Three George Mason faculty members elected to Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Three George Mason University faculty members have been elected to the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM), an organization that brings together leading experts from across the commonwealth to provide independent, evidence-based expertise on issues affecting Virginia's future.

The newly elected George Mason members join a distinguished network of scientists, engineers, health professionals, and innovators committed to advancing research, informing public policy, and strengthening Virginia's innovation ecosystem.

The 2026 elected class includes individuals from the College of Science, the College of Public Health, and the College of Engineering and Computing: Distinguished University Professor Liping Di, Dean Melissa J. Perry, and Distinguished University Professor Siddhartha Sikdar.

Founded in 2013 and modeled after the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, VASEM serves as a trusted resource for Virginia policymakers, institutions, and communities. The organization convenes experts from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations to address critical issues facing the commonwealth.

In recent years, VASEM has expanded its efforts through studies, white papers, workshops, conferences, and educational programs focused on areas including artificial intelligence, energy technologies, climate resilience, health care, and advanced manufacturing. The organization also supports initiatives such as the Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship and the Undergraduate Policy Program, helping prepare future leaders at the intersection of science and public policy.

As members, the newly elected faculty will have opportunities to contribute their expertise through VASEM committees, workshops, study groups, and policy-focused initiatives that support evidence-based decision-making across Virginia.

Liping Di
College of Science

Liping Di, Distinguished University Professor in George Mason's Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science and director of the Spatial Information Science and Systems Center (CSISS) in the College of Science (COS), is an internationally recognized expert in geospatial information science, remote sensing, and GeoAI. Throughout his career, he has led more than $60 million in funded research and has played a prominent role in developing national and international geospatial standards.

"The election to VASEM is a great honor, not just personally, but for the CSISS, the COS and the university. It signals that our geospatial information science and system research not only has been recognized by the scientific community but also has tangible relevance beyond the lab, which is the highest compliment I can imagine. I am eager to use the VASEM platform to enhance geospatial information research and innovation, promote collaboration among Virginia's world class research universities, and translate the knowledge and innovation into action through evidence-based policymaking that improves lives and economy across the commonwealth," said Di.

Melissa J. Perry
College of Public Health

Melissa J. Perry, dean and professor in the College of Public Health, is a distinguished epidemiologist whose research focuses on environmental and occupational health. An internationally recognized scientist and academic leader, she has held prominent leadership roles with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and other leading public health organizations while advancing research, education, and policy in environmental health.

"Representing public health as a member of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine reinforces the importance of bringing a population health perspective to the scientific and policy discussions that influence the well-being of Virginians across the commonwealth," said Perry.

Siddhartha Sikdar
College of Engineering and Computing

Siddhartha Sikdar, Distinguished University Professor of bioengineering and co-director of the Center for MedTech Innovation in the College of Engineering and Computing, conducts research focused on developing advanced imaging technologies and wearable sensors to better understand brain-body interactions and improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals living with conditions such as chronic pain, stroke, spinal cord injury, and limb loss. His work has helped advance innovative approaches to rehabilitation and medical technology, contributing to improved quality of life for patients while strengthening Virginia's leadership in health and biomedical research.

"It is a great honor and privilege to join such a distinguished group of experts at VASEM," he said. "I am eagerly looking forward to working with VASEM to inform public policy in biomedical and healthcare technologies and strengthen Virginia's medical technology ecosystem. I hope to represent an interdisciplinary and community-engaged research perspective drawing upon my experience working on complex problems at the intersection of society, health and technology, and elevate the voices of patients and community partners who are often left out of policy discussions."

The election of Di, Perry, and Sikdar brings the total number of current and former George Mason faculty members inducted into VASEM to 13. Previous inductees include George Mason President Gregory Washington; College of Science faculty members James Kinter, Lance Liotta, and Jagadish Shukla; College of Public Health professor emeritus Naomi Lynn Gerber; Distinguished University Professor Emeritus Edward Maibach; College of Engineering and Computing Dean Kenneth Ball; Inaugural Vice President and Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu; and engineering faculty members Missy Cummings and Elise Miller-Hooks.

New members will be recognized during the 2026 VASEM Annual Summit, which will be held this fall.