Where Research Leads
From engineers to medical doctors, four alumni reflect on how their SJSU experiences have helped them make an impact. Illustrations by Jon Chester.
Washington Square: The Stories of San Jose State University
Like Father, Like Son
Pabel Mijangos, ’20 Finance, learned how his father Octavio Mijangos’ journey to the U.S. informed his own path to an education while writing a paper for his Global Dimensions of Business course.
Evan Low’s American Dream
Evan Low, ’03 Political Science, was the youngest openly gay mayor of an American city.
Finding One’s Way: Proprioception and Biological Research
How do we use sensory information to move, balance, and position ourselves? Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Katherine Wilkinson developed a neurophysiology lab at SJSU to explore how and why the human body interacts with the world around us.
Solving DNA Puzzles, One Worm at a Time
How do neurons transmit messages throughout the body? How are memories formed? Miri VanHoven’s neurogenetics lab at San Jose State explores big questions.
Seeing it Through: A Vision for Student-Centered Campus Spaces
The culmination of alumna Cathy Busalacchi’s 30-year vision for healthy student spaces.
Faculty Spotlight: Electrified Transportation
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Mohamed Badawy founded SJSU’s Center of Power Electronic Converters.
On Fire
The only team of its kind in the United States, Craig Clements’ Fire Weather Research Laboratory studies and decodes wildfire behavior to improve fire management and prevention.
Danielle Ishak: Robots for Seniors
Danielle Ishak, ’16 MS Human Factors and Ergonomics, is helping develop products to support the elderly.
Artist and 2018 MacArthur Fellow Titus Kaphar
Kaphar received a 2018 MacArthur genius grant in recognition of his commitment to social justice through art.
Marc Slattery’s Research Under the Sea
Alumnus Marc Slattery researches how the chemistry of underwater organisms might inform drug development.
One Washington Square: Moving the A.S. House and Making History
In January 2019, San Jose State’s A.S. House moved across campus to make room for the Interdisciplinary Science Building.
Power SJSU: Breaking New Ground
San Jose State embarks on an ambitious new plan to push the boundaries of science and innovation.
Job Maestro: How to Start a Research Career
Director of SJSU’s Aspire and McNair Scholars Programs Maria Elena Cruz shares her experience pursuing a PhD and offers guidance on how to start a research career.
Class Discussion: The Promise of Stem Cell Research
SJSU graduate students research stem cells through the SCILL program.
From Spartan Readers
Letters, emails, blog comments and social posts. Here’s what Spartans have to say.
A Message from President Papazian
We transform ourselves as a university only as the needs of our students change, as the region and world around us continue to evolve—not just for the mere sake of change.
Ruth Yaffe: “You Can Do It”
Professor Emerita Ruth Yaffe was the first woman faculty member hired in the chemistry department.
Making a MARC
For 30 years, the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) program, has provided financial support and mentorship for undergraduates who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to do research and prepare them for doctoral training.
The Adventure of STEM Education
San Jose State professors, alumni and educators explore what it takes to prepare a teacher to adopt a STEM-focused approach to teaching and how credential programs can set educators up for success.
Girls Can’t Be Engineers
Professor Stacy Gleixner thinks it’s society’s responsibility to fix this pipeline issue: “And that comes from both directions: girls dreaming that they can do this and parents and teachers supporting them. And CEOs making a climate that promotes diverse attitudes and visions.”
