Centers & Institutes Directory

College: College of Health and Human Development

Recognized locally and nationally for excellence in boating and water safety education, the Center offers credit, non-credit and community service programs to teach students the skills and knowledge to be safe whenever they are in, on, or near the water. 

Director: Nathan Martin

College: Engineering and Computer Science

ARCS' vision is to be an international leader in education, research, and commercialization regarding increasingly autonomous (IA) systems. In order to achieve its vision, ARCS will use a convergence research model to build a multidisciplinary STEAHM workforce prepared to have major and lasting societal impacts. ARCS will substantially increase CSUN institutional research capacity by supporting scholarship across campus and fostering partnerships with federal agencies, industry, non-governmental organizations, other universities and colleges, and local businesses. 

Director: Nhut Ho

College: David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

The Institute promotes advanced education in the area of taxation through the support of a skills-based, practice-oriented Master of Science in Taxation degree program; supports professional growth and development of students pursuing a career in the field of taxation; facilitates the pursuit of scholarly projects in the field of taxation; and facilitates service learning opportunities for our students in taxation through partnerships with community organizations.

Director: Rafi Efrat

College:  David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

The Center seeks to advance real estate knowledge in the fields of real estate and real estate law, inform business practices, and educate future generations of real estate leaders and professionals. The Center fills the void in research and industry engagement that exists for the San Fernando Valley. Through timely research, educational programs, and community involvement, the Center provides insights into the crucial industry and social changes that face the Valley.

Director: no director appointed

Division:  Academic Affairs

CARE's mission is to design and conduct evaluations of extramurally and intramurally funded projects for faculty, staff and academic/administrative campus units; procure new extramural funds through grants and contracts; and provide assessment, research, and evaluation services/opportunities for faculty, students, staff, and the surrounding community. 

Director: Andrew Ainsworth

College:  College of Science and Mathematics

The Center for Cancer and Developmental Biology is a 30 year umbrella for Oppenheimer programs that enhance worldwide recognition of CSUN's contributions to student research training and K-12 research through publications and presentations in these areas. 

Director: Steven Oppenheimer

College:  College of Humanities

The purpose of the Center for Digital Humanities is to provide a home to a group of faculty and students interested in exploring the many facets of Digital Humanities. The Center seeks to serve the university, the immediate community, and society at large through: 1) Research using digital methods and digital technologies; 2) Dissemination of research, especially through digital media; and, 3) Inquiry into the impact of the digital in today's society.

Director: Scott Kleinman

College:  Engineering and Computer Science

The two primary goals of the Center are 1) the promotion of engineering and computer science research, development and services, and 2) the promotion of the Honors Co-Op program.

Director: Houssam Toutanji

College:  College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The purpose of the Center for Geospatial Science and Technology is to foster geographical research through funded research projects and community service. The primary goals of the Center are to support the strategic goals of the College for Social and Behavioral Sciences. As such, the Center will carry out the following activities: 1) Develop ties with the community by providing expertise in various research areas associated with mapping, spatial analysis, and GIS; 2) Provide opportunities for professional engagement among students; and, 3) Commit to continuous improvement of the student experience though high impact learning practices.

Director: Danielle Bram and Regan Maas

College:  Michael D. Eisner College of Education

The purpose of the Center for Partnerships for Educational Reform is to engage in collaborative partnerships with international institutions of higher education, schools, school districts, school families and clusters, county offices of education, and other organizational units, as appropriate. These partnerships are cooperatively designed to support faculty research, professional development, provide service and support to examine, renew, and restructure efforts to improve educational experiences and outcomes for all students. Conferences, workshops, seminars, and other types of educational outreach may also be funded by the Center to develop or improve department and international programs and to provide a service to the College or community. 

Director: Miguel Ceja

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The Center collaborates with local schools, parks and recreation centers to organize educational events that bring together children, families and CSUN faculty and student specialists for fun, recreation and play. Groups explore the nature of play and its effect on lifestyle, health, and interpersonal dynamics. Learning techniques strengthen caring, communication, problem solving, and negotiation.

Director: Alan Wright

College:  Michael D. Eisner College of Education

The Center's vision is to support faculty engagement in ongoing professional development and training, as well as research, creative and scholarly activities, and community service programs that benefit the department, college, university, and its local community. 

Director: Greg Knotts

College:  David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

The Center's purpose is to provide scholarships and promote curriculum development and the provision of innovative educational programs; promote the professional growth and development of faculty, students, and professionals in the fields of risk and insurance; increase communication among faculty, students, and professionals in the insurance field; support the pursuit of scholarly projects and publications related to risk and insurance; and serve as an educational resource for the students and faculty at CSUN. 

Director: David Russell

College: David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

The Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship (C-STE) will promote and foster entrepreneurship and innovation, with a unique specialization in both technology and social entrepreneurship, within the DNCBE, CSUN, and the greater Los Angeles community by leveraging strengths in networks, research, interdisciplinary initiatives, curricular and co-curricular programming, and community/industry engagement. C-STE will also offer a unique specialization at the intersection of technology and social entrepreneurship (socio-tech entrepreneurship) which is a newly emerging and quickly growing area of entrepreneurship that offers exciting opportunities for technology-focused ventures to develop scalable and profitable socially impactful ventures.

Director: Joanne Scillitoe

College:  College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Center was established to provide research, education, and service on public policy issues facing Southern California. Driven by the goal of achieving well-informed public policy decisions, the Center offers diverse programs that facilitate pathways to productive policy dialogue aimed at building community capacity and participation.

Director: Boris Ricks

College:  College of Humanities

The Center is devoted to the principle that education is the basis for solutions to societal tensions. The purpose of CESPA is to promote interest in and knowledge of peoples descendent of Latin American communities, whether of Latino/a, Asian, European, African or indigenous origins, within the US and south of the border, through service learning, student and faculty research. CESPA also promotes faculty and public intellectual workshops, symposia, conferences, and lectures.

Director: Alicia Estrada

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The main goal of the Center of Achievement is to provide top quality long-term adapted exercise programs for people with special needs while demonstrating excellence in community service, academic programs and clinical research.

Director: Taeyou Jung

Division:  Student Affairs

The Center on Disabilities is committed to the vision of an inclusive society where people of all abilities have the chance to achieve their goals and experience success. Through excellent training and research, we nurture learning and innovation to improve the world for people with disabilities.

Director: Julia Santiago

College:  College of Humanities

CARPI is the result of diligent efforts by CSUN students, CAS faculty and Central American community organizations for the purpose of developing research, policy and knowledge supporting the socioeconomic, cultural and civic development of the transnational Central American community. Policy and academic research includes issues of common concern such as immigration, civil society, economic development, and cultural identity of Central Americans. 

Director: Douglas Carranza

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The CFSC is an educational setting for young children from the community, and their families, whose goal is to secure strong relationships between home and school. As an instructional unit and research laboratory, we strive to promote the professional growth of the university students, faculty, and staff.

Director: Christa Dunlap

College:  College of Humanities

The goal of the Institute is to promote a better understanding of the Chinese culture and to strengthen the friendship between American and Chinese peoples. Specifically, the purposes and functions of the Institute are to: 1) Facilitate and coordinate ongoing and potential CSUN activities involving teaching, learning, and research related to Chinese institutions and individuals; 2) Draw together the expertise of the faculty of the university and other experts in the critical study, research and teaching of Chinese studies; 3) Promote linkages between Institute activities and those in the CSUN academic program concerned with China; 4) Assist Chinese students, faculty and others seeking to establish contact with the CSUN academic community; and, 5) Support and coordinate research and publication through special courses, seminars, and lectures; the compilation of data and bibliographies; communication activities concerning Chinese studies; and other such activities as may be appropriate to the purpose of the Institute. 

Director: Wei Cao

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The purpose of the Consumer Resource Center is to provide consumer education and personal financial mentoring to the visitors. The Center serves as a service-learning facility to promote consumer and financial literacy through campus service activities and community outreach. The Center also provides the learning-centered opportunities to the students through lectureship, seminars, workshops, and peer financial mentoring. 

Director: Yi "Tom" Cai

College:  College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The mission of the Dubois-Hamer Institute is to promote student success through community and campus partnerships. We cultivate active and collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff and students across the CSUN campus community; work with local groups and organizations in Los Angeles County; and provide service to cultural and educational institutions in the community.

Director: Cedric Hackett

College: Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication

The purpose of the Entertainment Industry Institute is to promote, coordinate, and support engagement between CSUN and the Entertainment Industry; support the development of innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary programs by bringing together expertise and perspectives from interested campus and industry partners; help students to realize their educational goals in preparation for careers in the entertainment industry; promote the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication as a center for research and creative activity related to the entertainment industry; serve as a resource for development efforts in the college and campus-wide related to the entertainment industry; and, advance the artistic, cultural, and economic life of the surrounding communities.

Director: Dan Hosken

College:  Engineering and Computer Science

The purpose of the Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is to promote and foster applied research and programs in engineering innovation and entrepreneurship for students, faculty, and other stakeholders who are deemed to be associated with the Center. Additionally, the Center will also be responsible for offering students, faculty, and members of the community non-credit academic instruction in various topics related to engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. The director and other faculty involved with the Center may also provide services to businesses (particularly startups) in the region as these businesses are referred to the Center by local incubators for advice related to startup operations. Lastly, the Center will also plan events around engineering innovation and entrepreneurship for the benefit of students, faculty, and members of the larger community.

Director: Houssam Toutanji
Co-Director: Ricardo Medina

Division: Academic Affairs

The purpose of the Ethnic Studies Center for Research, Activism, and Community Empowerment (ES Center for RACE) is to support the implementation of AB 1460 by the growth, development, and sustainability of ethnic studies, and through the cultivation of the current and next generation of ethnic studies scholar-practitioners. The CSUN ES Center for RACE contributes to the equity infrastructure by facilitating academic excellence and student success through the implementation of AB 1460. The Center is designed to promote equity, justice, diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Director: TBN

Colleges: Health and Human Development, and Social and Behavioral Sciences

The purpose of the Center is to build on the existing research momentum of our NIH BUILD PODER undergraduate biomedical training program and increase grant activity in the area of health equity by: 1) Developing, growing and sustaining interdisciplinary and collaborative research in health equity; 2) Collaborating with the community around health equity using community partnered, participatory research; 3) Building on existing strengths at CSUN in interdisciplinary biomedical fields through extensive community-based research; 4) Providing a focal point for biomedical research by centralizing campus training and resources for students, faculty, and community members; 5) Developing research hubs to ensure high quality work by Center PIs and students for publication and grant proposals; 6) Invigorating the research community with shared speakers, workshops, and an annual conference for researchers and community organizations; and, 7) Disseminating research findings to community agencies, advocates, stakeholders, and leaders. 

Director: Patchareeya Kwan

College:  Health & Human Development

The Institute is a collaborative of campus and community members committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, organizations and communities within the Cal State Northridge service region. The primary mission of the Institute is to foster healthful living through community and campus partnerships. 

Director: Mirna Sawyer

College:  College of Humanities

The purpose of the Institute for Feminist Studies and Social Action (IFSSA) is to engage CSUN faculty and students in the advancement of feminist scholarship and gender justice. The Institute will serve as a platform to work collaboratively with diverse groups of scholars and activists both in-house and locally, as well as internationally. It will amplify and disseminate CSUN faculty research on gender related issues. It will conduct and raise funds for feminist research and actions that tackle the most pressing issues of gender injustice. It will establish an annual Gender & Women's Studies Lecture Series open to the larger CSUN community and beyond. It will also serve students focused on feminist research and action through mentorship and internships.

Director: Breny Mendoza

College:  College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The purpose of the Institute is to facilitate scholarly projects and professional services/activities by members of the faculty of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, both for the professional growth of the faculty, students and staff, and for the benefit of the larger community served by the University. The Institute manages and directs activities that cannot normally be conducted by individual faculty members. 

Director: Sylvia Macauley

College:  Social & Behavioral Sciences

The mission of the Institute is to promote, facilitate, and develop educational, research, and university and community programs related to sustainability. The Institute serves as an umbrella organization across all the colleges of the university on issues related to sustainability and is committed to serving our campus community by increasing interdisciplinary and cross-functional communication, and supporting and aiding in the development and application of sustainability practices within the university and community. 

Acting Director: Sarah Johnson

College:  Michael D. Eisner College of Education

The purpose of the Institute is to coordinate and facilitate interdisciplinary research activities, scholarly projects, College-wide grant activities, community services, professional services and demonstration initiatives supported through the Michael D. Eisner College of Education, which cannot normally be conducted by individual faculty members or departments. The Institute will advance better communication and collaboration among College departments, faculty and staff. One of its principal foci will be to encourage and help prepare current and future educators, school leaders, therapists, school psychologists, school counselors, deaf studies specialists and other educational professionals to better support the educational and emotional needs of school students and their families. 

Director: Shari Tarver-Behring

College: Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication

IntersectLA is CSUN's on-campus collaboration of creative strategists. Through proven branding and design methods, we work together to solve problems and add value for businesses, organizations, and communities. We are a multidisciplinary group of talented, passionate learners and educators who believe in our capacity to advance and change the world. Our capabilities span all traditional and digital media, and we provide creative strategy services for regional, national, and global organizations. IntersectLA brings together students, faculty, and industry professionals who work together on real-world projects ad activities to support education and career preparation.

Director: Joe Bautista

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The Center is a nonprofit, university-based clinical facility providing comprehensive diagnosis and therapeutic services to children and adults with communication disorders. The Center averages over 12,000 patient visits annually serving a culturally diverse population which includes infants, children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens. The Center provides comprehensive evaluations of speech/language or hearing related problems along with a wide array of treatment programs. Clients are enrolled according to the university calendar for the fall, spring or summer sessions. The Center is also involved in the early identification of communication disorders through its preschool and elementary school speech or hearing screening programs.

Director: Patricia Seymour 

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The purpose of the Center is to provide an auxiliary organization to the department and the college which can support research, community service, and education specific to food science, nutrition and dietetics. Programs of the Center address groups of people, apply interdisciplinary approaches, and sponsor activities not normally covered by the University curriculum and financial processes. 

Director: Annette Besnilian

College:  College of Health and Human Development

The Center supports research, community service, and education in Physical Therapy. The faculty practice offers services in specialty areas in bone densitometry, geriatric rehabilitation, computerized motion analysis, kinesiological electromyography, gait analysis, orthopedics, pediatric examination and treatment, developmental assessment, and balance and vestibular rehabilitation. 

Director: Beth Jo Phillips

College:  Tseng College

The purpose of the ReLAY Institute is to create sustainable systemic change that will provide improved education, employment, housing, and health and well-being outcomes for disconnected youth throughout the Los Angeles basin. This will be done by increasing knowledge and analytic capacity, capturing and sharing data, identifying best practices, disseminating innovation, fostering networks, and catalyzing and facilitating collective action and leadership that builds ad strengthens the capacity of public systems, nonprofits, and other service providers. The ReLAY Institute will strengthen the capacity of public systems to provide wraparound services to improve education, employment, and social outcomes specifically for youths who have dropped out, are unemployed, or are homeless.

Director: Henrik Palasani-Minassians

College:  Michael D. Eisner College of Education

The vision of the Center is to enhance the quality of the student teaching experience by providing professional development to cooperating teachers and university supervisors; and present some of the previously funded projects with the intent to encourage new possibilities for enriching the classroom educational experience. 

Director: Julie Gainsburg

College:  Michael D. Eisner College of Education

Strength United's goals are to end abuse, empower families, and develop leaders. Strength United envisions homes and communities free of abuse and violence where: every child has a safe and nurturing childhood; every caregiver has the resources to develop healthy children, youth, and families; individuals are empowered through equal access to opportunities and resources allowing them to heal and thrive; students are developed into leaders who use what they learn to enrich others' lives, strengthen communities, and grow professionally; volunteers become agents of positive change helping others and their communities; and, community members are welcomed to centers where they can gather, learn, and work together to positively affect their community.

Director: Merilla Scott

College:  University Library

The purpose of the Tom & Ethel Bradley Center is to foster Critical Civility. A multi-dimensional approach including creating curriculum, building upon and expanding the Center's existing collections focused on the history of the ethnic minority communities of the Los Angeles region, collecting and producing materials that forward the legacy of Tom and Ethel Bradley, and their commitment to community collaborations, cultural diversification, civility, mutual respect, and service. We see a symbiotic relationship between what can be garnered from many of the images in the collection and Critical Civility. For instance, the images can be used as projective devises to initiate discussion of civility and encourage critical reading and thinking or suggest ways in which individuals and communities seek to resolve issues. The Center also documents the region's ethnic and alternative press and serves as a facilitator for discussion about and awareness of the ethnic and alternative press. 

Director: Jose Luis Benavides

College:  David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

One of the Center's primary functions is to create meaningful opportunities among students, faculty, and the business community to network and exchange their ideas, knowledge, and experience in small business and entrepreneurship. We encourage participation of CSUN alumni and other successful entrepreneurs to serve as guest lecturers to a class, as speakers or panelists at Center events, as judges for business plan competitions, and as mentors to students and nascent entrepreneurs. The Center encourages and supports research in the academic and applied areas on small business and entrepreneurship. The Center facilitates faculty and student research and academic activities through funding research costs, conference travel, and library materials. 

Director: Franck Vigneron

College:  College of Science and Mathematics

The objectives of the Center are to: 1) Foster multidisciplinary and innovative research and education in computational materials; 2) Educate and train students in cutting-edge multi-scale simulation methods; 3) Stimulate and develop strong industrial-university-national laboratory partnerships in computational materials research; and, 4) Increase recruitment, retention, and degree attainment by members of groups underrepresented in materials research.

Director: Nicholas Kioussis

College:  College of Humanities

The purpose of the Center is to: 1) Provide the opportunity for faculty to engage in community-based research on issues relevant to women; 2) Provide community service-learning opportunities for students; and, 3) Create a forum in which faculty and student research may be disseminated and made available to the campus and the broader community. Activities include: 1) Referrals and resources for many different organizations focused on issues concerning women: women's shelters, counseling, legal references, child custody, date rape and domestic violence, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender resources, safe sex, health, community organizing, parenting issues, and marriage and family counseling; 2) Support groups addressing a wide range of women's issues from body image to self-defense to single parenting; 3) Educational programming and consciousness-raising events and activities, including speakers, special events, collaborative programming with other University entities; and, 4) Promotion of student, faculty and staff awareness and understanding of changing roles of women in society.

Director: Shira Brown