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. 

Laureen Chew

Laureen Chew

Professor Emerita of Asian American Studies

Office Phone: (415) 338-1693

Email: laureenc@sfsu.edu

A former public school teacher, Laureen Chew advocated for the bilingual programs in San Francisco Unified School District. Chew was one of the students at SF State who organized the 1968/69 student led strike for more faculty of color and ethnic studies curriculum.

Areas of Expertise:

Elementary education

Ethnic studies curriculum

Bilingual education

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., History, Columbia University


Jensen Chung

Jensen Chung

Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies

Office Phone: (415) 338-7794

Email: jchung@sfsu.edu

Jensen Chung is an expert in organizational leadership and communication.

Areas of Expertise:

Concept of Chi

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Communication, State University of New York at Buffalo


Sophie Clavier

Sophie Clavier

Dean of Graduate Studies

Office Phone:

Email: sclavier@sfsu.edu

Sophie's scholarship and publications have been in the areas of international law, peaceful settlement of international disputes and international human rights.

Areas of Expertise:

International law

Peaceful settlement of international disputes

International human rights

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., International Public Law, University of Paris


Chris Clemens

Chris Clemens

Assistant Professor of Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts

Office Phone: (415) 405-0922

Email: cclemens@sfsu.edu

Chris Clemens is an experienced director, video editor and production assistant. He studies and teaches on the subjects of portrayals of sexuality and gender in the media and the effects of mass media on society.

Areas of Expertise:

Video production

Gender and sexuality in media

Mass media and society

Highest Degree:

PhD, Communication and Marketing Communication, University of Connecticut


William Cochlan

William Cochlan

Senior Research Scientist for the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies

Office Phone: (415) 338-3541

Email: cochlan@sfsu.edu

William Cochlan, whose research lab is at the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies (RTC), is a biological oceanographer and marine microbial geneticist who studies how environmental changes affect the physiology of phytoplankton and bacteria. His recent research, published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, looks at the effectiveness of iron enrichment on the oceans.

Areas of Expertise:

Marine biology and microbiology

Phytoplankton

Algae

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Oceanography, University of British Columbia


Sarah Cohen

Sarah Cohen

Professor of Biology

Office Phone: (415) 338-3750

Email: sarahcoh@sfsu.edu

With appointments at the Department of Biology, and at the Robert Tiburon Center (RTC), Sarah Cohen's research interests are in how ecological, behavioral and environmental features shape evolution and genetic systems in diverse organisms. Most of her work is in marine and estuarine settings.

Areas of Expertise:

Marine population biology

Coastal and marine conservation

Population genetics

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Zoology, University of Washington


Robert Keith Collins

Robert Keith Collins

Associate Professor and Chair of American Indian Studies

Office Phone: (415) 338-1054

Email: Rkc@sfsu.edu

Robert Collins is an authority on African and Native American cultures in the Americas as well as the ethnic identification of persons who are of both African American and Native American heritages. Collins is of African-Choctaw descent.

Areas of Expertise:

American Indian Choctaw language and culture

American Indian cultural changes

Highest Degree:

Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles


Roy Conboy

Roy Conboy

Professor of Theatre Arts

Office Phone: (415) 338-1614

Email: rconboy@sfsu.edu

Roy Conboy is a Chicano playwright, director, and teacher, and is the head of the Playwrighting Program at SF State, teaching in both Theatre Arts and Creative Writing. His plays and those of his former students have been produced on stages across California and the United States.

Areas of Expertise:

Playwriting and contemporary theatre

Modern Chicano theatre

Business and production of playwriting

Highest Degree:

M.F.A., Acting and Directing, University of California, Irvine