California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University), "HSU," is a rural comprehensive regional university with an enrollment of 7,000 students. It is part of the 23-campus California State University System, the largest and most diverse institution of higher education in the US. HSU provides high-quality education, particularly in the arts and sciences, with a low overall student to faculty ratio and small class sizes. HSU is nationally recognized for its commitment to the environment and sustainability and it consistently ranks as a leading “Green College” by the Princeton Review. The university was founded as a teacher's college in 1913. Over the last century, it has grown from an institution focused solely on teacher education to an accredited university with extensive research facilities.
Participant Biographies
Dr. Bori Mazzag
I am an Applied Mathematician with research focusing on mathematical modeling of biochemical and mechanical cell signaling. I have also been serving as the Mathematics Department chair since 2017. I am passionate about demonstrating the power of mathematics through applications, and making interdisciplinary connections. In the past few years, I have been involved in developing the mathematics curriculum for the place-based learning communities.
Dr. Liza Boyle
Dr. Boyle is a mechanical engineer whose primary research focuses on reliability of solar energy systems and the intersection of renewable energy and air quality. Dr. Boyle has taught across the engineering discipline at HSU. Recently, the Environmental Resources Engineering department has revamped the dynamics curriculum, applying large amounts of the Calculus I and Trigonometry curricula in the process. Dr. Boyle has completed a certificate in culturally responsive teaching with ESCALA.
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Dr. Stella Hofrenning
Dr. Saunders does both experimental and computational research in nanoscale Physics. Dr. Saunders is currently working with a group of undergraduate students to model the application of carbon nanotube networks as transistors and biosensors. Dr. Saunders is also conducting studies in Physics Education Research examining how previous physics experience impacts student performance in the first introductory physics classes.
Dr. Joan Kunz
Dr. Kunz began teaching chemistry in 1974 and has since taught a wide range of courses at Augsburg, from general and inorganic chemistry to science ethics and history of chemistry. While content remains central for chemistry majors, his focus with non-science majors has shifted toward the human and ethical sides of science. He also mentors undergraduate research in chemistry.