Mount Laguna Observatory
San Diego State University operates the Mount Laguna Observatory,
which is located 45 road miles east of the campus at an elevation
of 6100 feet. The research telescopes at the observatory include
three reflectors with apertures of 40, 24 and 16 inches. The
40-inch telescope is operated jointly with the University
of Illinois. Auxiliary equipment for the telescopes includes
photoelectric photometers, spectrographs, and CCD camera for
direct imaging. A dormitory for observers and a shop-laboratory
building complete the main research facilities at the observatory.
Additionally, each telescope dome has a PC for data collection
and on-line reduction. A central, general-purpose, Sun Sparc
station computer provides on-line data bases as well as reduction
and analysis capabilities. Associated with the observatory
is the Awona Harrington Visitor Center which provides facilities
for educational programs and for visiting astronomers.
Social Science Research Laboratory
Douglas S. Coe, Director
The Social Science Research Laboratory (SSRL) was founded
in 1974 to support academic computing and social research
within the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), the University,
and the regional community. SSRL is organized into seven units:
Instructional Services, Research Services, Systems Support
Group, CAL Help Desk, Data Resources, Language Acquisition
Resource Center (LARC Operations) and South Coastal Information
Center (SCIC). Each unit develops and administers programs,
within the overall context of SSRL's mission, that serve the
University and the community. The department employs ten full-time
staff and over sixty part-time employees classified as teaching
associates, graduate assistants, laboratory consultants, research
assistants and data collection/reduction specialists. Instructional
Services works closely with faculty to assimilate technological
resources into the curriculum and to support academic computing
among students and faculty. This is accomplished through four
programs: (1) Social Science 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D courses
on the use of the statistical package for the social sciences,
database, spreadsheet, and Internet resources, (2) non-credit
workshops on the use of selected software applications, (3)
class presentations at the request of faculty to support computer-related
instructional assignments, and (4) on-demand consultation
for individual users of open-access computing laboratories.
Research Services offers a complete range of public opinion
polling and survey research services, including sample design,
data collection, data reduction, and data archiving. The section
maintains computer systems to support faculty research. Undergraduate
internships and research assistant positions are available.
Data Resources assists faculty and students in the use of
archived research, datasets from a variety of on-line information
resources, and provides database programming services for
specific applications. Principal sources of archived and electronically
accessible information include the Inter-University Consortium
for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), the Social Science
Database Archive (SSDBA), the U.S. Census, Field Institute
California Polls, the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
and Lexis/Nexis. Assistance is provided for locating, downloading,
installing, and subsetting datasets for instructional or research
use. Systems Support Group provides network administration
and technical infrastructure support for College of Arts and
Letters computing systems. Services include managing computer
classrooms, network design, implementation and administration,
installing software applications, electronic mail, Internet
related software, interfacing peripherals, virus diagnosis,
file recovery, disk management, operating systems, and procurement
advice. Faculty and staff requests for assistance are initiated
and tracked through an on-line work order system.
Help Desk serves as the point of entry for faculty and staff
who need assistance with computer related problems. Work order
requests for hardware, software, and peripheral problems are
logged into an on-line database used to schedule technical
services. The Help Desk also conducts an extensive software
coaching program for individual faculty and staff in their
office.
South Coastal Information Center (SCIC) contracts with the
California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) to provide
information management for all cultural resources in San Diego
County. SCIC is a source of valuable research data for archaeologists,
historians, and architects. Databases in historic resources
and prehistoric and historic archaeology are maintained and
constantly updated. Site data and building information are
electronically stored, and over 3000 historic and archaeological
reports are available. Geographic information system software
provides accurate mapping of archaeological site data. Student
interns master the basics of historic preservation laws and
regulations, while learning effective cultural resource information
management. The SSRL is located in Professional Studies and
Fine Arts, Room 140.
Biological Field Stations
Albert W. Johnson, Interim Director
The College of Sciences manages three natural reserves that
are available for research and educational activities in biology,
ecology, soils science, hydrology, geology, geography, and
other field sciences. The Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve,
about 4200 acres in area, is located on the San Diego-Riverside
County line near Temecula, and includes the spectacular gorge
of the Santa Margarita River. The recently established Philip
C. Miller Field Station, located on the north rim of the gorge,
has laboratory and dormitory facilities, a weather station,
and experimental eucalyptus plantings. The site lies in rugged
hills and is a mosaic of riparian vegetation, oak woodlands,
grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chamise chaparral, and mixed
chaparral. Elevations range from 500 to 2300 feet. Abundant
wildlife typical of chaparral and woodland areas is found
on the reserve, including mule deer and mountain lions. The
Santa Margarita River, a perennial stream, offers opportunities
for study of stream and riparian systems.
The Sky Oaks Biological Research Station (4400 acres) at
about 4000 feet elevation, is located near Warner Springs
in northern San Diego County adjacent to the Anza-Borrego
Desert State Park and the Cleveland National Forest. Dormitory
and basic laboratory facilities are located on this site.
A diversity of community types is found on the station including
several types of chaparral, extensive oak woodlands, grasslands,
riparian communities, and pine forest. This station has been
the site of several research projects on the effect of fire
on natural vegetation, and stand of chaparral of a variety
of post-fire ages are available for study. Currently, several
major projects studying aspects of global climate change are
underway. Dormitory and basic laboratory facilities are available
on this site.
The Fortuna Mountain Ecological Reserve consists of 500 acres
within the city of San Diego a few miles from the campus within
Mission Trails Regional Park. The reserve is covered by a
mosaic of chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland, and
is adjacent to riparian areas along the San Diego River. Persons
interested in conducting research at one of the ecological
reserves or using them for instructional purposes should contact
the director through the campus Biological Field Stations
at (619) 594-2896 or inquire at the Biology Department, (619)
594-5504.
Facility for Applied Manufacturing Enterprise (FAME)
James S. Burns, Director
The centerpiece of San Diego State Universities manufacturing
endeavors is the Facility for Applied Manufacturing Enterprise.
FAME was planned as an interdisciplinary center-of-excellence
dedicated to science and technology in the area of manufacturing.
Its mission is to provide students with a complete and emersive
product development environment in which to augment their
job experiences with next-century tools and strategies. This
facility evolved from the Computer Integrated Manufacturing
(CIM) center founded in 1988. Since then, it has grown considerably
in physical size and scope. FAME resources include 3000 square
feet of dedicated floor space in the Engineering and Engineering
Laboratory Buildings and another 2000 square feet for student
projects. Manufacturing-related equipment includes plastic
injection, compression, extrusion, pultrusion, resin transfer
molding and vacuum forming equipment, a composite repair station,
ultrasonic scanning equipment, platen presses, mechanical
testing machines, ovens, CNC lathe and mill, automated parts
bin, and four multi-axis robots. A 3î diameter by 15î
long, high-pressure and temperature autoclave facility is
currently under construction.
Donald I. Eidemiller Weather
Station
Edward Aguado, Director
The Donald I. Eidemiller Weather Station serves as a teaching
and research resource. The station receives surface, upper-air
and forecast weather maps via satellite from the National
Weather Service. The station also archives monthly and annual
data published by the National Climatic Data Center and has
been observing and recording local weather information for
more than 35 years.
Microchemical Core Facility
Judith W. Zyskind, Director
The Microchemical Core Facility (MCF) is a component of the
California State University Program for Education and Research
in Biotechnology (CSUPERB). The MCF is a full-service, state-of-the-art
facility that provides DNA synthesis, sequencing, and purification
services for cell and molecular biologists associated with
any of the 22 CSU campuses. In addition, the MCF provides
for CSU faculty access to the most recent advances in computer-assisted
analyses of molecular structure. Located in the Biology Department
at SDSU, the MCF provides state-of-the-art molecular analyses
and characterization to CSU scientists for the lowest possible
cost, as well as fostering the training of university faculty
at all levels
in the most recent techniques available in the molecular
life sciences. Funding for the establishment and maintenance
of the SDSU MCF is derived from the National Science Foundation
with matching funds provided by the State of California. Call
(619) 594-1669 for more information.
Communications Clinic for Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders
Kathee Christensen, Charlotte Lopes,
Diane Williams, Directors
Administered by the Department of Communicative Disorders,
the Clinic provides assessment and remediation services for
SDSU students, staff, faculty, and the community. Comprehensive
diagnostic and treatment programs are available for children
and adults in the areas of delayed speech/language development,
voice, fluency or articulation disorders, aphasia, cleft palate,
cerebral palsy, loss of communication function, hearing loss
and deafness. Also provided are services for bilingual/multicultural
clients and speakers of English as a second language. Audiologic
services provided by the Clinic include hearing assessment,
hearing aid evaluation and selection, assistive listening
device evaluations, earmolds, ear protectors, hearing conservation
and speech reading/aural rehabilitation therapy. In addition,
the Clinic offers opportunities for research, consultation,
supervised field internships, continuing education, and other
service activities. The clinic is located at 6330 Alvarado
Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92120-4917, (619) 594-6477.
University Center on Aging
E. Percil Stanford, Director
The University Center on Aging offers the B.A. in Gerontology.
The Center is active in the area of aging and is involved
with such activities as supporting interdisciplinary educational
and curriculum efforts; undertaking research, demonstration
and evaluation activities; providing technical assistance
and agency consultation for the community; coordinating workshops
and seminars; and providing opportunities for student involvement
in aging activities. The Center is also responsible for the
coordination of a certificate program in conjunction with
the College of Extended Studies and administers an undergraduate
major in gerontology. The Center serves as a central point
for the development and dissemination of minority aging data
nationally.
The Edwin C. Allison Center
for the Study of Paleontological and Geological Sciences
The Allison Center has supported research in paleontology,
geology, and related sciences since 1972. The Center maintains
a research library containing journals, reprints, textbooks,
maps, and copies of master's theses and senior theses completed
in the Geological Sciences. The library is open to faculty
and students. In addition, the Center houses a collection
of fossil and recent vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants.
Research space is available for students, faculty, and visiting
scholars. Small grants, other funds, and equipment are available
to students and faculty for research projects. The Center
also publishes reports of various types containing geological
information related to the southern California and northern
Baja regions.
Center for Asian Studies
Murugappa C. Madhavan, Director
The Center for Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary organization
in the College of Arts and Letters. Drawing upon faculty members
from many fields, campuswide, it performs such services as
(1) developing and administering the Asian studies program
and relevant curricula at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
(2) organizing symposia and seminars on Asian topics; (3)
securing and administering grants and other support for research
and development in Asian studies; (4) coordinating and publicizing
the activities of faculty engaged in Asian-centered studies;
(5) responding to campus and community requests for information
and services; (6) fostering campus and community interest
in Asian studies.
Center for Behavioral and Community
Health Studies
John P. Elder, Director
Alan J. Litrownik, Gregory Talavera, Joni Mayer, and Terry
Conway, Senior Faculty Investigators
The Center for Behavioral and Community Health Studies is
housed at 9245 Skypark Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92113.
The Center, formerly known as The Center for Behavioral Medicine,
was established in 1982 for the purpose of promoting research
and academic programs relevant to the applications of behavioral
science principles to medicine and health care. Administratively,
the Center has three co-directors who report to the deans
of the College of Sciences and the College of Health and Human
Services.
The interdisciplinary center encourages participation from
all colleges and departments of the University. Currently,
active investigators come from the Departments of Exercise
and Nutritional Sciences, Psychology, and the Graduate School
of Public Health. Current Center projects involve collaboration
between scientists and physicians from a variety of specialties
as well as a variety of other institutions, including Scripps
Clinic and Research Foundation, the University of California,
San Diego Medical Center, and the Children's Hospital and
Health Center. Funding for the Center comes from federal and
private foundation grants including several National Institutes
of Health agencies. Current sponsors include the American
Heart Association, Department of Defense, National Cancer
Institute, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the State
of California Department of Health Services, and the University
of California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program.
The Center provides important research experience to students
who intend to pursue related careers and offers opportunities
for project staff and graduate students to participate in
community interventions.
Institute for Built Environment and Comparative
Urban Research (BECUR)
Lawrence A. Herzog, Director
The purpose of the Institute for Built Environment and Comparative
Urban Research (BECUR) is to: (1) study the impact of culture
on the design and shape of the urban built environment; and
(2) understand how cities in different cultural settings are
being transformed by global processes. BECUR provides a forum
for research and dialogue among SDSU faculty and students
on the cross-cultural nature of urban space and urban place.
The Institute is administered by the College of Arts and Letters
and the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. Among
its activities, the Institute promotes public lectures and
conferences, research projects, and networking among urbanists,
social science, planning, design and architectural scholars
both in the region, as well as in other parts of the world.
The Institute is located in Professional Studies and Fine
Arts 177, (619) 594-6964.
Institute for Central and Eastern European
Studies
Yiannis Venieris, Director
The purpose of the Institute is to promote understanding
between the United States and Central and Eastern European
countries through student and faculty exchanges, seminars,
and educational programs. Another goal is to contribute to
the process of economic growth and development in Central
and Eastern Europe by making available appropriate human capital.
The Institute has established a formal relationship with the
Warsaw School of Economics and is in the process of doing
the same with the Prague School of Economics, Czechoslovakia
National Academy of Sciences, as well as similar institutions
in Albania. The purpose of these relationships is to exchange
faculty and students and to effect appropriate technological
diffusion. Students and faculty can obtain more information
by calling the Institute Office at (619) 594-5503, Nasatir
Hall 318.
The June Burnett Institute for Children, Youth, and Families
The June Burnett Institute was created in 1985 at the San
Diego State University Foundation from a $1.5 million bequest
from the estate of June Estelle Burnett. The Institute is
dedicated to developing the potential of all children, youth,
and parents in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to
cultural, social, and economic differences and needs. The
Institute fosters cooperation and collaboration through
interdisciplinary/interprofessional approaches which promote
the well-being of children, youth, and families through prevention,
intervention, and volunteer-based services and which incorporate
training and evaluation as integral elements. An advisory
board composed of SDSU faculty and community members directs
the activities of the Institute in cooperation with 15 core
staff, 30 project staff, 117 stipended volunteers, eight doctoral
level consultants, three graduate interns, and 19 subcontracts
with community service organizations.
The Institute's Prevention Services Division coordinates
the Families and Schools Together Program (FAST) for parents
of elementary students and Home/School Partnership for parents
of Middle School students. Both parent projects entail collaborative
partnerships with community agencies, ethnically identified
organizations and PTA's. The Institute's Volunteer Services
Division administers the California YMCA/CSU PRYDE AmeriCorps
Consortium (a collaboration of five urban YMCA's and CSU campus
training partners in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland/East
Bay and San Francisco), the Safe Zones for Learning-AmeriCorps
Evaluation Project (a collaboration of 15 agencies in the
Mid-City/City Heights area of San Diego), and an evaluation
project focusing on Mid-City for Youth, a collaboration of
over 100 organizations in the Mid-City area. The Institute's
Intervention Services Division, in cooperation with the San
Diego Juvenile Court, the County of San Diego, and the Weingart
Foundation, coordinates the San Diego Choice Program which
serves between 250 and 500 court-involved delinquent youth
annually who are referred by the County departments of Probation
and Social Services, and who reside in the areas of Mid-City/City
Heights, National City, Chula Vista, Escondido, and Vista.
The Burnett Institute Faculty Fellows Program, in conjunction
with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and each fellow's
college dean, sponsors between four and six faculty members
who wish to assist the Institute strengthen service, training
or evaluation efforts in the community. The institute is located
at 6310 Alvarado Court, San Diego, CA 92120, (619) 594-4756.
China Studies Institute
Li-Rong Lilly Cheng, Director
The China Studies Institute coordinates and supports on-campus
teaching and research related to China. The Institute develops
and fosters faculty and student exchange programs with Chinese
universities and institutions of higher learning. Various
cultural programs on China and activities on campus and in
the community promote cultural awareness and understanding.
The development of Chinese publications, audio-visual materials,
periodicals, newspapers, and other resources on campus fosters
relationships between San Diego State University and the Chinese
community, as well as nurtures friendship between the Chinese
and American peoples.
Coastal and Marine Institute
Clive E. Dorman and Susan L. Williams, Co-Directors
The Coastal and Marine Institute provides a focus for oceanography
and marine studies at SDSU. The Institute assists departments
within the University in the development of instructional,
research, and public service aspects of coastal and ocean-oriented
programs and provides special supporting services including
advising students, assistance to faculty and
students in research, preparation of manuscripts, operation
of the SDSU Marine Laboratories and boats at Mission Bay,
and liaison with other institutions and the community. The
Institute is operated as a special unit of the College of
Sciences and is administered by a director and an advisory
council consisting of faculty members elected from participating
departments. Additional information about marine studies is
available from the Coastal and Marine Institute office, or
from the Office of the Dean of the College of Sciences.
Communications Systems and Signal Processing Institute
fredric j. harris, Acting Director
This Institute supports educational and research activities
in communication systems with an emphasis on radio frequency
and digital signal processing aspects. Faculty, students,
and industrial partners participate in developing cores of
expertise in specific related areas meaningful to the technical
community such as R-F circuitry, modems, receivers, transmitters,
synthesizers, A-D and D-A converters, digital signal processing
algorithms and hardware, antennae, and networks. Specific
activities include tutorials, product development, and other
research and development activities.
Center for Computer Simulation
William Root, Director
The Center for Computer Simulation pursues research opportunities
involving the creation of complex simulations, particularly
those addressing challenges in the public sector. The diversity
of fields in which computer simulation now plays a role allows
the Center to provide research opportunities for undergraduate
and graduate students in a wide variety of academic majors.
The Center supports an extensive collection of simulation
software under site license, and maintains cooperative relationships
with prominent public and private sector simulation software
developers to ensure that the Center's capabilities keep pace
with the state-of-the-art. Currently the Center includes members
from the faculties of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science,
Engineering, and Statistics. The Center is administered by
a director appointed by the Dean of the College of Sciences,
and resides in facilities provided by the Department of Mathematical
and Computer Sciences. For information, call the Center for
Computer Simulation office at (619) 594-7238.
Concrete Research Institute
M. Ziad Bayasi, Director
The Concrete Research Institute supports educational needs
in the civil engineering curriculum and concrete research
performed for sponsors from industry and governments. The
Institute encompasses a wide range of topics. The emphasis
is currently on concrete materials and structures. Civil and
environmental engineering faculty members are involved with
finding optimum design solutions in bridges, seismic resistant
structures, residential buildings, and retaining walls.
Counseling and School Psychology
Valerie Cook-Morales, Director
The Center for Counseling and School Psychology is a unit
within the College of Education designed to provide support
for activities such as (1) securing and administering grants
and other support for research and development in counseling
and school psychology, (2) encouraging cooperation with faculty
members from other relevant disciplines such as anthropology,
economics, psychology, social work, sociology, and Counseling
and Psychological Services, and (3) conducting programs or
rendering services designed to promote counseling and school
psychology at San Diego State University. The Center is administered
by the Department of Counseling and School Psychology; fiscal
matters are coordinated through the San Diego State University
Foundation.
Center for Economic Education
Kathleen Mikitka, Director
The Center for Economic Education is a unit within the College
of Education. The center is affiliated with Economics America,
California Council on Economic Education, and the National
Council on Economic Education and has the mission to provide
the following services and functions: (1) inservice training
for teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels;
(2) curriculum development and consultation with school district
personnel; (3) development and distribution of media and materials
on economic education; (4) research in economic education;
(5) consultation with other university faculty as requested;
and (6) workshops, speakers, and materials on economic education
for adult constituencies from business, labor, social, and
professional organizations. The service area for the center
encompasses both San Diego and Imperial counties.
Energy Engineering Institute
Halil M. G¸ven, Director
The Energy Engineering Institute has supported educational
and research activities in energy related areas since 1985.
Undergraduate and graduate students and faculty from the mechanical
engineering and electrical and computer engineering departments
are involved in obtaining solutions to problems presented
by industrial sponsors. Institute research projects cover
a wide range of areas from optimizing energy resources to
international energy studies.
Center for Energy Studies
Alan R. Sweedler, Director
The San Diego State University Center for Energy Studies
(CES) facilitates, promotes and supports research and academic
programs relating to energy, with particular emphasis on energy
matters of concern to the San Diego and local southwest region
including the international border with Mexico. The Center
encourages interdisciplinary research and instructional programs
in the broad areas of energy modeling, technology assessment
of energy systems, local energy policy planning and data collection
relating to energy usage in the San Diego region. SDSU offers
through the Center an interdisciplinary minor in energy studies.
Completion of the minor will give the student a broad understanding
of the technical, economic, social and political aspects of
energy issues. For more information call the Center at (619)
594-6240 or (619) 594-6155. The Center works closely with
local and state agencies concerned with energy policy and
planning, and serves as a community resource in matters concerning
local energy issues and the impact of energy use of the environment.
Entrepreneurial Management Center (EMC)
Sanford B. Ehrlich, Executive Director, Richard D. Brooks,
Director,
Community Relations and Programming
Alex F. DeNoble, Director of Academic Programs
The Entrepreneurial Management Center (EMC) serves the emerging
growth sector of the regional business community. The growth,
development, and success of new business ventures is essential
to the future of the San Diego region. The mission of the
EMC is to assist this sector of the economy through educational
programming focused on the application of the underlying principles
and perspectives of entrepreneurship offered to students,
organizations, and individuals. The range of entrepreneurial
programming offered includes: (1) support for entrepreneurial
academic degree programs, (2) individual knowledge and skill
development, and (3) organizational consulting and development
programming. The entrepreneurial topics presented include
the outcomes of the entrepreneurial process: the creation
of wealth, new enterprises, innovation, organizational change,
increased firm value, and organizational growth. The EMC focuses
programming on both the entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial
process which results in a variety of outcomes essential to
economic development. The EMC sponsors an annual Nasdaq-SDSU
Business Plan Competition which provides students with an
opportunity to present their business ideas to a distinguished
panel of judges. The competition currently involves students
from colleges throughout North America.
Interdisciplinary Center
for Health and Human Services
Charlotte Lopes, Clinical Director
Administered by the Department of Communicative Disorders,
the Center is a multidisciplinary training, research, and
service facility which promotes educational and research opportunities
for SDSU faculty and students in health and human services
fields. The Center's Interdisciplinary Assessment Program
teaches students the skills of interdisciplinary collaboration
as they assess the behavioral, cognitive, communicative, and
educational problems experienced by clients birth to three
years. The Assistive Device Assessment Program provides language,
cognitive, and technical assessments related to augmentative/assistive
devices and systems for individuals who have communication
disabilities.
International Institute for Human Resources
Development in Health and Human Services
Tarek Shuman, Director
Administered through the Office of the Dean of the College
of Health and Human Services, the purpose of this International
Institute is to respond to the urgent global need for human
resources development, particularly in the fields of health
and human services. Specific activities include the development
of education and training programs; promoting relevant research
and model demonstration programs and projects; encouraging
technical cooperation with developing countries; promoting
exchange of information and experience at the international
level; and engaging in the convening of conferences. The Institute
also provides a comprehensive, centralized source of data
and information on human resource development, linking it
to internationally recognized networks, and serving as a repository
and a clearinghouse for information in this field.
International Center for Communications
John M. Eger, Director
The International Center for Communications draws upon the
resources of the University, the community, and the communications
industry to provide the nation's international focal point
in the Pacific in which academic study, innovative research
and practical experience among the private and public sectors
are joined to help solve critical issues confronting the Pacific
region. The Center serves two major purposes: 1) to initiate
dialogues leading to new understanding among the diverse cultural
and community interests of the region; and 2) to link communications
and community in the new relationships essential to fulfilling
the promise of the Pacific world. The goals of the International
Center are to establish an institutional approach to learning,
problem-solving and practical work focusing on the critical
issues of communication and information; to create a new and
dynamic partnership in San Diego between business and industry,
government and academia, redefining and building a sense of
community; and to develop a forum and agenda for research,
discussion and collaboration with other organizations in the
Pacific leading toward the establishment of a permanent Pacific
Dialogue on the Media. In 1995 a Japan-U.S. Telecommunications
Research Institute was founded within ICC to facilitate and
foster improved understanding of new technologies affecting
the Pacific Rim community. The Institute will provide a forum
for U.S. and Japan telecommunications industries ñ
computer, communications, entertainment, broadcasting, cable
and other information industries ñ to share common
interest and concerns about trends in technology and public
policy; and where possible, cooperate on developing an agenda
leading to the creation of new communication infrastructures
particularly in the development of so-called smart communities
both in Japan and in the U.S., and importantly throughout
the Pacific. In 1996, the International Center for Communications
launched a separately-funded California Institute for SmartCommunities
to continue the work it initiated in the early ë90s for
Mayor Susan Golding's City of the Future Commission, and other
communities throughout the State.
Center for the Study of International
Education
Patrick J. Harrison, Director
The Center for the Study of International Education is a
unit of the College of Education. It promotes faculty and
graduate student research, explores study abroad and exchange
possibilities for faculty and students, and disseminates information
about international education to interested persons in the
San Diego area. It also seeks to complement regular course
offerings through sponsorship of lectures, conferences, and
the development of bibliographic resources. The Center seeks
to foster not only a network of interested faculty within
the College of Education but also encourages faculty involvement
from other colleges on campus as well as from other organizations
and universities in the San Diego region.
International Population Center
John R. Weeks, Director
The International Population Center (InterPop) promotes applied
demographic research and the provision of technical assistance
and consulting, especially focusing on population issues and
policy within the San Diego/Tijuana region. Although it is
located in the Department of Geography, InterPop is a multidisciplinary
facility, linking Center faculty from several departments
on campus with Center associates from other organizations
and universities in the San Diego region. The telephone number
for the center is (619) 594-8040.
Institute for International Security and Conflict Resolution
Alan R. Sweedler and Dipak Gupta, Co-Directors
The SDSU Institute for International Security and Conflict
Resolultion (IISCOR) encourages and facilitates teaching and
research in the multidisciplinary area of international security
and conflict resolution. Topics such as nuclear armaments,
international and intranational conflict, sociopolitical violence,
and global environmental issues as they relate to security
are covered. The Institute is a joint effort of the Colleges
of Arts and letters, Professional Studies and Fine Arts, and
Sciences. IISCOR is administered by two co-directors, advised
by an executive committee consisting of faculty members representing
the different disciplines who are interested in the study
of international security and conflict resolution. The Institute
promotes teaching and research by organizing public forums,
faculty and student seminars, developing appropriate curricula
for undergraduate and graduate instruction and facilitating
research and scholarly activities. SDSU offers, through IISCOR,
a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree in International
Security and Conflict Resolution. More information is available
by calling the IISCOR office at (619) 594-6240.
Interwork Institute
Fred R. McFarlane and Ian R. Pumpian, Co-Directors
The Institutes efforts focus on promoting the integration
of individuals including those with disabilities into all
aspects of school, work, family, and community life through
maximum participation. The Institute conducts research, training,
and education using a variety of strategies including distance
learning technologies. Educational and research efforts involve
organizations and individuals in the states, the Pacific Basin,
and Europe. Faculty and staff associated with the Institute
are uniquely prepared to promote the meaningful participation
and productivity of each member of the community. The Institutes
mission is supported through local, state, federal, and international
organizations. The Institutes facilities are located at 5850
Hardy Avenue, Suite 112.
Japan Studies Institute
The Japan Studies Institute coordinates and encourages research
and instructional programs on campus concerning various aspects
of Japan and nurtures ties between the University and organizations
and individuals in the greater San Diego region interested
in Japan and United States-Japan relations. It develops and
fosters student and faculty exchanges between San Diego State
University and Japanese institutions of higher learning; tuition-free
exchange arrangements exist at present with seven public and
private universities located throughout Japan. The Institute
works closely with Japanese and American business, industrial,
and banking establishments in San Diego, addressing research
of mutual interest and drawing support for relevant Japan-focused
courses, seminars, cultural events, lectures, forums, and
workshops offered by the University. The multidisciplinary
Institute also oversees the Liberal Studies Majorñ
Emphasis in Three Departments with a focus on Japan Studies.
The Institute supports the development of Japanese holdings
in the University Library and Instructional Technology Services.
The Institute operates under the jurisdiction of the College
of Arts and Letters, but it draws faculty from across the
campus.
Center for Learning, Instruction,
and Performance Technologies
Brockenbrough S. Allen, Director
The Center's faculty and staff conducts research on the design
and use of technology-based systems for enhancing human learning
and performance, monitors trends in advanced applications
of educational technology and allied disciplines, and evaluates
the effectiveness and usability of educational products and
services. The Center consults with corporations, agencies,
and SDSU affiliates on the design of products for education
and training, arranges for on-site and electronic delivery
of professional development courses and seminars by the nationally
recognized faculty of SDSU Department of Educational Technology,
and coordinates fieldwork and internship opportunities for
advanced graduate students. The Center also offers the services
and capabilities of the College of Education's Educational
Design Research Laboratory to clients who are interested in
rapid prototyping and formative evaluation of educational
products and services. A principle focus of the EDRL is the
use of high technology video and computer systems to capture
and analyze data about the usability and learn ability of
prototype products.
Institute for Leisure Behavior
Gene G. Lamke, Director
The Institute for Leisure Behavior is the research and community
service unit within the Department of Recreation, Parks and
Tourism at San Diego State University. It is primarily concerned
with conducting leisure related research, promoting professional
development, disseminating specialized publications, organizing
conferences, seminars, lectures and workshops. The Institute
is governed by a Board of Directors which, in turn, is advised
by a group of thirteen individuals from park and recreation
and related fields. The Advisory Council has been instrumental
in providing valuable information to the Board concerning
the needs and direction of the leisure services field. The
Institute administers a variety of service programs within
San Diego County. Camp Able at Coronado, an aquatic based
camp for disabled children and adults, operates ten weeks
during the summer at Silver Strand State Beach. The Spring
Valley Park and Recreation District within the San Miguel
County service area (San Diego County) contracts for recreation
services from the Institute for all its residents. Additionally,
the Institute conducts research for local park and recreation
entities as well as the California Department of Parks and
Recreation and the United States Forest Service. The Institute
publishes monographs focusing on important issues relative
to leisure services delivery. These are available to the public
as well as park and recreation practitioners. Research projects
under the direction of the Institute focus on local, state,
national, and international problems related to leisure and
park/recreation services.
Lipinsky Institute for Judaic Studies
Lawrence Baron, Director
The Lipinsky Institute for Judaic Studies, located in the
College of Arts and Letters, serves to coordinate and support
teaching and research in modern Jewish history and contemporary
Jewish and Israeli affairs. Established with contributions
from the San Diego community, the Lipinsky Institute provides
financial support for an annual visiting professor from Israel,
the annual Galinson-Glickman symposium on contemporary Israeli
issues, and the Robert Siegel Memorial Lecture. It also complements
regular course offerings by sponsoring lectures, developing
library resources, fostering research and conducting other
activities that will promote the advancement of Judaic studies
in the University and in the San Diego community.
Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education
Douglas B. McLeod, Director
The Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education
(CRMSE) is an interdisciplinary consortium of faculty interested
in research on substantive questions related to the learning
and teaching of science and mathematics. The Center currently
has members from the faculties of Biology, Mathematical and
Computer Sciences, Physics, Psychology, and Teacher Education.
It is administered by a Director appointed by the Dean of
the College of Sciences and an Associate Director appointed
by the Dean of the College of Education. Through its activities
CRMSE initiates, encourages, and supports the scholarly pursuit
of important theoretical and applied problems in mathematics
and science education. CRMSE supports faculty in their current
research projects and in the preparation of manuscripts for
publication and grant proposals for continued research. The
Center also supports the Doctoral Program in Mathematics and
Science Education that is offered jointly by SDSU and the
University of California, San Diego. The Center is located
at 6475 Alvarado Road, Suite 206, San Diego, CA 92120-5006;
(619) 594-5090; campus mail code 1862.
Molecular Biology Institute
Jacques Perrault, Director
The Molecular Biology Institute was established to serve
interested departments of the biological and physical sciences
in the coordination, support and enhancement of research and
instruction in the molecular biological sciences. Interests
and activities of the MBI encompass all approaches which aim
to explain biology at the molecular level. The MBI sponsors
a weekly seminar series that facilitates faculty and student
interaction with scientists from other institutions. Currently,
full members of the Institute are drawn from the departments
of Biology and Chemistry, and participate in the respective
Ph.D. programs. Associate members are drawn from a variety
of disciplines that are cognate with the molecular biological
sciences. The Institute is also constituted as the university
unit authorized to administer the master's program with an
emphasis in Molecular Biology. The research programs of the
MBI members are supported by a variety of agencies including
the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation,
NASA, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes
Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Department
of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the California
Metabolic Research Foundation. Additional information is available
from the MBI office: (619) 594-7429.
SDSU Institute for Nursing
Research
Catherine E. Loveridge, Director
Administered through the School of Nursing, the purpose of
the Institute is to promote collaboration in the conduct,
dissemination, and utilization of nursing research which will
contribute to the quality of patient care and service. The
Institute provides a forum for research interests and activities,
and also fosters collaborative research efforts among Institute
nurse clinicians and SDSU nursing faculty. This includes identifying
research priorities for individual and multi-site research
projects, and providing consultation for design, method, analysis,
computer services, instrumentation, and manuscript preparation.
The Institute also facilitates grant application and administration
for funded research, as well as the dissemination of research
findings.
Production Center for Documentary and Drama
Jack Ofield, Director
The Production Center for Documentary and Drama was established
to sponsor and create professional films, television programs
and series, and symposia with high artistic and technical
standards, documentary accuracy, and creative originality.
Within the School of Communication, Production Center projects
are integral to the training of senior and graduate students
in the telecommunications and film disciplines who work in
tandem with industry professionals to gain practical experience
in location and studio production. Located in PSFA 325, the
Production Center mentors graduate students and alumni in
the creation of projects that are an expression of their artistic
and technical growth. The Center serves local, national, and
international non-profit entities such as museums, libraries,
performing and visual arts groups and public service, research,
philanthropic and government agencies in the development of
audio-visual programs and assists other SDSU departments in
documenting important projects and programs. Production Center
projects are distributed world-wide, funded from grants and
contracts with industry, government, philanthropy, education
and business, and administered by the SDSU Foundation.
Institute of Public and Urban
Affairs
Louis M. Rea, Director
The Institute of Public and Urban Affairs is located in the
School of Public Administration and Urban Studies. The Institute
was established to conduct research in community and governmental
affairs and to sponsor conferences, colloquia and symposia
related to issues in public administration and affairs including
urban planning, management, and criminal justice administration.
The Institute also publishes occasional working papers and
research monographs. Selected students and faculty of San
Diego State University staff the Institute. An integral part
of the Institute is the Public Administration Center which
contains a specialized and growing collection of research
materials emphasizing issues in public affairs particular
to San Diego and California.
Institute for Public Health
Winnie Willis, Director
Administered through the Graduate School of Public Health,
the mission of the Institute is to serve as a vehicle for
the development and support of functional linkages between
the SDSU Graduate School of Public Health, local public health
agencies, and private organizations in the San Diego community
and neighboring areas, including Mexico. These linkages expand
the availability of University-based public health expertise,
research and information in the areas of biostatistics, environmental
health, epidemiology, health services administration, health
promotion, industrial hygiene, maternal and child health,
occupational health, and toxicology. Specific activities include
collaborative research, technical assistance, consultation,
continuing education and professional development, student
field placement, faculty/practitioner exchange, information
dissemination, and various service activities. The Institute
serves to bridge public health academics and practice by facilitating
meaningful partnerships between faculty, students, and local
practitioners. The Institute offices are located at 6505 Alvarado
Road, Suite 115, (619) 594-2632.
Real Estate and Land Use Institute
(RELUI)
Established in 1983, the Real Estate and Land Use Institute
(RELUI) is the first systemwide research-oriented institute
of its kind in the 23-campus California State University system.
The San Diego regional office of RELUI is located in the College
of Business Administration. RELUI's mission is to promote
education and research in real estate and land use. In support
of this mission, RELUI seeks to (1) support, coordinate, and
manage systemwide and inter- campus research activities; (2)
assist in the development, coordination, and administration
of statewide continuing education programs; (3) obtain funding
sources for education and research activities: (4) promote
the general well-being of undergraduate and graduate study
within the CSU system; and (5) maintain liaison with government
agencies, private industry, and associated organizations with
interest in public policy. RELUI maintains a research and
reference center in the College of Business Administration
where specialized real estate and land use related materials
are available for use by students and faculty. RELUI also
sponsors an internship program for placement of qualified
students with local firms to provide a combined working and
learning experience. Additional benefits accrue to interns
in the form of academic credits and stipends. For more information,
call (619) 594-2301.
Institute for Regional Studies
of the Californias
Paul Ganster, Director
The Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias (IRSC)
provides the University with a neutral forum for the investigation,
discussion, and dissemination of information about the United
States-Mexico border region. The Institute focuses on the
three-state region of California, Baja California, and Baja
California Sur and is also concerned with Mexico and important
issues in the United States-Mexican relationship. IRSC also
monitors border regions elsewhere in the world. Created in
1983, the Institute has undertaken multidisciplinary research
projects on significant regional concerns including transborder
environmental issues, policy perspectives on the California-Mexico
relationship, and the maquiladora industry. The Institute
also maintains a research collection on the border region
and takes an active role in Latin America and Mexico-related
professional organizations. IRSC publishes the Mexico Policy
News for PROFMEX (The Consortium for Research on Mexico) and
the Journal of Borderlands Studies, as well as papers and
monographs on border-related issues and topics. Other Institute
activities include conducting binational symposia, improving
communication between public and private sector representatives
on both sides of the border, serving as a clearinghouse for
information on transborder events, issues, and institutions,
and encouraging the effective use of educational resources
among the region's universities. The Institute serves as a
major link between SDSU and Mexican institutions. IRSC has
underway, a major project on border environmental issues and
public policy. IRSC serves as the SDSU link to the Southwest
Center for Environmental Research and Policy, a congressionally
established consortium of universities for research and policy
studies on environmental issues of the border. The Institute
is located in Nasatir Hall103.
Interdisciplinary Research Center
for Scientific Modeling and Computation
JosÈ E. Castillo, Director
Peter Salamon, Associate Director
The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Scientific Modeling
and Computation (IRC) promotes and supports an excellent environment
for scientific research at SDSU. The Center facilitates the
interaction between applied mathematics and other disciplines
by providing the necessary infrastructure for productive research
efforts. The Center's primary areas of research are numerical
methods, modeling, and simulation. Projects combine insights
from theoretical mathematics and other sciences with expertise
in applied as well as computational mathematics. The Center
sponsors interdisciplinary seminars, colloquia, and workshops
which draw scientists from many fields. Visiting scientists
come to the Center for extended periods from industries and
from other universities, attracted by the conviction that
science and engineering problems benefit greatly from interdisciplinary
efforts. The Center's activities significantly enhance the
ties between applied and computational mathematics at SDSU
by involving faculty and students in projects closely connected
to practical applications. Interested students and faculty
may obtain more information by calling the IRC office at (619)
594-7205.
Center for Social Equity Technical
Assistance
Ruben W. Espinosa and Alberto M. Ochoa, Co-Directors
The Center conducts training and research on issues of social
equity and bilingual/multicultural policy, and provides technical
assistance to districts throughout southern California. The
Center houses projects funded by federal, state and private
sources. Current projects include the Parent Institute, and
the Social Equity project. The Center functions within the
department of Policy Studies in Language and Cross-Cultural
Education at San Diego State University.
Social Policy Institute
Anita S. Harbert, Coordinator
Administered through the School of Social Work, the mission
of this Institute is to assist local and state, public and
private sector leaders in the development of policies and
programs that better meet the needs of the people of San Diego
County and the State of California. This is fulfilled by examining
health and human service issues and problems through conducting
research and evaluations; reviewing existing studies and reports
at the local, state, and national levels; and preparing recommendations
for dissemination to elected officials, special commissions,
task forces, business executives, community leaders, and administrators
of major institutions. Results, findings, and information
are communicated through published professional monographs
and journal articles, professional meetings and conferences,
op-ed newspaper essays, testimony to political bodies, such
as the County Board of Supervisors and State Legislators,
a computer web site, news conferences, and interviews with
electronic media representatives. Scholars from several departments
within the University individually and in collaboration lend
their expertise to the analysis of regional health and human
services problems. Issues of focus include children, youth,
and family concerns, aging and the elderly, mental health,
health care delivery, welfare reform, family violence, immigration,
community economic development, diversity and discrimination,
and homelessness.
Center on Substance Abuse
Anita S. Harbert, Director and Annette R. Smith, Coordinator
Administered through the School of Social Work, the Center
was established in 1985 with a primary mission of facilitating
the development of knowledge and skills for the prevention
and treatment of alcohol and drug problems. Goals include
developing and supporting projects in substance abuse research,
curriculum, and community service. The Center serves as an
administrative umbrella for several projects, including Student
to Student, providing campus-wide substance abuse prevention,
the SPAN certificate program in Human Services for persons
recovering from chemical dependency and related problems,
and the Central District Driving Under the Influence Program,
providing education and counseling for court-ordered offenders
in the central judicial district of San Diego County. Other
projects have included the College Life Alcohol Prevention
Project, providing awareness of issues related to family alcoholism,
the Child Welfare Substance Abuse Training Project, the Neighborhood
House Head Start Substance Abuse Training Project, and the
production of a substance abuse training video for child welfare
workers. In addition, the Center has been involved in the
training of several hundred community professionals in substance
abuse intervention, and participates in the San Diego Intercollegiate
Consortium for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and on the
professional development committee of the California Addiction
Training and Resource Center at UCSD. The Center office is
located at 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 101, (619) 467-6828.
The Student-to-Student office is located on-campus, (619)
594-5803. The DUIP and the SPAN programs are also at Sky Park
Court. DUIP (619) 467-6810. SPAN (619) 715-0860.
California Institute for Transportation Safety
Sheila Sarkar, Director
The California Institute for Transportation Safety is host to
the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), a state-wide
organization devoted to increasing traffic safety awareness
among companies in major metropolitan areas in California. The
Institute builds on the success of the transportation program
at San Diego State University and expands research into the
transportation safety area and develops safety-related curriculum
with funding from state and local governments. The Institute
offers hands-on experience for students involved in projects
in the area of transportation safety.