After almost a decade studying and researching the evolution of snakes, CSUDH Biology Professor Sonal Singhal has come to one undeniable conclusion. “Snakes are so cool!” Since 2014, Singhal has been one of the leaders of a project attempting to discover why snakes have been so successful in evolving traits that allow them to survive and thrive almost anywhere in the world. Their findings were published as the cover story of the February 24 issue of Science magazine. “Snakes are actually lizards if you use a technical definition,” says Singhal. “But if you look at them from an evolutionary perspective and how aspects of their biology are changing —what they eat, what they look like, ... Read More
Academic Affairs
Toro Softball Off and Running
The CSUDH softball team has their sights set on a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, and have come roaring out of the gate this season. After a four-game sweep of Stanislaus State at Toro Diamond over the weekend, the Toros can boast a 11-3 record and stand in first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference standings. How does the team maintain consistency year-to-year, despite losing key players to graduation? “It always starts with continuing to develop good people,” says head coach Jim Maier. “We focus on moving them forward academically, and then we focus on trying to win games.” This season saw the Toros lose several outstanding players, ... Read More
Frequent Flyer: Toro Commutes From DC to Complete His Degree
CSUDH graduate student Esmond Epuna isn’t someone who lets obstacles or challenges stand in his way – whether it’s a school abruptly closing its doors or the daunting task of a cross-country commute. Currently pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity, Epuna hasn’t let anything distract him from his dreams. Epuna graduated from high school in 2013, then started taking courses at El Camino College. He soon transferred to the for-profit technical college ITT Technical Institute. Within a few years, his studies were almost complete – but then ITT went out of business with no warning in 2016. “Right before I finished, I lost all my credits,” recalls Epuna. “ITT had to close down. I ended up ... Read More
Toro Baseball Looks to Solidify Progress
Under head coach Tyler Wright, the CSUDH baseball program has risen in stature year by year and is now considered one of the mainstays at the top of the conference standings. For the 2024 season, Wright wants to make sure the team continues to build on its success. “Our goal is to continue to be a competitive force in this conference,” says Wright. “Every year, we want to compete for the conference tournament, conference championship, and beyond.” The 2023 Toro squad was in the mix for a postseason berth until the final day of the season, but a loss to Cal State San Bernardino ended their season. “2023 was an interesting year,” says Wright. “I thought we played hard and were ... Read More
Toro Basketball Shoots for Success
The 2023-24 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for both the men’s and women’s basketball squads at CSUDH. Despite some struggles in their early pre-season schedule, Toro coaches and players are looking forward to a successful year both on and off the court. Of course, the big story in Toro hoops last season was the CSUDH women’s team reaching the NCAA Elite Eight. The women ran up an astounding 31-3 record, at one point running off 19 consecutive victories. The Toros defeated California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) rival Cal State San Marcos in the Sweet Sixteen before falling to Catawba College 77-70 in their Elite Eight debut. “Last season was a very pleasant ... Read More