Professor of Biology Terry McGlynn says it's not the technical details that really drive research, or the “very minute questions” scientists seek to answer. He believes the best fundamental questions are often asked by those who are new to the field. McGlynn has always treasured the curiosity-driven insights his students bring to his research of the natural world, and the “really big questions” they have asked often during field research in remote locations such as the rain forests of Coast Rica, in Australia, or while just exploring a location's raw beauty. McGlynn began teaching at CSUDH in 2007 as an assistant professor of biology, but he began traveling to rain forests to study ... Read More
Kirstin Ellsworth Named the 2021 Lyle E. Gibson Distinguished Teacher
Being a conscientious learner isn't enough for Associate Professor of Art History Kirstin Ellsworth. She also wants her students to be “knowledge makers.” “This comes from what is called the social construction of knowledge,” says Ellsworth. “For assignments like research papers, I like to have students choose what they want to write about, develop an argument, and follow the argument through. The students present their arguments verbally or in their writing, and it typically becomes part of the class conversation.” Ellsworth refers to this inclusive teaching style as self-selected topics that are guided by a thesis. “It really draws out their creativity,” she adds. “So much so that ... Read More
Donna Nicol Wins 2021 Excellence in Service Award
Donna Nicol, associate professor and department chair of Africana Studies, has a personal connection to CSUDH. “I grew up nearby, and my mother went to Dominguez Hills,” says Nicol. “My first job out of college was also at CSUDH. It's been a staple in my life.” Nicol says that after working for a decade as an assistant/associate professor in women's and gender studies at CSU Fullerton, getting the position at CSUDH “felt like I was coming home.” Nicol has been a vibrant, vocal presence on campus since her return. Her work helping to revive the Africana Studies department, spirited support of ethnic studies efforts, and efforts co-chairing the CSUDH Anti-Racism Task Force have helped ... Read More
Report Highlights CSUDH’s Contribution to State and Local Economy
(Carson, Ca.) A recent economic impact study shows that California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) significantly contributes to the state's economy, resulting in a $8.45 return on investment (ROI) for every dollar the state annually invests in the campus. The comprehensive study illustrates the broad impact of the entire CSU system and its campuses, from direct earnings and spending of faculty, staff and students, to alumni earnings that can be attributed to their degree. Overall, the CSU system generates $26.9 billion in industry activity, $10.3 billion in labor income, $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue, and $209,400 jobs. The direct economic impacts attributed to ... Read More
Zero Waste Goals Require Toro Nation to be All-In
As the Earth's dominant species, humans have a myriad of self-inflicted ecological challenges to contend with. Some are monumental and require international buy-in, like climate change, while others involve localized activism and direct action, such as biohazard cleanup. One cause of all the devastation stands out above the rest - waste. CSUDH has a large ecological footprint. The campus community and its leaders strive to be environmentally conscious, but reaching the goals outlined in the “Zero Waste Strategic Plan,” which the university adopted in August 2020 will require both direct action and the Toro Nation to be all-in. The university's zero waste goal is to ensure at least ... Read More
