Faculty Experts

From the discovery of new planets to the work of noted criminologists, SF State offers a wide variety of scholars who are the most distinguished in their fields. This directory identifies academics who possess insight and knowledge of diverse subjects and who are willing to work with journalists whenever possible. The faculty experts directory is compiled by the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

If you need immediate assistance finding an expert, please call (415) 338-1665 or email pubcom@sfsu.edu. 

Hafez Modirzadeh

Hafez Modirzadeh

Professor of Music

Office Phone: (415) 405-0302

Email: fezmo@sfsu.edu

Hafez Modirzadeh is an expert in world music and jazz. An acclaimed saxophonist, Modirzadeh is an expert in ethnomusicology and has continues to develop an interdisciplinary musical approach he calls "Chromodal Discourse." From Tehran to Brown Universities, Chromodal theory has been presented within both musical and scientific academic arenas. Modirzadeh is a fixture on the national and Bay Area music scene and has been awarded two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships.

Areas of Expertise:

World music

Jazz

Cross-cultural aspects of jazz

Highest Degree:

Ph.D. Ethnomusicology, Wesleyan University


Carlos Montemayor

Carlos Montemayor

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Office Phone: (415) 338-1596

Email: cmontema@sfsu.edu

Carlos Montemayor is an expert in Cognitive Science and the Philosophy of Law.

Areas of Expertise:

Cognitive Science and Neuroscience

Philosophy of Law and Human Rights

Phenomenology

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Philosophy, Rutgers University


John Monteverdi

John Monteverdi

Professor of Meteorology

Office Phone: (415) 338-7728

Email: montever@sfsu.edu

Areas of Expertise:

Weather analysis and forecasting

California weather and climate

Severe weather

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Climatology, UC Berkeley


Ezequiel Morsella

Ezequiel Morsella

Professor of Psychology

Office Phone: (415) 405-2198

Email: morsella@sfsu.edu

Ezequiel Morsella is an expert on how the brain uses consciousness to process requests for action and the difference between the conscious and unconscious circuits in the brain.

Areas of Expertise:

Consciousness

Cognition

Working memory

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Psychology, Columbia University


Joanna Moss

Joanna Moss

Lecturer and Professor Emerita of Economics

Office Phone: (415) 338-7515

Email: jgmoss@sfsu.edu

Joanna Moss is an expert on international economics and globalization.

Areas of Expertise:

Globalization

Macroeconomics

International trade

Highest Degree:

Ph.D. Economics, New School for Social Research


Hideo Muranaka

Hideo Muranaka

Lecturer of Modern Languages & Literatures

Office Phone: (415) 338-3118

Email: muraoak@pacbell.net

Hideo Muranaka is an expert in Japanese calligraphy and Japanese arts.

Areas of Expertise:

Japanese language

Japanese calligraphy

Japanese art

Highest Degree:

M.F.A., Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music


Jacob Needleman

Jacob Needleman

Lecturer and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy

Office Phone: (415) 338-1596

Email: jacob.needleman@gmail.com

Jacob Needleman is a well-known authority on ethics, approaches to religion and American values, ideals and cultural criticism.

Areas of Expertise:

Philosophy of religion

American ideals

American values

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Philosophy, Yale University


Francis Neely

Francis Neely

Associate Professor of Political Science

Office Phone: (415) 338-1522

Email: fneely@sfsu.edu

Francis Neely is an expert on American politics and political psychology, including how voters process political information, form attitudes and identify with political parties and candidates.

Areas of Expertise:

Parties and partisanship

Election systems

Instant-runoff voting

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Political Science, State University of New York