Faculty Profiles
ENVS Faculty:
Carlos Davidson
Program Director
M.A. (1990) Economics, UC Berkeley
Ph.D. (2000) Ecology, UC Davis
Phone: 405-2127
Email: Carlosd@sfsu.edu
webpage: http://bss.sfsu.edu/cdavidson
My research seeks to understand the causes of amphibian population declines, with particular attention to the role of pesticides in causing declines. The research draws upon the fields of landscape ecology, conservation and population biology, and biogeography. I am also interested in issue of environmental justice and the relationship between economic growth and environmental destruction.
Glenn Fieldman
Professor
Phone: (415) 405-2431
Email: glenn@sfsu.edu
I have taught at SFSU since 1990, mostly in the International Relations Department. I volunteered to teach an Environmental Studies class when the professor who had taught it left in 1992. Two years later I helped to launch the ENVS Program. I am currently working on Focus the Nation, a climate teach-in taking place in January 2008.
Associated Faculty:
Joel Kassiola
Dean of BSS, Advisor for ESSJ Concentration
B.A. (1967) Brooklyn College of the City University of New York; Political Science
M.A. (1971) Princeton University; Political Philosophy Program
Ph.D. (1974) Princeton University; Political Philosophy Program
At SF State since 1995 (as Dean of the College of the Social Sciences)
Phone: 415.338.1846
Email: kassiola@sfsu.edu
Website: http://bss.sfsu.edu/kassiola
Research Area: Environmental Political Theory
I am interested in studying the root cause of the environmental crisis: our modern political values. So I study modern values and how they must be changed if we are to avoid environmental catastrophe. I teach a course on political values and the environment (PLSI 354) and a course on the consumer society where consuming is the supreme value (PLSI/PHILO 355). I also teach the introductory course to political theory (PLSI 275) and the introductory course on political philosophy (PLSI/PHILO 150) and Environmental Ethics (PHILO 470). I have published an edited volume on environmental political theory (EXPLORATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICAL THEORY, 2003, M.E. Sharpe), and articles on teaching introductory political theory (PS; October, 2007), and how teaching effectively in the 21st century requires doing research (COLLEGE TEACHING; October, 2007). Recently, I have shifted my concerns to the environmental crisis in China and published a co-authored article on the environment and China's development to be published in an edited volume on China's political challenges edited by my colleague, Professor Sujian Guo; Rowman and Littlefield. 2007).
Raquel Pinderhughes
Professor of Urban Studies, Advisor for TUE Concentration
Raquel Rivera Pinderhughes is professor of Urban Studies and Environmental Studies at SFSU. She is one of the founders of the Environmental Studies Program at SFSU and helped create the major’s concentration in the Urban Environment.
Her research and teaching areas are focused on urban environmental planning & policy; sustainable development in cities; urban infrastructure development & management; environmental justice; alternative urban futures; green collar jobs; and research methods. Her current research is focused on how a coalition composed of business owners, public officials, educators, and work force development experts can strategically prepare youth and adults with barriers to employment for green collar jobs in the Bay Area and elsewhere.
Nancy "Sami" Reist
Professor of Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts, Advisor for HUM Concentration
Barbara Holzman
Professor of Geography, Advisor for NRMC Concentration
Peter Palmer
Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Advisor for ESS Concentration(chemical analysis emphasis)
B.S. (1983) Canisius College, Chemistry
Ph.D. (1988) Michigan State University, Analytical Chemistry
At SFSU since 1994
Phone: 415-338-7717
Email: palmer@sfsu.edu
Research Area: Analytical/Environmental Chemistry. My research includes the development and characterization of highly automated instrumentation and methods for trace level analysis applications. This includes techniques such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Solid Phase Micro-extraction (SPME), Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and ion tap and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Some of my group's more notable accomplishements to date include rapid screening of toxic elements in Asian medicines and consumer products via XRF, analysis of heavy metal and organic pesticide contamination on Native American artifacts using both XRF and GC/MS, development of the first Proton Transfer Reaction Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer, and the development and use of Direct Sampling Mass Spectrometry and MS/MS methods for monitoring volatile organic compounds on Mir space station. I also serve as a consultant for FDA and NASA, and am actively involved in oversight of remediation efforts in Hunters Point Shipyard in San Francisco.
Karen Grove
Professor of Geosciences, Advisor for ESS Concentration
B.S. (1983) University of Maryland, Geology
Ph.D (1989) Stanford University, Geology
At SFSU since 1989
Phone: 415.338.2617
E-mail: kgrove@sfsu.edu
Website: http://funnel.sfsu.edu/faculty/grove/personal/home.html
Research Area: Sedimentology and active tectonics
I am primarily interested in interpreting the tectonic evolution of an area based on studies of sediments and geomorphic features. My primary recent project has been to investigate the Quaternary (past 2 million years) history of the Point Reyes region, located about an hour north of San Francisco. The main tectonic feature in this area is the San Andreas fault, which lies in a linear valley between the Point Reyes Peninsula and the Marin County mainland. We have used a variety of geologic tools to reconstruct the paleogeography of the fault zone, obtain more information about fault zone geometry, and evaluate the structural style and changes through time. Most recently, we have used marine terraces on the western flank of the Point Reyes Peninsula to evaluate the role of contractional deformation and uplift in the region. Another current project involves stratigraphic and hydrogeologic studies of the Westside Groundwater Basin, located in the western part of San Francisco, with the goal of helping the San Francisco Public Utility Commission (SFPUC) better manage this resource.
Luiz Barbosa
Professor of Sociology
B.S. (1982) Southeast Missouri State University, Psychology
M.A. (1985) University of Oklahoma, Sociology
Ph.D. (1989) University of Washington, Sociology
At SFSU since 1991
Phone: 415.338.1330
Email: lbarbosa@sfsu.edu
Research Area: My research emphasis is the impact of economic development on the remaining forests of the world. I am especially interested in the ecopolitics of development and preservation in the context of the Brazilian Amazon rain forest. My most recent work examines how the increasing globalization of food systems is causing deforestation in the region.
Kathy Boyer
Assistant Professor, Romberg Tiburon Center
My research is focused on the ecology and restoration of coastal habitats, primarily salt marshes and seagrass beds. I am particularly interested in how species interact to structure their environments and influence fundamental ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. I have a strong interest in species assemblages and processes occurring at habitat borders and the manner and extent to which adjacent habitats are linked through biotic activity and interactions. Such basic ecological research has important implications for the restoration of damaged habitats. My more applied work includes comparisons of structure and functioning (e.g., trophic interactions, nutrient dynamics) of natural and constructed habitats. I also work to develop restoration techniques and nutrient pollution indicators for estuarine and coastal waters. I work mainly with vascular plants, macroalgae, and invertebrates as well as the water and sediments on and in which they live. My work is mostly experimental, conducted in field, greenhouse, and outdoor mesocosm settings. While much of my research experience and interest is in the coastal marshes and the shallow subtidal zone in California, I work periodically in the tropics on detecting patterns in nutrient supply to coral reef and adjacent habitats and the response of herbivores to nutrient-related changes in their algal foods. I am also part of a bi-coastal team examining the relative importance of producer and consumer diversity on the functioning of marine ecosystems.
Sudip Chattopadhyay
Associate Professor of Economics
TendaiChitewere
Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies
B.S. (1995) State University of New York, College at Oneonta, Water Resources
M.P.S. (1997) Cornell University, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Ph.D. (2006) Binghamton (SUNY), Anthropology
At SF State since 2007
Phone: 415.405.2676
E-mail: tendai@sfsu.edu
Research Area: U.S. Environmentalism, Constructions of Nature, Sustainable Communities (ecovillages), Consumption, Green Lifestyles, and Environmental Justice.
I use ethnographic research to study the everyday lives of people who attempt to create a socially and ecologically sustainable lifestyle through the design and construction of ecological cohousing communities or ecovillages. I examine the rapidly emergent trend of consuming green commodities as a means to address the local and global environmental crisis. In addition to “studying up,” I analyze how green lifestyles are emerging as a distraction to addressing environmental injustice. I have a strong interest in green design, qualitative research design and methodology, and community engagement. Originally from Zimbabwe, I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Earth Team, an environmental education organizations that inspires a new generation of youth to become leaders in the environment, and The Clarence Foundation, an engaged philanthropic organization that funds small nonprofit groups from developing countries who work on human rights and environmental causes in their community.
Jerry Davis
Associate Professor of Geography, Director of GIS Specialty Lab
Jane DeWitt
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Sheldon Gen
Assistant Professor of Public Administration
B.S. (1990) Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Civil Engineering
M.P.A. (1995) University of Southern California, Public Administration
Ph.D. (2004) Georgia Tech, Public Policy
At SFSU since 2003
Phone: 415-405-2482
Email
: sgen@sfsu.edu
Website: http://online.sfsu.edu/~sgen/
Research areas: environmental policy, public policy.
Study of the social aspects of environmental policy: how humans place value on environmental amenities, how we make collective decisions affecting the environment, and the behavioral responses to our physical environment. Study of private sector and public participation in public policy: how individuals, organized groups, and businesses influence policy making and contribute to the delivery of public services. Policy analysis: measuring the outcomes of our public policies and programs.
John Hafernik 
Professor of Biology
B.A. (1970) Texas A & M University, Entomology
Ph.D. (1977) University of California, Berkeley, Entomology
At SFSU since 1977
Phone: 415-338-1740
Email: hafernik@sfsu.edu
Research Area: My research focuses on: 1. Evolutionary and ecological processes at the population or species level. 2. Conservation biology of insects. I am especially interested in the evolution of mating systems, isolating mechanisms, and interactions between insects and their animal and plant hosts. My students and I study mating systems and hybrid zones of damselflies of the genus Ischnura using both traditional and molecular approaches. I am also interested in ways that studies of insects and their relatives can be used to test conservation biology theory and to provide measures of community health and change. Several of my students are completing thesis projects on the conservation biology of insects and arachnids. Recent thesis topics of my students include oviposition preference of the endangered mission blue butterfly, reintroduction of the rare San Francisco forktail damselfly to a former habitat in San Francisco, spider diversity in restored coastal sand dunes of the San Francisco Presidio, diversity of invertebrates in wetlands of the San Francisco Presidio and ecology of tiger beetles at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Jason Henderson
Assistant Professor of Geography
Phillip King
Associate Professor of Economics
Tomoko Komada
Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Romberg Tiburon Center
Jaime Kooser
Manager of National Estuarine Research Reserve and Romberg Tiburon Center B.A. (1975) Northwestern University, Geography
M.A. (1976) UC Berkeley, Geography
Ph.D. (1980) UC Berkeley, Geography
Phone: 415-338-3703
Email: jkooser@sfsu.edu
Research Area: Dr. Kooser manages the San Francisco Bay Area National Estuarine Research Reserve, an independent unit in the College of Science & Engineering. SF Bay NERR is part of a national network of 27 reserves established for long-term research, education, and stewardship of the nation's estuaries. Jaime has worked on coastal zone management issues since 1990, bringing together her state agency experience in science, policy and management with her academic background as a former professor of Geography at the University of Washington and at the Evergreen State College. Formerly, she served as deputy director for Energy, Ocean Resources and Water Quality at the California Coastal Commission. Jaime has a passion for healing the earth and the relationship of people to the earth. She recharges her spirit by bird watching and continuing her broader interest in geography, including the study of vernacular architecture.
Gretchen LeBuhn
Assistant Professor of Biology
Bruce Manning
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
B.S. (1985) University of Massachusetts, Environmental Science
Ph.D. (1993) University of California, Davis, Environmental Chemistry
Phone: 415-339-1292
Email: bmanning@sfsu.edu
Research Area: Environmental - Analytica; Determination of molecular surface structures of trace elements and oxyanions adsorbed on synthetic metal oxides, clay minerals, and soils using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). Separation and detection of redox sensitive elements (arsenic(III)/(V), selenium(IV)/(VI), and chromium(III)/(VI)) by hyphenated analytical techniques. Synthesis and characterization of metal oxides and metal oxide-coated substrates. Equilibrium and surface complexation chemical modeling of environmental systems.
Melissa Nelson
Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies
B.A. (1991) University of California, Santa Cruz, Integrated Ecology
Ph.D. (2000) University of California, Davis, Cultural Ecology
At SFSU since 2002
Phone: 415-338-7062
Email: mknelson@sfsu.edu
Research Areas: Native Science/Ecology/Environmental Studies; Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Environmental Knowledge; California Indians - history and contemporary issues; Oral History/Oral Literature and Community-Based Ethnography; Cultural Revitalization.
Andrew Oliphant
Assistant Professor of Geography
Tom Parker
Professor of Biology
Bruce Paton
Assistant Professor of Business Management
Nina Roberts
Assistant Professor of Recreation & Leisure Studies and Director of Pacific Leadership Institute 
Phone: 415-338-7576
Email: nroberts@sfsu.edu
Website: http://online.sfsu.edu/~nroberts
Nina S. Roberts, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies where her areas of emphasis include outdoor recreation, parks, youth development, urban programming, and leadership. She is also the Project Director of SFSU s Pacific Leadership Institute connecting urban youth with the outdoors. Dr. Roberts is a Fulbright Scholar with the Indo-American Environmental Leadership Program. Nina has worked with with the US Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Student Conservation Association.
Murray Silverman
Professor of Business Management
Leonard Sklar
Assistant Professor of Geosciences
Mike Vasey
Nancy Wilkinson
Professor & Department Chair of Geography