First-Year Faculty

I received my B.A. in History and English and my M.A. in English Literature from CSUDH, where I also completed the English Department’s certification program for the teaching of rhetoric and composition. As a graduate student, I worked alongside instructors in the English Department to provide tutoring and academic support services for students in Freshman Composition. I began teaching for the English Department at CSUDH as an instructor of record shortly after completing my Master’s degree and have spent the past six years working with students at all levels of reading and writing. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy researching and writing about monsters, the gothic, and science fiction/fantasy studies.

Communicate regularly with your instructor and don't be afraid to ask for help when you feel stuck. We're are here to help.

I am a first-generation college student, Guatemalan-American Latina, who enjoys reading, viewing documentary films, and cooking. I enjoy spending time with my family and walking my German Shepherd, Bella. I earned my BA in English Literature and my MA in English from CSULB. I earned my PhD from The Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University.

Here are a few of tips I hope you’ll find helpful if you want to be successful in my course: 1) Attendance is of the utmost importance. If Zooming has taught us anything, nothing compares to being engaged in your course and learning in person along with your peers. 2) Learn to use a note-taking system that works for you. I can teach you a few types that have worked for my students in the past. 3) Go to office hours! Spending time with your professor after class doesn’t have to be weird. In fact, it can be the key to your success (plus, I have snacks in my office). 4) Learn how to make coffee. You’ll need it.

I received my MFA from CSU Long Beach. I love to write, bake bread, distance swim, and watch the oddest Sci Fi I can find.

"To me, the best thing a student can do is ask questions. You're here to learn and to take some control of your educational journey, so dig in, get curious, and ask."

I received my B.A. in English from the University of Southern California and my M.A. in English from Claremont Graduate University. I like reading postmodern paranoid crime novels. And, I’m an avid country music fan—only the old stuff.

"Writing can be an insightful and expressive experience, but it can also be terribly difficult, even for those of us who enjoy it. Writing takes time. Don’t be discouraged if you find yourself struggling."

CSU, Dominguez Hills has been, for nearly twenty years now, my second home. I earned my B.A. and my M.A. here, and I am humbled and honored each day to teach at this proud university. This fall will mark my ten-year anniversary as a composition instructor at DH, and I have cherished the opportunity to get to know and to learn from literally thousands of talented, proud, and inspiring young Toros.

Remember that you deserve to be here. You've earned it, and you belong. Welcome to our rich and vibrant community.

I have two master's degrees in English--one from University of Houston and another from University of Oregon. I am originally from Houston, Texas, though I've been on the west coast for a while now. Besides spending time with my wife and dog, I enjoy cooking, reality television, reading, and crafting. Pronouns: she/her.

The most important thing you can do is ask for help when you need it. If my expectations are unclear, tell me! I can't effectively teach if I'm not being clear about assignment goals or lecture explanations. If something is preventing you from succeeding in school, please let me know so I can support you. My goal is for you to have the support and skills you need to succeed.

I am an English Lecturer with my BA and MA in English Literature from CSUDH. I am proud to teach at the same campus that I transferred into as a student. I do my best to bring in my corporate experience into the classroom with real life examples and applications for what we discuss and the skills we hone. I also try to bring in a bit of fun and fresh air. My punk rock soul embraces the unique artistry in all of us. Together, we will create the way you can shine in the written forms no matter what genre you choose.

Speak up! Ask questions! Don't let someone else quiet your voice.

I earned both my BA and my MA at CSUDH, so I am a proud Toro alumna! I genuinely love working with brand new college students and helping them adjust to the demands of college and adulthood. Everyone has something important or interesting to communicate, and I want to help them find the best way to do so.

Don't ever be afraid to tell your instructors you are struggling. We are here to help you, and we have so many resources to help you succeed.

My name is Mansoureh Beheshti and I have taught undergraduate level mathematics at California State University Dominguez Hills for nine years and I love my job working with students. My research interests is mathematics education. I reside in the south bay area and love biking on the beach and hiking trails of southern California.

Congratulations on starting a new academic endeavor. You should be very proud! I will give you just one simple and practical advice: Everyday try to do at least a small part of your weekly school load and don't leave everything until the end of the week. If you can do this, you will learn better because it's gradual. You will also be stress-free the entire semester which is the key.

Jessalyn Bolkema loves math, her cats, her friends and family, and living in Los Angeles (not necessarily in that order). She is committed to making sure everyone has a positive experience with mathematics and is excited to be part of the mathematical community at CSUDH. After earning a bachelor's degree in math from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, she went on to study at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, earning her PhD in 2018. Her research is on the topic of coding theory: the mathematics of reliable transmission of information.

You don't have to go it alone! Your instructors and your peers are here to help you succeed. Find your team and get to work.

Welcome

Go Toros!

Hello, my name is Carla Gorbea. I have been an Instructor at CSUDH since 2013. Before that I was the SI Math Coordinator for Encounter to Excellence. Before working at CSUDH, I worked in EOP at CSLA, where I received my B.A. in Single Subject Teaching Mathematics. I graduated from CSUDH in 2015 with my Masters in Teaching Mathematics. I have always enjoyed helping others in this commonly known difficult subject. Though I have only been an Instructor since 2013, I do have 10 years of experience with the SI program. I started as and SI, and moved my way up to Team Leader, where I got the opportunity to train other SI's on collaborative teaching strategies.

Do not give up on yourself! When things seem to get difficult, please reach out to your instructors. We are here to help in any way we can.

Sharon Lanaghan has been a Lecturer in the Mathematics department at CSUDH since 2013. She has over 20 years of experience teaching and training teachers in elementary, middle and high school, as well as higher education. As the CSUDH STEM Pathway Coordinator, she is dedicated to helping students succeed as STEM majors by designing instruction that engages students and pushes them to make sense of what they are learning. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping.

The advice my high school English teacher gave me has served me well: 'Don't get behind!' Fully engage in the college experience, but make sure you are keeping up with your classes. It can be hard to catch up once you get behind!

The students should login to black board to check all information from their instructors .The first year students should get in Toro learning and testing center (TLTC) any time they need help. The students also need to check their CSUDH email everyday.

The students should show up and pay attention for every class meeting.

Dr. Lee has been teaching Mathematics for 30 years including 20 years of online teaching. She recognizes that in order to maximize a student’s level of education, educators must implement alternative teaching methods while constantly assessing and improving curricula. This revolutionary approach has shown to both engage and inspire students in class. Dr. Lee was born in Taiwan and lived in Brazil; she speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese. She has received awards and accolades: Orange County, California Certificate of Merit for Teachers of the Year, and National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Teaching Excellence Award in 2008.

Your success is just one click away. Adaptation, perseverance, and determination will help you attain your goals.

My name is Jeffrey Munoz-O'Laughlin and I will be teaching Statistics this Fall. My childhood was split between living in East Los Angeles and El Monte. I am an EOP student who graduated from Cal State LA with a Bachelor's in Mathematics, then followed that act with a Master's in the Teaching of Mathematics from CSUDH. My graduate experience here at Dominguez Hills was one of the most significant moments in my life - the MAT program was everything that I was looking for. It helped me prepare for my life's work, which is a career dedicated to serving first-generation, low-income students.

My experience at Cal State LA over the last 15 years both as a student and staff member taught me to 1) reject any negative self-talk, 2) persistence is the most important trait to embody, 3) do not try to obtain your Bachelor's degree alone, which is to say to make friends and study together. Human beings have evolved primarily because of our ability to leverage other's strengths. Don't ever be to proud to ask for help as experts are the people who've made all the mistakes, and 4) Lastly, take notes by hand, especially in this remote or virtual environment - you'll learn more.

Teaching has been a passion ever since I was a high school student. Working in many different areas of education in the past 16 years has given me a holistic perspective in understanding the structure necessary to place students in a position to be successful. Probability is one of my favorite topics because nothing in life is certain. In everything we do, we gauge the chances of successful outcomes. “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” Clay P. Bedford

Self discipline, time management, positive attitude, and practice.

The students should login to black board to check all information from their instructors .The first year students should get in Toro learning and testing center (TLTC) any time they need help. The students also need to check their CSUDH email everyday.

The students should show up and pay attention for every class meeting.

I have been teaching for the CSUDH Math Department since Fall 2006. Throughout the years, I have taught courses that range between Beginning Algebra - Calculus I and Statistics. In addition, I coordinated Remedial Math from 2009 - 2015.

Email the instructor and request zoom meetings if you need to meet with instructor as if it were to be done in the office.

I have been enjoying teaching mathematics for forty years, and I look forward to teaching integral calculus this semester.

Be aware that math is hard and you might not see results right away. Keep pushing and focus on your work only, not immediate results.

Hi everyone. My name is Mr. Romero. I usually teach Statistics MAT 131. I've been a TORO since '89. I earned my BS in Chemistry here at DH.

I still remember my first day at DH (fall '89). My first class was Chem 110 in LCH 103. I remember how uncomfortable I was being around older students. I didn't think I was going to make it that day, but I did. My advice is take each day slowly. Make new friends. Join clubs and special interest groups. Take time to schedule your activities. There will be days you will cry, laugh, make mistakes, be frustrated, but most of all you will havel fun and exciting new experiences. Don't forget you are not alone. Talk to your teachers, councilors, friends when you are challenged and don't know what to do. We at DH are here to help you transition to your next journey of your life.

First year experience at Dominguez Hills was amazing. The staff are very nice and if you reach out for help they will be there. I love this school a lot and i am always happy to come to work, it's a great environment. The students are also great, I haven't encounter any bad behavior, and also i have never seen so many students work very hard, which makes me very happy.

Work hard and ask questions, we as the instructors are here to help you succeed in your classes. If you are struggling don't be afraid to ask us questions, we will be gladly to help you.

Alexander Stanoyevitch was born in New York, and grew up in Maryland in the suburbs of Washington DC. He graduated summa cum laude and with High Honors from the University of Maryland-College Park, earning a BS degree in mathematics and a minor in physics. Before going on to the PhD program at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, he spent a semester at La Sorbonne in Paris where he earned a Certificat Élémentaire de la Language et la Civilisation Française. At Michigan, he was a Regents Fellow and a Rackam Predoctoral Fellow.

Go Toros!

My name is Cynthia Sanchez Tapia. I am from Colima, Mexico. I did my Ph D in Mathematics at UC Irvine . My research are is Math Biology. I am particularly interested in the study of Cancer using Dynamical Systems and Optimal Control.

Never fall behind in a math course!!!!! Since there is relatively little time for the ideas you will learn to sink in, and they are very difficult to learn quickly right before an exam, it is important to clear up your confusions sooner rather than later. Go over your notes and work through suggested homework problems soon after each class rather than delaying. Don't be shy about asking questions in class or office hours. An excellent way to improve your understanding of the subject is to study and work on homework together with classmates. I know it is a little difficult during these times to work on teams but I think technology is be very helpful these days. Explaining mathematical ideas to others is often the most effective way to sort out your own confusions and clarify your understanding; you don't know just what it is that you don't know until you try explaining it to someone else.

I have many years of teaching experience from high-school to 4-year universities in Vietnam and France and has taught classes from Basic Math to Calculus including Statistics. Because of my love for mathematics, my energy, passion, and enthusiasm for teaching, I have introduced students to higher education who may have never taken a college course before. I support the vital and significant role of the student success for the life of student. I will be assisting you throughout this course. I hope you earn the highest grade you possible can and become comfortable afterward to move on with higher levels. Best wishes for your success at CSUDH.

Never give up!

My name is Jaime Vallejo and I been teaching math since 2015. I got my Bachelor Degree in Mathematics at CSU, Dominguez Hills and then I went on to get my Master degree in Applied Statistics at CSU, Long Beach.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Welcome to Cal Stat University Dominquez Hills. This is Prof. May Xu from Math department. I have been a part time lecturer since Fall 2008 and really enjoyed the diversity, energetic of our students. I am looking forward to having you in my class and best luck for the upcoming semester!

First year college can be a big transition for students, and this year's incoming freshmen are facing new challenges as the Covid 19 pandemic pushes us to mostly remote classes. For those stressing over this new life chapter and today's uncertainties, there are ways to prepare before starting those first classes. Make sure attend the first meeting; Get involve ASAP; Learn to manage your time; Do your assignments; Ask questions.