Teaching in a student population environment of around 2,500 and then moving to one with 17,000-plus is one of the many challenges that Roni Kay O’Dell, a new assistant professor of political science and global affairs, has signed up for this semester.
“I’m really impressed with high student participation in my classes,” said O’Dell, who is particularly moved by the contributions of her global governance class, which is essentially an introduction to international relations.
“I’m really excited that the students are so interested in the subject matter. We’ve also already had some really good conversations about current events that are happening in my environmental politics class, which is called Green Planet Politics.”
O’Dell is one of four newly hired tenure-track faculty in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences.
She is spending this week at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom at the Human Development and Capability Association Conference, where she will present her research on how humans can agree on sustainable use and management of Earth’s resources. O’Dell is also a board member (director at large) for the organization.
O’Dell comes to CSUSM from Seton Hill University, a Catholic liberal arts university in Greensburg, Pa. There, she was program coordinator (essentially the chair) of the political science and global studies program, led the Model United Nations program and was the adviser for the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society chapter.
In addition to the larger student population here, another adjustment she has enjoyed is the change in lifestyle. Along with her husband and dog, O’Dell already has basked in beach days and local hikes, including traversing Torrey Pines recently.
“There are a lot of wonderful things about where I’ve lived before, but there’s nothing like being able to go for a walk by the ocean so easily, or be on the beach or even do some of the hikes around here and enjoy the beautiful views,” said O’Dell, who grew up in Montana and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a master’s from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver.
O’Dell is not unlike many CSUSM students. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, beginning that journey at the community college level.
Social mobility was a crucial part of her path, so she’s excited to help guide students here by utilizing the same tools of hard work and a caring support system.
“I know that CSUSM has that amazing opportunity for students, and so many people who come here are the first people in their family who have gone to a college or are thinking about a university degree or thinking about expanding what they want to do with their lives,” she said. “That was one of the things that definitely drew me.”
O’Dell wants to support students to learn and practice how to protect the environment. Essentially, how to make sure humans can thrive while also utilizing our resources sustainably.
Putting the theoretical into practice.
“There are so many ways CSUSM focuses on sustainability, on the concern for the environment,” she said. “That’s deeply connected to my study of public policy, my study of international relations – my academic interests and research interests, but also practical interests. So that’s really exciting.”
Hyunjin Koo
Hyunjin Koo is an assistant professor in the department of psychological science. She earned a Ph.D. in social psychology from UC Irvine and worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of British Columbia before joining CSUSM.
As a social psychologist, Koo has two main research programs. First, her work examines how experiences and beliefs about socioeconomic mobility shape everyday thoughts and behaviors, including attitudes toward work and leisure, views of the rich and poor, perceptions of inequality, morality, and social class. Second, in an emerging line of research, she studies a novel psychological construct that she and her team have introduced – leisure guilt — which refers to the guilt people feel when taking leisure time instead of being productive. Her research explores the antecedents and consequences of leisure guilt, as well as the cultural and social factors that influence it.
What drew you to CSUSM?
Koo: I was drawn to CSUSM for its strong commitment to student success and social mobility. My main research interest is social mobility, so I was excited to find that my work aligns perfectly with the university’s mission and goals.
What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?
Koo: I hope that through my classes, students come to see how psychology connects to many aspects of their daily lives and experiences, and that they discover the joy of engaging with psychological topics.
What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?
Koo: I want to embody the teacher–scholar model. My goal is to be both a strong researcher and a dedicated teacher who helps students achieve their own success.
What is your favorite activity during your downtime?
Koo: In my free time, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops and restaurants and finding new favorites. I’m especially excited that San Diego has so many places to discover!
Kiana Maillet
Kiana Maillet is an assistant professor in the American Indian studies department and is a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe.
She is a double CSUSM alumna and a licensed clinical social worker with multiple certifications, and she has extensive volunteer and job experience working with youth, families and communities.
Her research interests include American Indian experiences within systems such as foster care, schools and mental health, as well as traditional teachings and experiences with language, foods, plants, places and ceremony.
What drew you to CSUSM?
Maillet: I went through the Master of Social Work and the joint doctoral programs at CSUSM and have been a lecturer here for several years in the AIS department.
What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?
Maillet: I hope that students will learn about the beauty and complexity of Native ways of being – our side of history, science, mental health, ecology, language, the real impacts of colonization and the strength and resilience of our people.
What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?
Maillet: I hope to not only share my knowledge, but also to continue to grow and learn myself. I want to be able to make a positive impact on our students, our campus and in our communities.
What is your favorite activity during your down time?
Maillet: I enjoy hiking, gardening, playing with my grandsons and attending our Nüümü Yadoha (Paiute language) classes.
Carlos Rosas
Carlos Rosas is a new assistant professor in the psychological science department. He’s also no stranger to campus.
Rosas earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUSM and a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in community and prevention research from the University of Illinois Chicago. Rosas completed epidemiology-focused postdoctoral fellowships at UC San Diego and San Diego State.
For the past two years, he also has taught various classes as a lecturer at CSUSM. His research program integrates social and health psychology theories, epidemiological methods, and community-based participatory research approaches to examine the social, cultural and psychological drivers/determinants of mental and physical health (particularly in the context of chronic disease prevention and management), and to develop, implement and evaluate culturally informed and tailored, community-based interventions to promote healthy behaviors and mitigate risk factors.
His research places special emphasis on communities of color and other historically understudied populations. Rosas regularly teaches multicultural perspectives in psychology, social psychology and statistics in psychology.
What drew you to CSUSM?
Rosas: CSUSM is my alma mater. As an undergraduate, I found CSUSM to be an incredibly supportive and intellectually nurturing academic home. The encouragement and guidance I received from the psychology faculty were quite literally life-changing. I would not have pursued a doctoral degree without their unwavering support and mentorship. Hence, returning to CSUSM was the natural choice for me, and I'm really excited for the opportunity to provide my own students with the same support, motivation and inspiration that I once received from my own professors.
What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?
Rosas: I want my students to leave my classes inspired. In particular, I hope students from low-income and historically underrepresented backgrounds see that it is possible for people like us – the first in our families to attend college, from working-class families, etc. – to move up the socioeconomic ladder and pursue careers that often seem inaccessible. I also want to instill in my students a passion for psychology and psychological research. I still remember walking out of my first social psychology class in awe of the studies we had learned about, and I hope my students leave my classes with that same sense of wonder and curiosity.
What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?
Rosas: I'm looking forward to establishing partnerships with local community organizations and clinics to collaborate on research projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved communities.
What is your favorite activity during your down time?
Rosas: I enjoy working out, primarily lifting weights, though I also like to add a cardio session from time to time.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
Latest News Release
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- New Common Read Theme Focuses on Empathy, Lived ExperiencesAfter three years of focusing on banned books, Cal State San Marcos’ Common Read will highlight stories that broaden perspectives and build empathy, according to CSUSM Academic Transitions Librarian Allison Carr. The theme for 2025-26, “Stories as Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Doors,” uses fiction and nonfiction books to provide insight into different lived experiences and encourages compassion and understanding. Students can pick up a free copy of a Common Read book from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, in front of Kellogg Library. “We loved the banned books theme and we heard from a lot of students that they loved it, too. But after three years, we wanted to move on to a broader theme that reflected the current climate,” Carr said. “Given what we’ve seen in the news lately about a decline in reading, along with what we know about how reading encourages empathy and compassion, it was important that students gain a deeper understanding of people from all backgrounds.” Carr explained that Common Read considers the diversity of authors and genres as well as the interests of topics to undergraduate students when selecting the books. “While I’m excited about all of our books, this is the first year we’ve offered a collection of poems, ‘Song I Sing’ by Bao Phi. His poems, which are about immigration, race and class, feel a lot more accessible because of his slam poetry background,” Carr said. The library’s Student Advisory Board selected “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas as one of the books to be included. The story features a trans boy proving himself to his Latinx family, while also featuring elements of a love story and a paranormal investigation. The complete list of books selected for this year’s campaign is: “Bird Songs Don't Lie,” Gordon Lee Johnson “Daytripper,” Fabio Moon “The Remember Balloons,” Jessie Oliveros “Song I Sing,” Bao Phi “The Cemetery Boys,” Aiden Thomas (students' choice) “The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman,” Lucy Webster “Stories can break stereotypes, increase awareness of systemic issues and encourage respectful interactions with people from different backgrounds,” Carr said. “At a time when empathy and compassion are seen as weaknesses, reading can help us build and sustain a community that's inclusive and addresses the inequities marginalized communities currently face.” Common Read is also offering a zine-making workshop in collaboration with the Context Exhibit Series, “Zine Dreams” from 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 9 at The Makery. At the event, students can create a page in a collective zine that highlights their identities and stories. An RSVP is required. “My hope for this year is that students gain a deeper understanding of people who are different from them, but also a great understanding of themselves,” Carr said. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Photo Highlights From Student Org FairCal State San Marcos welcomed hundreds of students to the University Student Ballroom on Sept. 4 for the annual Student Organization Fair. The event provides students an opportunity to learn about the many ways to get involved on campus. With more than 100 recognized student organizations in a variety of categories, there is something for everyone. Relive some of the event highlights in the Student Org Fair photo slideshow. To learn more about available student organizations, visit the student organization directory. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Project R.I.S.E. to Broaden Future Educator PipelineCal State San Marcos’ School of Education has received a $40,000 grant from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to launch Project R.I.S.E. (Recruiting Inclusive, Supportive Educators), an initiative aimed at strengthening and broadening Southern California’s educator pipeline. Project R.I.S.E. will focus on multiple priorities, from building pathways into teaching through future educator summits to hosting workshops that will connect high school, community college and university students interested in education. The project also will support the Emerging Leaders Academy, which will prepare teachers for equity-based leadership roles in partnership with local districts and remove financial barriers by expanding a fund that helps credential candidates cover essential costs like testing and certification fees. Cassiopeia Guthrie, a member of the Distinguished Teachers in Residence program in the School of Education, is leading the project activities as the Project R.I.S.E. faculty fellow. She will coordinate programming and planning, helping to create sustained outreach and support across partner districts. That role also will lay the groundwork for a future Project R.I.S.E. center, envisioned as a hub to strengthen regional recruitment and pipeline development for aspiring educators. Moses Ochanji, director of the School of Education, said the initiative is rooted in opportunity and equity. “By opening doors early, supporting students along the way and removing financial barriers, we are ensuring that students in as early as high school grades see teaching as a viable and welcoming profession and also that our schools will be led by educators who reflect and understand the communities they serve,” Ochanji said. “The School of Education is grateful for the partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in working to remove barriers before they become roadblocks.” Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services, called the partnership with SchoolsFirst a timely investment. “This is more than a grant,” Ostergren said. “It is a commitment to building pathways for the next generation of teachers and leaders.” The announcement comes at a critical time as California continues to face teacher shortages, particularly in high-need communities. With Project R.I.S.E., CSUSM is positioning itself at the forefront of solutions by engaging students early, supporting them through credentialing and preparing them for impactful careers in education. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Biology Student Chosen to Receive Prestigious CSU AwardCal State San Marcos biology student Oscar Loyola Torres has been selected as the campus’ recipient of the 2025 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the California State University’s highest recognition of student accomplishment. Students are selected based on academic achievements, financial need, excellence in community service and personal hardship. Awardees have all demonstrated inspirational resolve along the path to college success, and many are the first in their families to attend college. The CSU recognizes 23 students every year – one from each campus – with the Trustees’ Award. Loyola Torres was named a CSU Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Fong Scholar. Loyola Torres and the other awardees will recognized during a ceremony as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Growing up, Loyola Torres was interested in filmmaking and acting. But he found himself gravitating toward the medical field after taking anatomy and a biomedical elective course at San Marcos High School. A molecular and cellular biology major, he’s the first person in his family to attend college. Loyola Torres is a Pathmaker intern at Palomar Medical Center Escondido, working alongside health care professionals to provide patient support under the guidance of staff. He also serves in CSUSM's COMPASS research internship, which recruits local high school students and trains them in stem cell science. Loyola Torres works in biology professor Carlos Luna Lopez’s lab, studying breast cancer cells. Along with a master’s student, Loyola Torres investigates cell culture and how breast cancer cells grow. This fall, Loyola Torres is acting as president of the campus’ MedLife club, which aims to combat health care shortages and help increase essential health care services to low-income communities in Latin America and Africa. Almost 500 students have been honored with the Trustees' Award since the scholarship program was established in 1984 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. In 1999, the Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees, CSU Foundation board members and private donors. Each student scholarship bears the name of a donor.
- Grant Will Help Students Live Healthier LifestylesCal State San Marcos has been awarded a $10,000 grant by the grocery chain Sprouts to support and enhance “Cougars Cooking for Wellness,” a program offered through Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS) to provide students with the proper skills and knowledge to live healthier lifestyles through nutrition education, cooking and community connection. The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation selected CSUSM during its 2025 grant cycle themed “Wellness Across the Lifespan” to fund programs that encourage hands-on nutritional education. CSUSM is committed to promoting student wellness and working with SHCS to advance a campus culture of health and resilience. “We’re incredibly grateful to receive the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation grant to support our Cougars Cooking for Wellness program," said Cathy Nguyen, CSUSM's coordinator of health promotion. "This funding allows us to expand our efforts in educating students about nutrition through hands-on cooking demonstrations and empower students with practical nutrition skills, cooking confidence and access to healthy food resources. This support helps us build a culture of wellness that strengthens student health, connection and academic success.” CSUSM aims to host four cooking demonstrations, four education sessions and two “Cook and Connect Events” through the program during the 2025-26 academic year. CSUSM also will provide in-person and online sessions for ongoing student access. Online nutrition workshops will include many important food- and health-related topics, and cooking demonstrations held on campus will provide students with strategies for cooking in dorm kitchens. Students also will learn how to make meals with ingredients provided at the ASI Cougar Pantry. “Cougars Cooking for Wellness” will aim to increase students’ nutrition literacy, influence healthy behaviors, build confidence in food preparation and ultimately stimulate academic success and retention. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
