I’m thrilled to share the spring 2023 issue of Washington Square: The Magazine from San José State University.
Animation by Pourya Nadimi of SJSU.
In this issue, we take a deep dive into climate science and the ways current and former Spartans are making their mark on the world in a big way. From the depths of the ocean to the sky above, answers to some of the world’s biggest questions are emerging here at SJSU.
A few stories of which I am especially proud:
Photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics.
Beyond the Shakeout: The transition from sports to careers outside athletics often represents a sudden shift in identity for student-athletes. SJSU’s Beyond Sparta program offers personal and professional development opportunities for student-athletes to help them make the leap.
Illustration by Jennifer Guo.
Climate Science: On Thin Ice: Nationally recognized climate scientist and alumna Jennifer Francis’ research demonstrates how global warming is fueling extreme weather worldwide.
Kate Forrest. Photo by Anwyn Hurxthal.
Forrest Fire: Fire weather researcher Kate Forrest contributed to groundbreaking research analyzing factors that contribute to California’s extreme fires — demonstrating how climate change knows no borders.
Justise Wattree. Photo by Robert C. Bain.
A Picture of (Public) Health: Award-winning undergraduate researcher Justise Wattree, ’23 Humanities, believes public health research is critical to healing the world.
Alexander Payumo (left) at his lab at SJSU. Photo by Robert C. Bain.
The Heart of the Matter: The Alexander Payumo Lab at San José State investigates the regenerative potential of the mammalian heart.
Nidhi Mahendra (left) at the Spartan Aphasia Research Clinic. Photo by Katelyn Ennis.
Speaking of Equity: San José State University Professor and Chair of Communicative Disorders and Sciences Nidhi Mahendra is empowering people with language loss.
Dancer and choreographer Gabriel Mata. Photo by Keay Edwards.
Dancing Out of the Shadows: Choreographer and dancer Gabriel Mata creates opportunities for artists to share their stories, regardless of immigration status, sexuality, ethnicity or any other identity.
Photo by Robert C. Bain.
Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan: Proud Spartan alumna Valerie Gonzalez now leads the Alumni Association.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn from Spartans.