1. Sonoma State University School of Science and Technology

2. Departments Biology Chemistry Computer Science Engineering Science Geology Kinesiology Mathematics Nursing Physics & Astronomy

3. What makes us special? Faculty-Student Interaction –individual mentoring –research and projects –active classrooms –friendly and personable environment Newly Remodeled Facilities Excellent Career/Grad School Preparation

4. Biology Dr. Karina Nielsen Ph.D Oregon State University 1998 Area of Interest: Marine Biology

5. Biology at SSU one of the largest majors on campus with 300 students curriculum emphasizes lab and field courses, participation in research many modern and multidisciplinary courses (molecular and cell biology, ecology, evolution, physiology) thesis based master of science state-of-the-art facilities (DNA sequencing lab, William Keck Micro-imaging and Analysis lab) field courses make use of Fairfield Osborn Preserve and Fred B Galbreath Wildlands Preserve

6. Chemistry Dr. Carmen Works Ph.D UC Santa Barbara 2001 Area of Interest: transition metals in biological systems

7. Computer Science Dr. Lynn Stauffer Ph.D UC Irvine, 1994 Area of Interest: Design and analysis of algorithms and data structures

8. Computer Science at SSU What is computer science? The study of computation - what can be computed and how to compute it. Who is a computer scientist? A computer scientist likes to: solve problems create new things stay atop of technology

9. Why major in computer science? –Intellectually challenging and engaging scientific problems remain to be understood and solved –Career options abound for computer scientists " Computer science graduates will be in greater demand than ever over the next 15 years," Bill Gates, October 2005

10. Why major in computer science? Combine CS with interests in other fields –Biology - bioinformatics –Business - commercial databases –English - technical writing –Law - cyberlaw –Law Enforcement - cybercrime Can major in CS and go on to careers in medicine, law, business, politics, arts, science, engineering, and other fields

11. Mathematics Dr. Brigitte Lahme Ph.D Colorado State University, 1999 Area of Interest: Mathematics Education, Dynamical Systems and Algebra

12. Career Options for Math Majors Applications: Companies and government agencies search out math majors to work in financial, engineering, public service, and more settings. Education: California has a critical need for math teachers. The secondary education track puts you in an excellent position to help students succeed. Other professions: Math majors have some of the highest success rates in professional programs such as law school and business school, because they have proven that they can solve challenging problems and think logically.

13. Mathematics at SSU  Pure Mathematics (BA)  Statistics (BS)  Applied Mathematics (BS)  Computer Science Option (BS)  Secondary Teaching (BA) Other Fields and Double Majors

14. Physics and Astronomy Dr. Lynn Cominsky Ph.D MIT 1981 Area of Interest: NASA Education and Public Outreach for High- energy Astronomy missions (black holes, pulsars, supernovae)

15. Physics & Astronomy at SSU B.S. degree in Physics & Applied Physics B.A. degree in Physics About 36% go to graduate school:

18. Physics & Astronomy at SSU Research in materials science, high- magnetic field materials, adaptive optics and observational astronomy NASA employs up to 6 students each year to support satellite missions Two telescopes: SSU Observatory and NASA robotic telescope….and one more even larger one on the way at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve

19. Galbreath Wildlands Preserve >3700 acres, donated to SSU School of Science & Technology Field trips for Biology and Geology students Excellent dark site at ~1500 foot elevation

20. Activities in the School of S&T Department colloquia - weekly –Biology - Thursdays 12-1 pm –Chemistry - Thursday 12 - 1 pm –Computer Science - Thursdays 12 - 1 pm –Mathematics - Wednesdays 4 - 5 pm –Physics & Astronomy - Mondays 4 - 5 pm

21. Activities in the School of S&T Fairfield Osborn Preserve –Hikes, Workshops, School Field Trips Northern California Undergraduate Math Conference April 8, 2006 National Chemistry Week Public Viewing Nights at the SSU Observatory