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. 

Erik Rosegard

Erik Rosegard

Professor and Chair of Recreation, Parks and Tourism

Office Phone: (415) 338-7529

Email: Rosegard@sfsu.edu

Erik Rosegard is an authority on the social psychological aspects of leisure and recreation, as well as wellness and quality of life issues.

Areas of Expertise:

Play related to child development

Classroom teaching and learning

Community service learning

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Recreation, Parks and Tourism, University of Utah


Sandra Rosen

Sandra Rosen

Professor of Special Education

Office Phone: (415) 338-1245

Email: srosen@sfsu.edu

Sandra Rosen is an expert on orientation and mobility -- helping people with visual impairments develop the skills needed for safe, independent travel.

Areas of Expertise:

Orientation and mobility for visually-impaired people

Preparation of professionals who train guide dogs

Children with physical or sensory disabilities

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University


Cristina Ruotolo

Cristina Ruotolo

Professor of Humanities

Office Phone: (415) 338-3127

Email: ruotolo@sfsu.edu

Christina Ruotolo is an expert in the fields of 19th and 20th century American and British literature, music and culture

Areas of Expertise:

American autobiography

European and American modernism in literature

Modern African

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Humanities, Yale University


Caitlin Ryan

Caitlin Ryan

Director, Family Acceptance Project, Cesar Chavez Institute

Office Phone: (415) 522-5558

Email: caitlin@cpcug.org

Caitlin Ryan is a leading expert on the psychology and sociology of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.

Areas of Expertise:

LGBT youth and families

Sexual orientation

Bullying of gay youth

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Public Policy/Health Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University


Mohammad Salama

Mohammad Salama

Professor of Modern Languages & Literatures, Director of the Arabic Program

Office Phone: (415) 338-1338

Email: mrsalama@sfsu.edu

Mohammad Salama is an expert in the fields of Egyptian culture, languages and political history.

Areas of Expertise:

Arabic language

Islamic culture

Arabic culture and politics

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Comparative Literature, University of Wisconsin, Madison


Emma V. Sanchez-Vaznaugh

Emma V. Sanchez-Vaznaugh

Associate Professor of Health Education

Office Phone: (415) 405-2840

Email: emmav@sfsu.edu

Emma Sanchez-Vaznaugh is a social epidemiologist whose research focuses on two interrelated strands: (1) Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health and (2) the impact of policies and environments on health and disparities with a focus on obesity, maternal and child health, food, physical education policies and neighborhood conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

Social inequalities in health

Racial/ethnic and class disparities in health

Highest Degree:

Sc.D., Social Epidemiology, Harvard University


Jillian Sandell

Jillian Sandell

Professor of Women and Gender Studies

Office Phone: (415) 338-1388

Email: sandell@sfsu.edu

Jillian Sandell is an expert on representations of race and gender in American culture.

Areas of Expertise:

Women in popular culture

Masculinity in film

Hong Kong cinema

Highest Degree:

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


Sanjit Sengupta

Sanjit Sengupta

Professor of Marketing

Office Phone: (415) 817-4366

Email: sengupta@sfsu.edu

Sanjit Sengupta worked in sales and marketing in India. He has published widely in his career about the marketing of technology.

Areas of Expertise:

Business-to-business marketing

Strategic alliances

E-business

Highest Degree:

Ph.D, Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley