Dr. Nazzy Pakpour

I joined the faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences at CSU East Bay in the Fall of 2015. I have loved insects my whole life and once spent a summer at the Smithsonian Insect Museum doing daily tarantula feedings for the public. I find the weird weird world of parasites endlessly fascinating and thoroughly enjoy the challenge of research. While I approach my scientific research with great passion, I am also fully committed to the teaching and mentoring of students, during their time at CSUEB and beyond. I am also the mother of two crazy and wonderful kids.
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 2008-2015 Post-doctoral studies, Laboratory of Dr. Shirley Luckhart
            University of California Davis, Davis, CA
2008 Ph.D., Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology
            University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA  
1999 B.S., Entomology, English minor      
            University of California Davis, Davis, CA 

current students

Elle Yuen
project 1: diabetes & malaria

Plants and animals have been a life-long love of mine and I have always been that curious child that asked how or why. Now, I am an aspiring Biology graduate student in the Biotechnology Certificate Program. Through my undergraduate work, I have also discovered an interest in teaching. (B.S., Biology, UC Santa Cruz, 2014)

Sheng ly
PROJECT 1: DIABETES & MALARIA

I am currently biology graduate student at CSUEB. I have a passion for science. I enjoy researching, learning, and teaching. When I grow up, I aspire to be a scientist, or a beach bum. I received my B.S. in Molecular and Microbial Biology from CSU Stanislaus in 2016.      

cody mcdermott
PROJECT 1: DIABETES & MALARIA

My research area of interest is in the immune response of Type 2 Diabetes mice, and determining its role in increasing transmission of malaria parasites. I also enjoy relaxing with my wife and friends, sleeping, and eating free samples at Costco. ​

Danny avila
project 1: diabetes & malaria (mosquito wrangler)

I am an undergraduate Biochemistry major born and raised in East LA. Science has captivated me for as long as I remember. When I’m not playing with my dog Nacho, I enjoy learning and expanding my knowledge in the fields of Chemistry, Biology, and Technology. I have conducted research on pesticide resistance in the native Culex pipiens mosquito here at the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. I am now applying those skills as I help rear Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes here at CSU East Bay.

madison salvato
PROJECT 3: INSECT PETTING ZOO

 I am a second year student at CSUEB, and I am currently pursuing a BA in Art with an option in Graphic Design. I have always had a love for animals, particularly the ones that are more creepy and crawly. I hope to be able to use my skills to create more accessible knowledge and information for animals and critters that don't get the same love and attention as your average 'pet' animals do.

Heather holme
​Project 3: insect petting zoo

I am a third year Physiology and Statistics student at CSUEB. I enjoy the discipline and innovative spirit of research. With the Insect Zoo, I hope to expand people’s knowledge of insects and enthusiasm for scientific inquiry. ​

Matias pinedo
project 3: insect petting zoo (water striders)

I am a senior at CSUEB pursuing my B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. I enjoy discovering new ideas and tend to wander off the beaten path. I hope that with my project I can help scientists in my own unique way.

Charlie cote
project 3: insect petting zoo (tarantulas)

​I am a first year transfer student originally from College of the Sequoias. I am currently pursuing a BS in Biology with an option in Physiology. I hope to expand people's minds by teaching them about the insects in our petting zoo, and push people's preconceived notions about arachnids aside so that they may learn to love the little things in life.

Danielle Ogata
project 3: insect petting zoo

I am a senior pursuing a BS degree in General Biology. I enjoy the hands-on aspect of the sciences. In today's rapidly urbanizing society, I hope to demonstrate the importance of staying connected to and understanding our natural surroundings. The insect petting zoo is an exciting and fun way to do this.

caroline kotchevar
​project 3: insect petting zoo

I am a senior pursuing my BS in Biology.  I hope that through my participation in the insect zoo I can help the students gain a greater appreciation for the world around them and open their minds to see that science can be fun.

Kanoa redic
project 3: insect petting zoo

I am a senior atcurrently pursuing a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology. I have developed a passion in teaching
throughout my college career and am always pursuing opportunities that allow me to further develop this skill. I had a fear of insects as a child, which came from not knowing much about them. Over the years that fear subsided and I became more interested in them. I hope that with this opportunity that I get to show the younger generation that insects aren't something to be scared of, but rather beings that live in our environment that are beneficial to it.

FORMER STUDENTS

NESREEN ALBANNA graduated June 2018 with a B.S

ALLEN ESTERLY graduated in June 2016 with a B.S. and was employed at the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Texas - Medical Branch.

MARIO GUMINA graduated in 2017 with a M.S and is currently attending medical school.

JASBINDAR KAUR graduated June 2018 with a B.S
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REZA KHORASANI graduated in 2017 with a B.S. and will be starting Dental School at UCSF in the Fall of 2017.

​BEVERLY NON-GARCIA graduated in 2017 and is currently in the process of becoming a CLS.

​VICTORIA PARTIDA-YOUNG graduated in 2017 with a B.S., she is currently employed as a prevention/outreach for the Native American Health Center and is also volunteering as an HIV care coordinator. She plans to pursue CLS programs in the future.

​ANTHONY SALVATO graduated in 2017 with a B.S. and is currently applying to PhD programs. 

​CHRISTOPHER TAT graduated in 2016 with a B.S. and is currently working for Alameda County Community Development Agency as an agricultural and standards aid utilizing the diverse range of skills sets he gained at the Pakpour Lab.