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. 

Sheldon Axler

Sheldon Axler

Professor of Mathematics

Office Phone: (415) 338-1571

Email: axler@sfsu.edu

Sheldon Axler, a professor of mathematics, is the former dean of the College of Science and Engineering and author of textbooks on algebra, trigonometry and calculus.

Areas of Expertise:

Mathematics

Algebra

Trigonometry and calculus textbooks

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley


Mohammad Azadpur

Mohammad Azadpur

Professor of Philosophy

Office Phone: (415) 338-3135

Email: azad@sfsu.edu

Mohammad Azadpur is an expert on Islamic thought and ethics and is fluent in Persian.

Areas of Expertise:

Persian language

Islamic philosophy and spirituality

Modern philosophy

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Philosophy, University of Virginia


Cristina Azocar

Cristina Azocar

Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Journalism

Office Phone: (415) 338-2663

Email: cazocar@sfsu.edu

Cristina Azocar is an expert on representation of race and diversity in the media, ethnic media, and the social and psychological effects of mass media.

Areas of Expertise:

Racial stereotypes in media

Public policy on role of media

Psychological effects of mass media

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Communication Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor


Sanjoy Banerjee

Sanjoy Banerjee

Professor of International Relations

Office Phone: (415) 338-1105

Email: banerjee@sfsu.edu

Sanjoy Banerjee is an expert on South Asia, including the relationship between India and Pakistan, nuclear weapons in the region and the international politics of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Areas of Expertise:

Political and economic development of India

International relations in South Asia

Afghanistan conflict

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Political Science, Yale University


Carlos Baron

Carlos Baron

Professor Emeritus of Theatre Arts

Office Phone:

Email: cbaron@sfsu.edu

A professional actor and story-teller, Carlos Baron is an expert in acting, directing and multi-cultural theatre. He has used SF State students in his productions that have been performed on and off campus.

Areas of Expertise:

Latino theatre

Multicultural theatre

Latina/Latino studies

Highest Degree:

M.A., M.F.A. Equivalency, San Francisco State University


Joseph Barranco

Joseph Barranco

Associate Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy

Office Phone: (415) 338-2450

Email: barranco@stars.sfsu.edu

Joseph Barranco is a theoretical physicist who uses 3D simulations to study how the spinning gas and dust around newly-formed star forms into new planets.

Areas of Expertise:

The formation of stars and planets

Vortex dynamics in the dust around new stars

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Astrophysics, University of California, Berkeley


Brian Beatty

Brian Beatty

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Operations

Office Phone: (415) 338-6833

Email: bjbeatty@sfsu.edu

Brian Beatty is an expert on the design and delivery of HyFlex courses: educational classes that are hybrid, combining in-person learning with online learning.

Areas of Expertise:

Technology in the classroom

Online education

E-learning

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Instructional Systems Technology, Indiana University


Matthias Beck

Matthias Beck

Professor of Mathematics

Office Phone: (415) 338-2119

Email: beck@math.sfsu.edu

Matthias Beck works in discrete and computational geometry and analytical number theory. He is particularly interested in problems and applications connected with lattice-point enumeration in polytopes.

Areas of Expertise:

Discrete and computational geometry

Analytic number theory

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Mathematics, Temple University