Diving into the Discourse Episode 16: Maria Zavala part 2
California State University, Norhridge biology professor MariaElena Zavala was the first Mexican-American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in botany.
Since coming to CSUN, she has played an integral part in building the national reputation of CSUN’s Department of Biology (https://www.csun.edu/science-mathematics/biology) as a place where students, particularly those from underserved communities, thrive and successfully pursue advanced degrees at top-tier research institutions. Her work as a mentor and advocate for countless students who have gone through these programs earned her recognition from the White House. In 2000, Zavala received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from former President Bill Clinton. In 2017, Zavala was named the first Latina Fellow of the American Society of Cell Biology (https://csunshinetoday.csun.edu/csun-leaders/csun-prof-named-first-latina-fellow-of-the-american-society-of-cell-biology/), and in 2022, she named a Fellow of the prestigious California Academy of Sciences. Host Carmen Ramos Chandler continues her conversation with Zavala about her journey and her research dedicated to developed food sources, plants, that can withstand the ravages brought on by climate change.
6 Nov 2025
Diving into the Discourse, Episode 15: MariaElena Zavala Pt 1
California State University, Norhridge biology professor MariaElena Zavala was the first Mexican-American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in botany.
Since coming to CSUN, she has played an integral part in building the national reputation of CSUN’s Department of Biology (https://www.csun.edu/science-mathematics/biology) as a place where students, particularly those from underserved communities, thrive and successfully pursue advanced degrees at top-tier research institutions. Her work as a mentor and advocate for countless students who have gone through these programs earned her recognition from the White House. In 2000, Zavala received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from former President Bill Clinton. In 2017, Zavala was named the first Latina Fellow of the American Society of Cell Biology (https://csunshinetoday.csun.edu/csun-leaders/csun-prof-named-first-latina-fellow-of-the-american-society-of-cell-biology/), and in 2022, she named a Fellow of the prestigious California Academy of Sciences. Zavala talks with host Carmen Ramos Chandler about her journey and her research dedicated to developed food sources, plants, that can withstand the ravages brought on by climate change.
6 Nov 2025
Diving Into the Discourse Episode 14: Why Anti-Racism Matters (Pt 2)
As some states take measures to inhibit discussions about racism and its impact on society, educators across the country are struggling to find ways to create safe spaces where their increasingly diverse students can reach their fullest potential. Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with California State University, Northridge psychologists (https://www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/psychology) Jose H. Vargas and Carrie L. Saetermoe, who have developed a “roadmap” for educators that takes them on the journey to become antiracist and play a part in dismantling the systemically racist structures that stand in the way of their students’ success. The pair, along with colleagues at the university, have published a series of papers on the subject. To learn more about their work, visit the following websites:
https://newsroom.csun.edu/2023/09/12/csun-psychologists-create-roadmap-for-educators-who-strive-to-be-antiracist/
https://newsroom.csun.edu/2023/09/12/psicologos-de-csun-crean-una-hoja-de-ruta-para-educadores-que-se-esfuerzan-por-ser-antirracistas/
https://newsroom.csun.edu/2024/07/02/higher-ed-leaders-have-a-responsibility-to-create-environments-where-all-students-can-succeed-csun-profs-argue/
https://newsroom.csun.edu/2024/07/23/csun-psychologist-says-critical-race-theory-framework-can-provide-more-accurate-data-on-the-unhoused/
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