Food For Thought Directory

Please use the Food for Thought Directory to identify your Food for Thought Mentor. If you already have someone in mind or would like to be paired by the Food for Thought team please continue to the Food for Thought Application. If you are a Staff or Faculty member interested in joining the directory please fill out the Food for Thought Directory Application.

Biology

James Murray: Born in Buffalo, NY, grew up near Rochester, NY and went to college at Cornell. I've lived in Washington, SoCal, Maine, and Arkansas. Married 20 years with 2 kids, 7th and 11th grades. Avid SCUBA diver and underwater photographer.

Anthropology

Dr.Dave Matsuda: I love what I do, I love teaching and working with students towards successful futures

Criminal Justice

Michelle Rippy: I am a proud first-generation college student who earned my undergraduate degree at CSUEB. My background is in law enforcement and investigations though I enjoy talking about all potential career fields and majors. I have 2 dogs that keep me busy!

Ethnic Studies

Carlos Salomon PhD: Hello, I have been a faculty member here since 2005. I am an historian and love myths, legends, oral traditions, and folklore that allows us to study the history of Mexico and Native American identity. I love soccer, art, and food.

Hospitality Recreation and Tourism

Marguerite Hinrichs, M.S. - Marguerite Hinrichs currently serves as the Director of Student Life and Leadership Programs. She also serves as a faculty member in the Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism and University Extension departments. Marguerite loves coffee and singing.

Library and Information Science

Jeffra D. Bussman : I <3 universities & being engaged with students. I earned a degree in math but also enjoyed many other subjects. Being a librarian allows me to play in both sciences and other disciplines. Something I really love to do is play card & board games!

Nursing

Claire Valderama-Wallace: I’ve navigated expectations, surprises, and opportunities and made my way through Physiological Sciences, Public Health, and Nursing and now combine them with a focus on health equity and social justice. Can’t wait to read Harry Potter to my kids.

Social Work

Sarah Taylor, MSW, PhD - I have been at CSUEB for 10 years and am grateful to be able to learn, work, and grow with such committed students and colleagues. Outside of work, I love to travel and spend lots of time in nature with my family.

Student Health and Counseling Services

Leyla Eraslan, MA Counseling Psychology - I'm originally from the East Coast, but have been studying and working in mental health for the past five years in the Bay Area. I'm usually thinking about: self-love, intersectionality and body positivity, and what my cat's doing right now. Sarah Barnard, MS Counseling Psychology - I came to the counseling profession after 10 years of working in the Juvenile Justice System, teaching yoga and creative arts to youth in the system. In addition to counseling, I continue to teach yoga both on and off campus. I also love hiking!

Other Areas of Interest

Larry Bliss:I've worked at universities on the East Coast as well as the West Coast. I've also served six terms in the Legislature (in another state). I'm a Gay man, and have been with my husband for over 20 years. I love working at East Bay. Shannon Coskran: Hello, my name is Shannon and I have been working at East Bay for 5 years and love working with the students here. I enjoy supporting students while learning from their experiences. I live in Oakland and enjoy spending time outside exploring. Aaron Placke: I am a graduation advisor at AACE and a graduate student in HRT. In my spare time I love to write, juggle, and play games of all kinds. Let's chat and learn from one another! Patrick Prusinovski: Born and raised in San Leandro/Castro Valley, CA. I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Education. I enjoy hanging out with friends, board games, video games, basketball and much more. I also like cats a lot!

Ready to Pick Your Mentor?

Fill out the Food for Thought Application on BaySync to start the pairing process. Most applications are processed within two weeks.  For more information contact Liam Hawkyard at liam.hawkyard@csueastbay.edu.