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Quick Facts

Grew up

Near San Francisco

Teaching Areas of Interest

Teaching science to future teachers.

Research Areas of Interest

Curiosity and question asking in science, Effective strategies for teaching Geology to urban students

One thing that inspires me to do my research is...

knowing my children will be attending school with the teachers I help educate (my research involves effective teacher education practices).

How has your personal background influenced your work at CSUN?

My mother went back to school when I was about 10 years old. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology by taking courses at community college and eventually Sonoma State. She taught me to appreciate the world around me, which undoubtedly led to me become a scientist myself. I also remember how hard she worked, doing things like drawing up flashcards of tiny marine critters while trying to cook dinner. The mentorship of one professor in particular, Dr. Chan, inspired her to keep going despite all her other obligations. The fact that I still remember his name nearly 30 years later shows the influence that faculty can have.

“When I am grading, I make sure I... picture the student reading my feedback.”

What is your educational history?

University of California, Berkeley
Stanford University

Why do you like to work here?

CSUN is a place where I feel like I can make a difference in my students' lives. They realize that they can ask questions about the world around them and I can help them find the answers.

More information about Matthew A d'Alessio