Faculty Spotlights

Dr. Iana A. Castro is currently a professor of marketing in the Fowler College of Business and named the Zahn Professor of Creativity and Innovation. She is also actively involved in sustainability efforts on campus and the local San Diego area. As the co-founder of BrightSide produce and a co-chair of the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, Castro is making a lasting impact on the San Diego community as a whole.

Kelly Hansen is currently the lead electrician for Facility Services at San Diego State University, where he collaborates with the Office of Energy and Sustainability through his work with meters. Measuring energy and water consumption across campus is crucial to sustainability—after all, you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Read more about his contributions to sustainability on campus through his meter work.

Adam Manley is currently Associate Profes­sor of Furni­ture Design and Wood­work­ing at San Diego State Univer­sity, where he combines art and aspects of sustainability to teach and create his crafts. Whether teaching or doing residency programs at universities, he has left a large impact on various communities across the country. Recently, he designed the 2024 Sustainability Champion Award for the 2nd Annual Sustainability Summit.

Ethan Banegas, a descendant of the Kumeyaay, Luiseño-Payómkawichum, and Cupeño- Kuupangaxwichem bands of Native Americans, grew up on the Barona Reservation in San Diego County. He currently works as a Professor at San Diego State University teaching multiple courses on American Indian Studies along with serving as the co-owner of Kumeyaay.com and Historian for the San Diego History Center. Recently the Office of Energy and Sustainability met with Banegas to discuss sustainability from a Native perspective.

Erlinde Cornelis is an Associate Professor at the Fowler College of Business Marketing Department. Although she is a Professor of Marketing, she also has a profound passion for sustainability, and she implements it into all aspects of her life- including her classes. Professor Cornelis serves as the head of the Senate Sustainability Committee at SDSU where she assists in planning and advocating for sustainability on campus.

Leading the Office of Energy & Sustainability at San Diego State to achieve sustainability goals across campus

Madeleine Falco works as the sustainability analyst for the Office of Energy & Sustainability. Her background in marketing, education, and outreach has given her the skills to implement energy conservation and public outreach programs at MiraCosta College, in addition to working with local tribes in San Diego County to develop renewable energy on tribal lands. Now, Madeleine is using her expertise to help SDSU meet its sustainability goals and inspire students, faculty, and staff to reduce waste, use public transportation, and live more sustainably. Read more here.

Professor Monteverde teaches geography and sustainability classes at San Diego State University. Her passion for people, the environment, and helping students shines through in this spotlight where we discuss Professor Monteverde’s love for sustainability, work in storm water, experience teaching, and advice for students. Read more here.

Sharon Cunningham is the senior supervising custodian who is incorporating sustainability in essential services on campus.

Kotaro Nakamura is a professor and former director of the School of Art and Design. He dives into the indigenous way of living comfortably using the least amount of resources.