Faculty Affiliates

Biography

Dr. Bianca Villalobos (she/her/ella) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and co-director of the SALUD Lab. She obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Arkansas and completed a pre-doctoral internship at Yale’s Clínica Hispana. Afterward, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Mental Health Disparities and Diversity Program at the Medical University of South Carolina where she provided Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to children and families via telehealth and home-based services. Dr. Villalobos’s research examines the feasibility of evidence-based interventions for Latinxs, novel service delivery models (i.e., primary care behavioral health, telehealth), and the role of cultural values in help-seeking. She is a bilingual (English-Spanish) psychologist and is passionate about training the next generation of culturally responsive researchers and providers. 

* Only accepting Student Research Assistants for Spring 2027.

Media

Lab Website: www.csunsalud.com 

Biography

Dr. Jo Anne Shwayder Pandey is an Educational Psychologist with more than 19 years of University teaching experience in Child Development, Psychology, and Research Methods and more than 10 years of experience on research and development projects in Nepal focusing on mitigating challenges in education with a focus on mental health in rural Nepal such as the 2015 earthquake and distance learning during COVID. Dr. Pandey was highly engaged in Nepal during these two important crises working directly with teachers, hospitals, clinics and government officials to get the right help to the places where it was most needed.  From December 2025 to January 2026 she will be conducting research as a Fulbright Specialist on the effectiveness of the Kathmandu Municipality City School system’s Book Free Friday initiative. Dr. Pandey combines research, teaching, and community-based interventions to promote child well-being and education in culturally relevant ways. She is heavily involved in the Nepalese-American community across California most recently serving as the President of the Global Nepali Professional Network, a 501-c3 non-profit organization. 

Biography

Dr. Hernandez Rodriguez is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at CSUN. His research focuses on pathways that lead to maladjustment in Latinx youth. Recently, his focus has been on understanding how trauma and stress (e.g., immigration) impact Latinx youth and families and their ability to access mental health services. In addition to his work with youth, Dr. Hernandez Rodriguez is interested in diversifying the psychology workforce by mentoring and training diverse students. More of his work can be found at www.csunsalud.com 

Media

Lab Website: www.csunsalud.com 

Biography

Dr. Kader Tekkas-Kerman is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Her academic leadership is grounded in a commitment to equity, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on preparing future nurses for the complexities of global health.

Dr. Tekkas-Kerman’s research focuses on gender-based violence, public health, psychosocial well-being, and health equity within culturally diverse populations. She co-developed the Social Abuse Scale (SAS), a psychometric instrument designed to assess social abuse in intimate relationships, which she has validated across international contexts including Turkey and South Korea. Her interdisciplinary work integrates nursing, psychology, and public health perspectives to promote health equity and inform culturally responsive interventions.

She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Global Health from the University of Washington, where she developed a strong foundation in cross-cultural health research and global health systems. Before joining CSUN, Dr. Tekkas-Kerman served as an Assistant Professor at Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey, and was a Visiting Scholar at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. In addition to her academic roles, she has contributed meaningfully to community and professional organizations. She served as Young Professionals Internship Program Coordinator for UN Women USA Los Angeles and currently serves on the board of the Gamma Tau-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Publication:

 View full list of publications here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gZzugM0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao 

What I Look for in a Potential Student Research Assistant or Trainee

As a researcher focused on intimate partner violence, sexism, gender roles, cultural sensitivity, and health equity, I value students who are deeply curious about social and behavioral determinants of health and passionate about addressing disparities through evidence-based research. I look for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and a strong sense of empathy for vulnerable populations.

Ideal trainees are motivated to learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of research including literature review, data management, and critical appraisal and are open to developing skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis. 

Collaboration, accountability, and a growth mindset are essential. I seek students who are proactive communicators, willing to ask questions, meet deadlines, and engage thoughtfully with feedback. Above all, I value a commitment to ethical research and a genuine desire to contribute to knowledge that promotes safety, empowerment, and equity in healthcare and communities.

Biography

Kimberlie earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Literature from UC Santa Cruz, where she first set out to become a plant biologist. Along the way, she realized that what she loved most about science was the process of discovery and the importance of making knowledge accessible to everyone. This led her to pursue my MLIS, along with a graduate certificate in Disability Studies, to explore how libraries can be reimagined as inclusive, empowering spaces for all learners.

Her research and professional practice focus on trauma-informed librarianship, open science as a form of reparative justice, and community-building through creative, equitable approaches to information sharing. She is particularly interested in how libraries can help rebuild trust between historically marginalized communities and research institutions. As the STEM Librarian at CSUN, she working to actualize these commitments through programming and scholarship. Recent projects include Bridging Ethnic Studies and the Sciences, an event exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and scientific knowledge, and a zine-making workshop series that uses art and storytelling to promote mental wellbeing, health equity, and community connection.

What I Look for in a Student Research Assistant/Trainee

I enjoy working with students who are curious, reflective, and open to interdisciplinary approaches—especially those who want to combine creativity, research, and social justice. I value students who are thoughtful collaborators, committed to equity, and interested in exploring how information systems can both reflect and challenge structures of power. Strong communication skills, initiative, and a willingness to learn new tools or methods (whether creative, digital, or research-focused) are all qualities I appreciate.

I am really open to working with students of all majors and backgrounds and developing a research project with them. However, I do have a couple of project ideas where it could be useful if there are any students who have a background or willingness to learn data visualization (like R) and ArcGIS specifically.

Biography

Kristin King MFA, ASID, IDEC, IES, NCIDQ is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Interior Design at California State University, Northridge, and Principal of KKID, a bi-coastal, multi-disciplinary design practice.  Her teaching and research are grounded in human-centered design, with a focus on how material, sensory, and construction systems shape lived experience. She integrates interior and lighting design with environmental psychology, exploring how environments influence well-being, inclusion, and equity.

Her current project, Rethinking the Classroom Through a Trauma-Informed Lens, employs immersive tools and trauma-informed design principles to reimagine learning environments that support student success. This work was recently featured in the November 2025 Issue of Delve Magazine, Designing for Healing Section, presented to the Attachment and Trauma Network in February 2026 at The Learning Brain Exchange Conference, and along with her co-author, Growing @ Home, will be conducting a workshop, Creating Trauma Informed Personalized Support Spaces (TIPSSTM) that Foster Regulation and Resilience in May 2026.  She has also contributed to the California State University Basic Needs Consortium, examining how design can address issues of access and well-being for college students.

Kristin’s scholarship includes a chapter in Reconstructing Perceptions of Systemically Marginalized Groups (2023), where she applied the psycho-sociocultural framework to highlight the role of basic needs in shaping campus climate and student outcomes. Across her research, she emphasizes design as both a pedagogical method and a social justice tool, using space-making to foster empathy, wellness, and inclusion.

Through her interdisciplinary collaborations, national presentations, and applied projects, Kristin advances the idea that design is not only aesthetic but transformative, a medium for equity, resilience, and human flourishing.

Biography

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I lived until I obtained my BSc degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires (majored in Biology).

Then I moved very far North, to Toronto, Canada. There I got my PhD degree from the Department of Medical Biophysics at University of Toronto. For my doctoral dissertation, I worked with cells in culture, investigating molecular pathways used by cancer cells to survive during metastasis. I also began my postdoctoral training in Toronto, using sea urchin larvae to try and understand how genes make immune systems.

But after seven proud Canadian winters, my wife and I decided that it was time to give SoCal a try. We moved to San Diego, where I continued my postdoctoral training, first at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and then at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where I investigated the genetic mechanisms underlying alternative cell fate decisions in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly).
In late 2012, the lab where I was doing my postdoc moved from The Salk Institute to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which brought me a little closer to my new home, the Department of Biology at CSUN.

Lab Website: https://lozacollcsunbio.wordpress.com

Biography

Dr. Nasrin Golshany is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University, Northridge. As an architect and lighting scientist, her research focuses on the interplay between the built environment and human health, particularly through Human-Centric Lighting Design and age-friendly spaces. Dr. Golshany specializes in healthcare design, environmental psychology, and sustainable architecture, employing advanced tools like simulation and virtual reality to investigate how indoor environments impact human outcomes. She holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Oregon and has authored over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Her evidence-based approach aims to solve complex design challenges, enhancing comfort and sustainability in built environments. Dr. Golshany has collaborated with interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary researchers in various fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and engineering, aiming to address critical health and design issues and promote well-being at both individual and communal levels.

What Do You Look For in a Potential Research Assistant/Intern?

I am looking for student research assistants who are curious, motivated, and passionate about the intersection of design, health, and human well-being. The ideal candidates should be detail-oriented, reliable, and possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Proficiency in relevant technical tools and a willingness to learn new ones are essential, along with effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates who share a strong commitment to health equity and sustainability will find their values align well with my research focus.

Projects

Exploring the Influence of Spatial Patterns and Correlated Color Temperature on Cognitive Performance and Wayfinding Behavior of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairments

This research examines how human-cen-tric lighting influences cognitive performance and wayfinding abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairments. Using real and virtual environments, including 3D lighting models, we aim to understand the impact of light level, color temperature, and spatial patterns on cognitive functions and wayfinding. The study addresses two key questions: 1) How do different light modes impact cognitive performance and wayfinding in older adults? 2) What variations exist in wayfinding behavior and cognitive performance between individuals with and without cognitive impairments in different lighting conditions? Our findings will inform non-pharmacological interventions for wayfinding in cognitively impaired older adults, with potential applications for therapeutic healthcare environments

Beyond the Walls: Enhancing Learning Environments through Nature-Infused

This project engages interior design students at California State University Northridge, to investigate the potential impacts of views to nature in classrooms on students’ cognitive performance and mental fatigue. Through the application of virtual environment techniques, this research delves into the significance of providing visual access to nature and optimal daylighting in classrooms, exploring their impact on student’s mental health and overall well-being. Despite the well-established benefits of nature views in various settings, some educational facilities have embraced windowless classroom designs. Originally introduced to mitigate external distractions and control energy costs, these designs are prevalent in certain schools. In this collaborative effort, we investigate the effects of different typologies of nature views and varied daylighting conditions by simulating diverse classroom settings within virtual environments. These environments replicate the physical characteristics of a classroom situated in Sequoia Hall at CSUN. Participants will engage in cognitive tasks, including trail-making and attention tests, within these virtual environments, allowing for the measurement of mental fatigue and cognitive performance. The study aims to offer insights that can inform the design of classrooms conducive to mental well-being and academic success.

The outcomes will provide valuable recommendations for crafting healthy educational spaces, contributing to the enhancement of students’ health, alleviating anxiety, and mitigating depression-like behavior. Ultimately, this research strives to foster supportive learning environments that positively impact students’ holistic development.

Check out Dr. Nasrin Golshany's research talk here.

Publications

1. Ghamari, H., & Golshany, N. (2024). Visual Attributes of Wayfinding in Care Facilities by Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal. (Accepted & in-press).
2. Golshany, N., & Elzeyadi, E. (2024). The Impact of Spatial Light Patterns on Perception, Mood, and Preference of Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities. Leukos, The Journal of The Illuminating Engineering Society. (Accepted & in-press).
3. Golshany, N., & Elzeyadi, E. (2023). Comparing the Cognitive Performance of Older Adults in A Lighting System Between A Real Space and A Virtual Reality Display. Journal of Environmental Psychology. (In-press).
4. Golshany, N., & Elzeyadi, E. (2023). Investigating the Impact of Spatial Patterns and Colour of Light on The Cognitive Performance of Older Adults in An Immersive Virtual Environment. Journal of Environment and Behavior. (In-review).
5. Ghamari, H., & Golshany, N. (2021). Wandering Eyes: Using Gaze-Tracking Method to Capture Eye Fixations in Unfamiliar Healthcare Environments. HERD, 19375867211042344. Advance Online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867211042344.
6. Ghamari, H., Golshany, N., Rad, P. N., & Behzadi, F. (2021). Neuro-architecture Assessment: An Overview and Bibliometric Analysis. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 12(3), 585–606. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe11020042.

Biography

Steve Graves is the 6th of 7 children from a small industrial city in Ohio. He holds degrees from Ohio State, Ohio University, Miami of Ohio and the University of Illinois. In addition to a host of lower division courses, he teaches medical geography, crime geography and business geography at California State University. Steve loves to travel, read nerdy fiction, watch college football and listen to music. His research is centered around GIS, health geography, and social justice.

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/gravesgeography/

Publications

• View full list of publications here.

Research Projects

• Health Hazards Project
• CSUN Food Desserts Project Map

Biography

Svetlana V. Tyutina is an Associate Professor of Spanish and the Director of Spanish Graduate program at California State University, Northridge. She holds a doctoral degree in Romance linguistics from Herzen State University of Russia (Saint Petersburg) and in Latin American literature from Florida International University (Miami/FL).
Her research interests include LSP (languages for specific purposes), HIPs (high impact practices), PBL (project-based learning), and CBL (community-based learning and community engagement) in the field of foreign languages and literatures, as well as Hispanic Orientalism. She is an author of numerous articles and presentations on these topics, including “Comparative Study of Spanish and English through Service Learning” (2018), “Finding Balance between Practice and Theory in a Translation Course” (2017), “The Debate between Eurocentrism and Americanism in the Eighteenth-Century Castas Paintings” (2016), and “Cantar de mio Cid: Creation of the Founding Paradigm of Hispanic Orientalism” (2012). In 2023, in collaboration with the contemporary Mexican author Guillermo Adrián Sánchez González and CSUN students from several departments, Dr. Tyutina published a bilingual book of short stories about Mexican deaf community Escuchar sin oír: Relatos de silencio (Listening without Hearing: Tales of Scilence).

Looking For Research Assistants/Interns?

• Yes (looking for bilingual (Spanish/English) and monolingual (English) RAs to support ongoing research related to CBL translation and interpreting projects.

Current Projects

• Legal interpreting externship with the LA Superior Court
• CBL medical interpreting project in collaboration with CSUN HERE Center

Previous Projects

• CBL literary translation project in collaboration with MLG International translation company and contemporary Mexican authors writing about Mexican Deaf community.
• CBL business interpreting CSUN-wide project in collaboration with CSUN VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Clinic)

Biography

I am a new Assistant Professor at CSUN, in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. I am an international scholar originally from Hong Kong.

My research areas of interest are primarily in epidemiology, occupational health psychology, psychiatry, cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic biomarkers, the societal and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial and socioeconomic inequalities and disparities in population and public health, psychosocial stressors, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

I am actively looking for student research volunteers and am open for potential student research trainees, especially those interested in epidemiological health and disease research, graduate/medical school aspirations, and with programming or statistical experience.

Publication:

My Google Scholar link with my publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=5Fev7l4AAAAJ&hl=en

Biography

Zeynep Toker, Ph.D. is a proponent of community participation in urban planning. In partnership with local government agencies and nonprofit organizations from various socioeconomic status neighborhoods in Los Angeles for service-learning projects at California State University, Northridge, she supervised undergraduate student research related to streetscape and walkability. She also collaborated with other faculty to supervise community-based resilience planning projects in the Master of Urban Planning program. Her research focuses on improving public health in predominantly Latino neighborhoods by improving the built environment characteristics.