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Whether its conducting groundbreaking scientific research, working to restore and protect our environment, or creating compelling art and literature, Sacramento State faculty are on the forefront of innovation. And Sac State students are right there alongside them. Recognized for its high research activity while remaining deeply committed to teaching and mentorship, Sac State is home to dedicated professors who are changing their communities, the world – and students’ lives.
Applications open October 1 for Fall 2026.
Apply Now for Spring 2026Faculty who make a difference
Rodolfo Barniol Duran, associate professor of Physics and Astronomy
From millions of light years away, gamma ray bursts help researchers like Rodolfo Barniol Duran gain understanding into the origins of our universe. Barniol Duran and his students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy create computer simulations of the bursts, generated when celestial objects collapse and explode, in an effort to document the process. By doing so, they are contributing to research that probes the early universe and the conditions in which stars are formed.
Nate Dutra, assistant professor of undergrad studies in Education
Nate Dutra is part of a multidisciplinary research team awarded $3.4 million from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) to study language acquisition in deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The research examines how families make language decisions for their children and how those choices influence outcomes. In collaboration with stakeholders across California, the study will allow every deaf child in the state to participate, providing critical insight into
Michele Foss-Snowden, professor of Communication Studies
A professor of rhetoric and media – and recently named a Sacramento Bee Black Change Maker – Michele Foss-Snowden’s research explores representation in television, film and other media, particularly when it comes to underrepresented and minoritized populations. In the classroom, she helps students learn how to examine the media they consume with a critical lens. Elsewhere, she’s the host of the podcast “The TV Doctor,” prescribing episodes of television to ease whatever’s on your mind. [Button]
Nicole Fox, associate professor of Criminal Justice
Nicole Fox is helping survivors of genocide process trauma, investigating how memorials can shape the experiences of survivors long after mass violence has ended. Her book, “After Genocide: Memory and Reconciliation in Rwanda,” probes how survivors can achieve healing and demonstrates how memorials can help bring about hope for the future.
Shuying Li, assistant professor of Music
Shuying Li is reimagining how people engage with classical music. Operation Opera, which she brought to Sac State in 2023, brings musicians and composers together for a week of collaboration, learning and performance. She’s the co-director of Sac State’s Festival of New American Music, the longest running event of its kind. Earlier this year, she was commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony to compose a new piece for the group’s Lunar New Year concert.
Hakan Ozcelik, professor of Management
Hakan Ozcelik is known for his research in emotions in organizations and loneliness in the workplace. In 2020, he contributed to a study about the lasting impact the pandemic had on the workplace. He also takes a creative approach to student learning. Fifteen years ago, he established the College of Business Film Festival, featuring student-produced short films exploring emotional intelligence.
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