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 graduate 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. ​

Karen parada
​project 1: diabetes & malaria

I have a love for all things gross and gory in science. During my Masters program, I hope to narrow down my interest for a Doctoral program and gain experience in undergraduate teaching. In my free time I enjoy cooking, netflixing, hiking, and grossing people out with microbe fun facts! 

Current undergraduate students

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. ​

FORMER GRADUATE STUDENTS

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