Current Students
CSUN's MA in Sustainability students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and include both recent graduates established professionals looking to make a change in their careers. Through our program, they learn the foundational theories and practices of sustainability from a dedicated systems-level approach, applying evidence-based research techniques to solve problems at the community, regional, national and global levels.
Joel Carreon - Community Well-being and Social Justice
Joel Carreon's background as a procurement and packaging manager has gotten him interested in sustainable solutions. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Joel is committed to social justice and community well-being.
Tiffany Derrick - Sustainability Leadership and Public Policy
Tiffany Derrick is an advocate for green spaces, organic recycling, and sustainability. With a background as a former communication educator and experience as a Stay-at-Home Mom, Tiffany is committed to shaping a more sustainable and promising future for generations to come.
Nelson Portillo - Sustainability Leadership and Public Policy
Nelson Portillo is a first-generation immigrant who has firsthand experience of the inequities of climate change. He is passionate about encouraging others to take personal accountability and reduce their individual environmental footprint and reduce waste and consumption.
Victoria Grace Rogers - Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Victoria Rogers is fueled by curiosity and a desire to improve the world where she can. With a background in finance, she combines her pursuits in sustainability and hopes to improve upon her family business in Texas.
Hengame Abassi Sirchi - Community Well-being and Social Justice
Hengame Abassi is interested in environmental sustainability, sustainable gardening, ethnic cultures, and social justice. She was born in Kerman, Iran, has experience of two migrations to Germany and America, with a background in nursing, self-defense technique, international reporter, announcer and host of radio and television in Farsi programs.
Faith Supangkat - Environmental Science, Water Resources, and Technology
Faith Supangkat is a plant lover and is interested in sustainable landscapes and water use. With a background in Communications Studies and a minor in Urban Planning, she is passionate about the human experience and how people interact with the environment.
Bryan Tran - Community Well-being and Social Justice
With a background in social science research, Bryan Tran is dedicated to exploring the intersections of environmental psychology, zero waste practices, and conservation. He is an ardent advocate for environmental justice and a strong believer in holistic approaches to learning natural sciences.
Benjamin Verheiden - Sustainability Leadership and Public Policy
Benjamin Verheiden is a student with disabilities with a passion for sustainable and equitable transportation. A veteran of CSUN's Urban Planning undergraduate program, he is now pursuing the MA in Sustainability at CSUN to complement the Urban Planning BA.