The symposium helped attendees better understand the programs, services, and experiences shaping student life.

“At its best, advising helps students recognize possibilities--not just how to complete college, but how to experience it,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in Undergraduate Education. “That’s our goal with the Mason Advising Symposium—to empower advisors to help students see new possibilities.”

Supporting the whole student

Carrie Ann Delaney (center) and other advising community members listen intently during the awards ceremony presentations. Photo by John Boal Photography.

Because advisors help students navigate far more than degree requirements, staying informed about the opportunities and challenges students encounter across the university is an essential part of the role.

With that in mind, symposium sessions explored the many facets of the student experience at George Mason. Participants learned about opportunities for students to study at Mason Korea, explored ways to introduce undergraduates to research and creative activities through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), and discussed strategies for helping students build a stronger sense of belonging, including connecting students with campus communities and sharing ways to get involved beyond the classroom.

Other presentations focused on student-athletes, international students, the changing job market, and trauma-informed approaches to student success. Advisors also learned about resources available through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and discussed how to support both student and advisor wellness.

Taken together, the sessions underscored how advising intersects with many aspects of university life, from research and global education to well-being and career preparation.

Connecting advisors across George Mason

The symposium also provided an opportunity for advisors to connect with one another.

“Academic advising at George Mason is decentralized, and the profession is one where we mostly work independently,” said Sylvia Lee, academic advisor coordinator in Undergraduate Education, who founded and chairs the symposium. “The Mason Advising Symposium is a great way to help build community among our advisors.”

The program included updates from colleges, schools, and programs across the university, along with networking activities designed to help participants learn more about each other’s work and identify opportunities for collaboration.

“The George Mason advising community is so supportive and eager to learn,” said Collin Arthur, senior academic advisor in the Costello College of Business. “[The symposium] allowed us to have quality conversations among attendees regarding best practices in advising at George Mason.”

For Amy Vaillancourt Mandt, an academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, those conversations provided an opportunity to focus on the rewards of the profession. “One of the main things that stood out to me was the chance to reflect on all the joy that can be found in advising and from being a part of our community,” she said.

Honoring outstanding work

The symposium also served as an opportunity to recognize advisors whose work has made a meaningful impact across the university.

From L-R: Julio Diaz-Carroll and Joshua Fletcher, co-chairs of the Advisor Mentorship Program (AMP), present certificates to this year's AMP program participants. Photo by John Boal Photography.

During the event, Undergraduate Education presented advising awards and introduced the inaugural Nessad Awards, a series of peer-nominated superlatives created to celebrate the advising community.

By recognizing both formal achievements and the everyday contributions that support students and colleagues, the awards ceremony offered a moment to celebrate the people behind academic advising and their role in student success.

Ultimately, the event highlighted the wide range of expertise advisors bring to their work—and the important role they play in helping students make the most of their George Mason experience.

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Faculty and Staff News

Fairfax Campus Notice: Cooling system maintenance, July 16–17

lclarkg — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:59:16 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Cooling system maintenance, July 16–17 lclarkg Wed, 07/15/2026 - 07:59

As part of planned infrastructure work to improve the reliability and long-term performance of the campus cooling system, cooling service capacity to several buildings on the Fairfax Campus will be impacted beginning overnight on Thursday, July 16, at 10 p.m. and continuing until Friday, July 17, at noon.

To minimize impacts, Facilities and Campus Operations is implementing proactive measures, including maximizing building cooling starting Wednesday evening and maintaining those conditions as long as possible on Thursday. Cooling service will be prioritized to critical campus operations and high-use facilities.

To accommodate this maintenance, employees should work with their supervisors to determine the most appropriate work location from Thursday night through Friday. Supervisors are encouraged to take a telework-first approach for employees whose job responsibilities can be performed remotely. Employees who are required to work on campus should coordinate with their supervisors to ensure appropriate coverage and safe working conditions.

To assist with energy/heat loads in the buildings, please power down and unplug all unused and nonessential electronics, devices, and equipment.

The air conditioning will be affected in all Fairfax Campus buildings, with a few exceptions: Police and Safety Headquarters, Child Development Center, Activities Building, Field House, Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC), Krasnow, Ángel Cabrera Global Center, Carow Hall, Northeast Modules, and PE Module.

Operational teams will closely monitor conditions throughout the event. If you experience severe temperature-related conditions in your building, contact Facilities and Campus Operations Customer Service at 703-993-2525.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this important work.

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Faculty and Staff News

Off the Clock: Elizabeth Martelli throws punches—for a good cause

lclarkg — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:10:05 +0000

Off the Clock: Elizabeth Martelli throws punches—for a good cause lclarkg Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:10

Elizabeth Martelli, PhD Writing and Rhetoric ‘19, first arrived at George Mason in 2014 as a PhD student. Now an associate professor in the English Department, Martelli teaches ENGH 302 in the Composition Program, working with students across majors as they develop as researchers and writers in their disciplines.

Martelli loves helping students find their way through the writing process—especially those who have an aversion to writing or see it as a challenge.

“I love breaking the research and writing process down into smaller, more manageable steps and helping students see that writing is not something you either ‘can’ or ‘can’t’ do,” said Martelli. “It is a practice.”

Martelli brings the same mindset to her activities outside work. Surprising even herself, Martelli is training as an amateur boxer and will compete in a boxing match this fall to raise money in support of cancer research and awareness with Haymakers for Hope. Her boxing efforts will fight against the disease that has become the fight of many people’s lives, including some of her loved ones.

We asked Martelli to share more about what inspired her to enter the ring.

Elizabeth Martelli. Photo provided

Share a bit about Haymakers for Hope and its mission.

Haymakers for Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, gives everyday people the chance to train like fighters, step into the ring for a USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur boxing match, and raise money for cancer research, care, awareness, and survivorship programs.

Their motto is, “This fight is bigger than any of us,” and that captures what drew me to the organization. I learned about Haymakers for Hope about three years ago. I had been boxing for fitness for years, but I had never competed. The idea that amateurs could go through a serious training camp, fight in a real sanctioned event, and use that experience to raise money for cancer immediately stayed with me.

The cause is deeply personal. Cancer has touched many people in my life, including my grandmother and uncle, and I lost my mother to cancer in 2008. So, this is not just about checking off a personal goal. It is about doing something difficult and meaningful in honor of people I love and so many others affected by cancer.

Have sports and exercise always been big parts of your life?

I started boxing when I began my PhD program at George Mason. At first, it was just a fitness class and a way to manage the stress of graduate school. I was not training to fight. I was trying to survive the pressure of reading, writing, teaching, researching, and figuring out who I was becoming.

But boxing stayed with me because it gave me something I did not always get from academic life: a reminder that growth comes through repetition, correction, humility, and practice.

I did not grow up as a competitive athlete, and I certainly did not imagine that I would be training for my first boxing match in my 50s. That is part of what makes this so meaningful to me. At 52, I am entering the ring for the first time, and I am currently in a pro-fighter-style training camp. For 16 weeks, I am training six days a week, balancing conditioning, boxing, roadwork, strength training, and recovery. It is intense, humbling, and honestly sometimes terrifying. But it is also a reminder that we are allowed to keep becoming. We are allowed to start something hard later in life. We are allowed to surprise ourselves.

Martelli and her mother, Alyce Robinson, in 1995, just after Robinson's breast cancer diagnosis. Photo provided

Have you learned any lessons through this experience?

Boxing has taught me that progress is built through consistent practice, feedback, setbacks, and perseverance. That is also why I see such a strong connection between boxing and writing. Neither one is about being perfect. Both require you to show up, do the work, make adjustments, and keep growing.

It has also taught me that confidence often comes after action, not before it. You do not wait until you feel brave to do the hard thing. You do the hard thing, and that is how bravery grows.

Training for this fight has reminded me that we can use our bodies, our stories, and our communities in service of something larger than ourselves. I am stepping into the ring as a first-time fighter, but I am also stepping in as a daughter, a teacher, a colleague, and someone who knows what it means to lose people to cancer. This experience has reminded me that it is never too late to challenge an old story about who you are or what you are capable of becoming.

Martelli will compete in Haymakers for Hope’s Beltway Brawl on Wednesday, September 16, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

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George Mason’s Dwayne Hamilton Jr. makes room at the table for students facing basic needs insecurity

lclarkg — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:01:29 +0000

George Mason’s Dwayne Hamilton Jr. makes room at the table for students facing basic needs insecurity lclarkg Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:01

Students at colleges and universities experience basic needs insecurity at higher rates than the general population, sometimes facing difficult choices between paying for their academic expenses—or paying for their basic needs.

91��’s Student Support and Advocacy Center offers programming and individual consultations to support student well-being across a spectrum of services, including basic needs, as well as sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, substance use, and more.

To serve the increasing number of students experiencing basic needs insecurity, the center hired Dwayne Hamilton Jr. in 2023 as the university’s first assistant director for Basic Needs Services.

Dwayne Hamilton manages programs and resources that help students facing basic needs insecurities, including the Patriot Pantry. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“An institution having full-time staff members dedicated to addressing basic needs insecurity is rare in the current higher education landscape,” said Hamilton. “The creation of this position demonstrates George Mason’s dedication to supporting this population of students.”

The Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey, which surveyed students at 91 colleges and universities across 16 states between spring 2023 and summer 2024, found that 59% of students experienced some form of basic needs insecurity, with 41% experiencing food insecurity, 48% experiencing housing insecurity, and 14% experiencing homelessness.

At George Mason, Hamilton manages programs that address these insecurities, including the Patriot Pantry. He serves as a case manager for students experiencing food, housing, and other basic needs insecurities, providing direct support services through one-on-one consultations and resource allocation.

“My role’s dual emphasis on case and project management fosters a continuity of care, minimizing gaps in support as students transition from case management meetings to enrollment in basic needs programs,” said Hamilton.

For example, when a student discloses basic needs insecurity during a meeting, Hamilton can immediately enroll them in eligible programs, creating a seamless, direct connection between services.

“This model not only prioritizes efficient student services but also prevents students from having to disclose their experiences to multiple parties,” said Hamilton.

Students may experience food insecurity when facing challenges like tight budgets, balancing school and work, lack of transportation or access to affordable food within the reach of campus, limited food storage space in dorms, and the requirements to qualify for food assistance.

Students attending an institution of higher education more than half-time are eligible for the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) only if they meet an exemption and meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.

Currently, about one in four George Mason students is in the first generation of their family to attend college, and 34% of George Mason students qualify for federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need.

The need for on-campus basic needs services has increased in recent years. At George Mason, the Patriot Pantry experienced a 16% increase in student usage during the 2025–26 academic year. A survey of Patriot Pantry users during that time revealed that in the past 12 months, 90% of respondents reported worrying that their food would run out before they had money to buy more. Eighty-six percent of respondents indicated they could not always afford to eat balanced meals, and 83% reported eating less than they felt they should due to lack of money for food.

Eight out of 10 of these students said that hunger or lack of food negatively impacted their academic performance, including attendance, focus, and assignment completion.

“Beyond the already high cost of living in Fairfax County, rising food and housing costs further intensify students’ basic needs insecurity, increasing reliance on support services,” said Hamilton.

The university is addressing this growing need by expanding the Patriot Pantry on the Fairfax Campus, which is scheduled to open at a new location in the Johnson Center in fall 2027; adding an additional Patriot Pantry at Mason Square; and using funding sources awarded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), like the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program.

Hamilton loves seeing projects evolve from ideas to actions that support students. He is particularly proud of the Digital Purchasing Card program, which provides students with monthly monetary support that can be spent at grocery retailers nationwide. The Food and Housing Insecurity Fund, a donor-generated fund, supports this work. University Life recognized Hamilton with an Outstanding Service Award for his work on this program and broader contributions to the basic needs area.

Before working at George Mason, Hamilton completed his MEd in student affairs administration in higher education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while serving as a case manager for students experiencing bias/discrimination, financial instability, basic needs insecurity, Title IX incidents, and health concerns. He is now pursuing a PhD in education in George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development.

The work supporting basic needs services can be intense at times, according to Hamilton. Outside work, he stays busy with his church’s educational organizations and music ministry.

“With the heaviness of this role, my church serves as a space to decompress, center my well-being, and reconnect to my calling to continue this work.”

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Mason Now: Power the Possible

Campus Notice: Help reduce energy demand

lclarkg — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:28:08 +0000

Campus Notice: Help reduce energy demand lclarkg Thu, 07/02/2026 - 10:28

George Mason Patriots,

Due to extreme temperatures and a high heat index across our region, the local energy grid is experiencing significant stress. As a result, 91�� is asking all Patriots to help reduce energy demand and support grid reliability this weekend (July 2–5).

With reduced campus occupancy during the holiday weekend, we have a valuable opportunity to decrease our energy consumption and be good community partners, with a "Lights Out! Power Down!" effort. We encourage everyone to power down before leaving campus and unplug all unused and nonessential electronics, devices, and equipment.

How You Can Help

Before leaving for the day or holiday weekend, please turn off and unplug the following whenever they are not needed:

Office, common area, and hallway lights
Personal computers, monitors, and accessories
Shared electronics, including televisions, projectors, copiers, and printers
Non-essential appliances, such as coffee makers and washers/dryers
Laboratory and research equipment that can be safely powered down
Chargers, docking stations, and other devices that continue to draw power when not in use

Every action, no matter how small, contributes to reducing demand on the electrical grid, supporting our neighbors, and advancing George Mason's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Thank you for doing your part and helping George Mason be a responsible community partner during this period of high energy demand. Go Patriots!

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Stephanie Shanahan is July Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:02:22 +0000

Stephanie Shanahan is July Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:02

Stephanie Shanahan, a human resources assistant in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at 91��, is known for being able to do it all. In their letters of support, her colleagues emphasized her attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to help. In recognition of her dedication, expertise, and unwavering support of the CEC community, she has been named July Employee of the Month.

President Washington with July Employee of the Month Stephanie Shanahan. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Stephanie is an outstanding employee in every way,” said Karen Witt, CEC director of human resources. “Her real gift is her attention to detail. She regularly spots errors and quickly and expertly fixes the problems.”

Kim Goodwin-Slater, chief business officer, said, “Not only is Stephanie knowledgeable and her work of high value, she is also one of the most collaborative and supportive team members in the college.”

Shanahan’s support of her coworkers was mentioned by several colleagues. “Stephanie is consistently friendly, approachable, and generous with both her time and her expertise,” said Lizzie Barnfield, academic affairs and administrative coordinator in CEC’s Office of the Dean.

“Her willingness to help is sincere and constant,” said Elizabeth Dean, manager of administration and strategic projects. “She never hesitates to lend a hand, answer questions, or take on additional work when needed.”

“Stephanie's administrative support was vital to hiring the new IT director of the College of Engineering and Computing. She made the hiring process efficient and was fun to work with,” said Kevin Hicks, director of operations and facilities projects at CEC.

How did you come to Mason:

After several years of volunteering with the Navy–Marine Corps Relief Society as chair of volunteers, I was ready to reenter the workforce. I applied to the George Mason Temp Pool and was later asked to stay on as a wage employee in the same role. It was a wonderful opportunity and a great fit for me.

Best day on the job:

I don’t have just one best day, but I would consider a “best day” on the job to be one when I feel that I’ve been most helpful to my coworkers.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Definitely the people. Everyone I interact with here truly enjoys working at George Mason, so it’s lovely to work in environment where people genuinely want to be.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

My favorite things to do when I’m not working are walking—with or without my dog, traveling to new places, and reading books. We have a great monthly book club in the College of Engineering and Computing, so I always receive great recommendations from my colleagues.

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Faculty and Staff News

General David W. Allvin appointed vice president for leadership and strategy

ckearney — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:55:41 +0000

General David W. Allvin appointed vice president for leadership and strategy ckearney Thu, 06/25/2026 - 14:55

91�� President Gregory Washington has appointed General David W. Allvin, the 23rd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, as vice president for leadership and strategy. In the announcement, Washington said Allvin’s role is advisory in nature. Allvin is charged with advising and guiding efforts to strengthen George Mason’s positioning with various federal defense and national security research agencies.

General David W. Allvin. Photo provided

Allvin served as chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force from November 2023 to November 2025, under President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. His stint as chief of staff capped a nearly four-decade career defined by the Air Force’s focus on strategy, modernization, and international affairs. He was the featured speaker at George Mason’s Spring Commencement in May.

“Dave, as he goes by in civilian life, had a distinguished 39-year career in the U.S. Air Force,” said Washington. “Those of you who saw his address at Spring Commencement learned firsthand how he has grounded his career by blending strategic adaptability with a deep sense of purpose. He is a valuable addition to our team.”

Allvin will apply his experience to advise the university on key areas of emphasis, including sharpening George Mason’s capacity to advance strategy with greater accountability for execution effectiveness, as well as proactive scenario planning for potential future states of the university operating environment. He will also help elevate partnerships with the veteran community through improving and expanding pathways for veterans to succeed at George Mason.

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Rima Nakkash appointed chair of 91��'s Department of Global and Community Health

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:50:21 +0000

Rima Nakkash appointed chair of 91��'s Department of Global and Community Health Mary Cunningham Thu, 06/18/2026 - 13:50

Internationally recognized prevention scientist and global health leader to guide the department's next phase of growth, innovation, and impact.

Rima Nakkash, Chair, Department of Global and Community Health. Photo by Rene Ayala.

91��'s College of Public Health has appointed Rima Nakkash as Chair of the Department of Global and Community Health following a national search.

A nationally and internationally respected scholar in prevention science, global health, and public health policy, Nakkash brings a distinguished record of academic leadership, research excellence, and community engagement to the role. She has served as interim chair since 2024 and has been a member of the George Mason faculty since 2021.

"Dr. Nakkash is an internationally respected scholar whose work exemplifies the future of public health—bridging research, policy, prevention, and community impact," said Melissa Perry, inaugural dean of the College of Public Health. "She has already played a pivotal role in advancing the college's mission, from strengthening our academic programs and accreditation efforts to expanding our global engagement and research impact. I am excited for her continued leadership of the Department of Global and Community Health as we prepare the next generation of public health leaders and address the complex health challenges facing communities around the world."

Since joining George Mason, Nakkash has emerged as a key leader within the college. As interim chair, she led the department through its first comprehensive self-study, expanded faculty recruitment efforts, strengthened student engagement initiatives, and advanced faculty mentoring and development. She has also contributed significantly to several of the college's most important accomplishments, including strategic planning, the successful achievement of CEPH accreditation, and the establishment of the MPH Office, which has enhanced coordination, student support, and academic excellence across public health programs.

As chair, Nakkash will lead a department dedicated to preparing future public health professionals and researchers to address some of society's most pressing challenges, including chronic disease prevention, health equity, global health, behavioral health, environmental health, and community resilience. Her appointment comes as the college advances strategic priorities in research excellence, student success, community impact, workforce development, and global engagement.

Nakkash's research focuses on prevention science, youth health, mental health promotion, tobacco control, public health policy, and the commercial determinants of health. Her work emphasizes community-engaged approaches and translating evidence into policies and interventions that improve population health outcomes, particularly among youth, marginalized communities, and refugee populations.

She currently leads a robust portfolio of externally funded research and has authored nearly 130 peer-reviewed publications. Her scholarship has informed public health practice and policy globally, particularly in the areas of tobacco control and prevention. She also coordinates the Global Commercial Determinants of Health Action Network, an international collaboration of more than 150 scholars and practitioners working to better understand how commercial forces shape population health.

Before joining George Mason, Nakkash served on the faculty of the American University of Beirut, where she held multiple leadership positions, including coordinator of the Tobacco Control Research Group, co-director of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Knowledge Hub, associate director of the Knowledge to Policy Center, and founder of the Public Health Education Office. Her leadership contributed to curriculum innovation, faculty development, accreditation readiness, and the strengthening of public health education programs.

Nakkash holds a Doctor of Public Health degree from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is widely recognized for her contributions to prevention science, implementation research, and public health policy.

As chair, she will continue advancing the department's mission to improve health and well-being through education, research, practice, and community engagement while helping position George Mason as a national leader in public health innovation and workforce development.

Learn more about Nakkash here.

Learn more about the Department of Global and Community Health here.

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Melissa J. Perry appointed to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee to review cancer risk methods

Heather Carroll — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:51:10 +0000

Melissa J. Perry appointed to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee to review cancer risk methods Heather Carroll Wed, 06/17/2026 - 09:51

Key Takeaways:

Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health at 91��, will serve on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee to review the strength of the 2025 Report on Carcinogens Handbook on Methods for Conducting Cancer Hazard Evaluations.
The Report on Carcinogens Handbook on Methods for Conducting Cancer Hazard Evaluations provides evidence-based guidance for identifying potential cancer-causing substances.
Melissa Perry is a globally recognized occupational and environmental epidemiologist whose work has furthered pesticide exposure and associated health consequences.

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

Perry brings expertise to assess scientific rigor of the 2025 Report on Carcinogens Handbook on Methods for Conducting Cancer Hazard Evaluations.

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA, dean of the College of Public Health at 91��, will serve the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) committee to review the 2025 Report on Carcinogens Handbook on Methods for Conducting Cancer Hazard Evaluations. Perry brings deep expertise in environmental and occupational epidemiology to the committee. The committee’s objectives are to assess if the Handbook aligns with scientific best practices and recommend improvements for future guidelines for identifying cancer-causing substances.

"The Handbook is critical for protecting human health by determining probable cancer-causing substances. It is an honor to serve on this committee with fellow environmental health scholars and collaborate to improve a document that is so consequential to cancer prevention efforts,” said Perry.

Perry has served on the NASEM Committee on Clinical Follow-Up and Care for Those Impacted by the JP-5 Releases at Red Hill since 2025. As an internationally respected scientist, her research has advanced understanding of the effects of pesticide exposure among agricultural workers, farming communities, and the general population.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program’s Report on Carcinogens Handbook informs the congressional Report on Carcinogens, a science-based public health document that lists substances known to or associated with causing cancer in humans. The Handbook includes tools, approaches, and guidance for the cancer hazard evaluation process and determining what substances are included in the Report on Carcinogens.

Perry will serve on the interdisciplinary committee with research ers from universities across the country and professionals spanning the pharmaceutical, toxicology, biotechnology, and veterinary sciences industries.

Learn more about the Review of Methods in the Report on Carcinogens Handbook committee.

About Melissa J. Perry

Perry is a trailblazer for international public health collaboration and facilitates scientific dialogue that transcends borders. She has published over 170 manuscripts, technical reports, book chapters, commentaries, and book reviews that have furthered the field of epidemiology.

Perry recently chaired the Review Committee of the Health Effects Institute and served on the NASEM Committee on Clinical Follow-Up and Care for Those Impacted by the JP-5 Releases at Red Hill. She has also served as co-chair of the National Academies Committee on the Use of Emerging Science for Environmental Health Decisions and as a member of the National Academies Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology. She was recently named an honorary member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania for her contribution to increasing public and occupational health awareness in Albania and the Balkans.

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General David W. Allvin appointed vice president for leadership and strategy

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Rima Nakkash appointed chair of 91����'s Department of Global and Community Health

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Melissa J. Perry appointed to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee to review cancer risk methods

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91�� announces four senior leadership promotions

Rima Nakkash appointed chair of 91��'s Department of Global and Community Health