SDSU College of Sciences

Why does ovarian cancer so often return? SDSU researchers have uncovered new insights.

A study led by associate professor of biology Carrie House identifies how treatment-resistant cells survive chemotherapy, pointing to a potential strategy for preventing frequent, deadly relapses.

Learn more on SDSU NewsCenter.

A special birthday for this 101-year-old scientist! 🍰

This summer, emeritus professor of biology Jim Neel celebrated his birthday on campus with family and former colleagues from the College of Sciences.

According to brain science, Baby Yoda might not be a baby after all!

At Comic-Con 2026, SDSU neurobiologist Elena Blanco-Suárez will apply her expertise on brain development and repair to a panel organized by Fleet Science Center called “Grogu’s World: The Science Behind the Mandalorian.”

There, she’ll discuss how Grogu’s brain development compares to that of human children and the effects Mando’s continuous blows to the head would have on his brain health.

Blanco-Suárez studies neuroplasticity, or how the brain changes in response to outside influences, to enhance healing in people who have been affected by stroke. The methods her lab develops could also be applied to treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Read about all the SDSU faculty and staff who will bring their expertise to San Diego Comic-Con this year on SDSU NewsCenter.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Thomas B. Day Award for Excellence in Physics!

This endowment, created in memory of the late SDSU President Day, supports faculty and students financially as they progress in their academic and professional pursuits.

This year’s recipients are as follows:

Vincent Juliano, an undergraduate student whose work in condensed quantum matter focuses on the electrical manipulation of excitons in moiré semiconductor superlattices, an emerging area at the forefront of modern physics. Juliano has developed strong expertise in fabricating 2D semiconductor heterostructures and characterizing their optical properties. He has been accepted into multiple Ph.D. programs in physics.

Hugo Mixco, a graduate student whose research in quantum materials centers on the direct growth of moiré semiconductor superlattices on hexagonal boron nitride, a rapidly developing area in condensed matter physics. He has built strong expertise in chemical v***r deposition growth and optical spectroscopy, including Raman and photoluminescence techniques.

Matt Anderson, a professor of physics who offers clear explanations, demonstrates strong organization, and makes complex material accessible and engaging. His teaching methods actively involve students in the learning process and allow them to build conceptual understanding and confidence in communicating scientific ideas. Anderson developed the Learning Glass system, an instructional tool that has been adopted at SDSU and other institutions, and maintains an extensive library of instructional videos that offer valuable support for students outside of class.

Learn more about these SDSU physicists on our website, link in bio!

College of Sciences alumni ❤️🖤

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Over the weekend, sciences undergraduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels.

Commencement 2026 🎓

Swipe for glimpses of this year’s doctoral and master’s degree graduates from the College of Sciences.

A scuba diving researcher, protector of wild animals and aspiring pediatrician. 🤿🐾🩺

Transfer students Isaac Torres, Cesar Daniel Edeza and Melissa Sicairos Bobadilla showcase the wide range of scientific careers awaiting SDSU’s class of 2026.

They got their start at Southwestern College before transferring to SDSU through the STEM Pathways program. Through hands-on research experiences on and off campus, they each gained the technical skills needed for their careers and made lasting connections with peers and mentors in their fields along the way.

Read all about these graduates on SDSU NewsCenter. Link in bio.