News and Announcements
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing health crisis that could lead to millions of deaths by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. Antibiotics are critical for human health, but many microbes are evolving resistance to one or more drugs. SF State researchers are among those using machine learning to predict drug resistance in patients. And they’re trying to remedy a related problem, too: the lack of resources that teach how to use machine learning to detect antibiotic resistance.
In a new paper in PLOS Computational Biology, the SFSU team published a step-by-step machine learning tutorial for beginners. Other than Biology Professor Pleuni Pennings, the remaining seven researchers on the paper were undergraduate, graduate students and post-baccalaureate students; many were first-time researchers, and nearly all were new to machine learning.
“We wanted to do a tutorial paper instead [of a research paper] because we thought it was more important to put out a teachable resource. We struggled to find one, so we wanted to make our own,” said co-first author Faye Orcales (B.S., ’21), who worked on the project as a post-bac.
As beginners from a variety of backgrounds, the team made sure the paper would be accessible to their student peers and educators in biology and chemistry as well as anyone in health sciences. Though the lesson is beginner friendly, the authors recommend having introductory coding knowledge, something that is beyond the scope of this paper.
“Because it’s in a peer-reviewed journal, it makes it feel real because other scientists — not just your professor or friends — reviewed the article. The peer review process was crucial because it gives other perspectives,” said co-first author Lucy Moctezuma, a Statistics graduate student at CSU East Bay who has a background in psychology. She joined Pennings’ SFSU lab through a friend and was part of the lab for nearly three years. She and Orcales led the effort to write the manuscript and address any feedback. “We were a bunch of students trying to figure it out and we were able to! I think that we should all be proud of that,” Moctezuma said.
Using a previously published data set — comprised of 1,936 E. coli strains from patients that were tested against 12 antibiotics — the students developed a step-by-step tutorial for four different popular machine-learning models to predict drug resistance to E. coli. To improve accessibility, they used Google Colab, a free, cloud-based platform to write and run Python codes — which means users don’t have to install software to follow the tutorial. The SFSU team provided six free Google Colab “notebooks” with tutorials: one for each of the four models (logistic regression, random forests, extreme gradient-boosted trees and neural networks) plus two for data preparation and result visualization.
“The students may not realize that it’s sort of bold [to submit this paper to PLOS]. It just shows that we do very high-quality work,” said Pennings, adding that the students really took ownership over the writing and pushing the manuscript forward.
Collaborating with faculty in Biology, Computer Science and Chemistry & Biochemistry, Pennings is the director or co-director for the undergraduate Promoting Inclusivity in Computing (PINC) program, graduate complement Graduate Opportunities to Learn Data Science (GOLD) and Science Coding Immersion Program (SCIP), an all-virtual, self-paced coding program for students, staff and faculty. All the student researchers initially learned coding and/or machine learning from one of these programs and then continued to develop their skills via longer-term research experiences.
“One of my motivations to making all of these materials is because I’m teaching these classes and I wish there was a book about machine learning for health or biology. Something that is doable, fun and relevant. Something that’s intuitive, practical and discusses the ethical side,” said Pennings, noting that she’s already using this published tutorial in her classes.
“When I joined the PINC program, I could see that the instructors were motivated to teach coding in a very accessible way to Biology students. I felt really comfortable in the program because my peers were fellow biologists eager to learn,” said Orcales, now a computational scientist at UCSF applying to Ph.D. programs. She hopes this new tutorial will help introduce more of her peers into the machine-learning space. “I hope our readers take away that machine learning isn’t this daunting difficult thing to learn when you have the right resources.”
Learn more about SFSU’s Promoting Inclusivity in Computing (PINC), Graduate Opportunities to Learn Data Science (GOLD) and Science Coding Immersion Program (SCIP).
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company that employs over 5,000 people across the state of California, is partnering with the SF State School of Nursing to support training, retention and the graduation of the next generation of nurses in health care. The University has received a grant from the BD Community Investment Fund, which issued a total of $2 million in investments across 27 BD communities to support expanded access to preventative care, nutrition, housing and education.
Although students enrolled at San Francisco State School of Nursing are eligible for government-sponsored financial aid, they still rely heavily on personal finances and loans to pay for expenses beyond tuition, which can exceed $5,000 over the course of the three-year program. Nursing students face numerous costs beyond tuition, including equipment (stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, scrubs), licensing exams and commuting expenses during training periods.
“BD and our Biosciences business has been in the San Francisco Bay Area community for more than 50 years, and it is our promise to give back to the hometowns that support us every day,” said Steve Conly, worldwide president, Biosciences at BD. “Nurses form the backbone of our healthcare system and BD is committed to ensuring that this funding supports not only individual success but strengthens the healthcare workforce pipeline and addresses health inequities in our communities.”
“We are deeply grateful for BD's generous investment in our nursing students. BD is not only contributing to individual student success but also to the strength of the healthcare workforce,” SFSU School of Nursing Director Elaine Musselman said. “We are proud to partner with BD in advancing health access and addressing the critical need for well-trained, compassionate nurses in our region.”
BD has been a longstanding community partner in San Francisco Bay Area for 50 years. Today, the company continues its commitment to advancing the health of the San Francisco Bay Area community by providing grants and product donations to numerous local nonprofits.
Celebrate outstanding leadership and service and recognize those making an exceptional impact! The Civic & Community Engagement Awards honor students, faculty, staff and community partners who strengthen the connections between SF State and our communities.
The nomination deadline has been extended to Friday, Feb. 21.
Calling all hands! SF State’s 124th Commencement ceremony will be Friday, May 23, at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The campus community is encouraged to participate and help make this a special event for graduating students, their friends and family members. Assignments will be 1:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
As in years past, all ambassadors are asked to receive approval from their supervisor and attend an informational training via Zoom in late May for their assignment.
Many assignments involve large amounts of walking and standing. To request accommodations, please note them on the signup form under “Questions or requests.” For questions, please email Dania Russell at drussell@sfsu.edu.
SF State’s 124th Commencement ceremony will be Friday, May 23, at Oracle Park in San Francisco. To make this event even more memorable for graduates and their families, faculty members are encouraged to serve as faculty marshals. Assignments will be 1:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
As in years past, all faculty marshals are asked to attend an informational training in late May via Zoom for their assignment.
Many assignments involve large amounts of walking and standing. To request accommodations, please note them on the sign-up form under “Questions or requests.” For questions, please email Ken Maeshiro at kmaeshir@sfsu.edu.
The University Corporation seeks feedback from the campus community as it relates to on-campus retail.
The five-year administrative review is underway for Alex Hwu, dean of the College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGE). The Administrative Review Committee solicits input from members of the campus community. An electronic questionnaire will be available via email on Saturday, March 1.
To participate in the review process, please email Mona Sagapolutele at academic@sfsu.edu. The deadline to submit online questionnaires to the Administrative Review Committee is Monday, March 31.
In keeping with the procedures for academic administrative review approved by the Academic Senate, the committee will not accept any anonymous responses. The committee will preserve the confidentiality of those who submit evaluations, within the limits of the law, and individual responses will not be shown to the administrator under review.
The Administrative Review Committee co-chairs are Economics Professor Venoo Kakar and CPaGE Instructional Faculty Paul DeAngelis.
The five-year administrative review is underway for Eugene Sivadas, dean of the Lam Family College of Business. The Administrative Review Committee solicits input from members of the campus community. An electronic questionnaire will be available via email on Saturday, March 1.
To participate in the review process, please email Mona Sagapolutele at academic@sfsu.edu. The deadline to submit online questionnaires to the Administrative Review Committee is Monday, March 31.
In keeping with the procedures for academic administrative review approved by the Academic Senate, the committee will not accept any anonymous responses. The committee will preserve the confidentiality of those who submit evaluations, within the limits of the law, and individual responses will not be shown to the administrator under review.
The Administrative Review Committee co-chairs are Hospitality and Tourism Managment Professor Colin Johnson and Lam Family College of Business Career Services and Professional Development Director Paul Glanting.
Academic Affairs is conducting a search for the vice provost of Academic Resources. The position is to be filled by July. The search committee was selected following SFSU senate policy S18-180.
Information such as the position description, search profile and application procedures will be shared on the Academic Affairs website.
Search committee members:
- Ly Chau, director of academic budget, Academic Resources
- David Hellman, librarian, Library
- Alex Hwu, dean, College of Professional & Global Education
- David Landy, chair, Philosophy
- Laura Lisy–Wagner, chair, History
- Elena Stoian, executive director, Budget Administration and Operations
- Baligh Ben Taleb, assistant professor, American Indian Studies
- Kimberly Tanner, professor, Biology
- Sherria Taylor, associate professor, Child and Adolescent Development (chair of search committee)
- Lori Beth Way, vice provost and dean, Undergraduate Education and Academic Planning
Article 20.37 of the collective bargaining agreement for CSU faculty provides a limited pool of funds to be awarded to faculty employees who are engaged in exceptional levels of service that support the CSU’s priorities. Faculty members may nominate themselves or other eligible members for these Exceptional Assigned Time Awards in a letter no longer than two pages.
If nominating someone, please include a statement to the effect that the faculty member is not already receiving assigned time for the same general category of supported activity during academic year 2025 – 2026. Senate policy S18-271 includes details on eligibility, supported activities, review criteria and process. Applications must include the cover sheet as a Microsoft Word or PDF document.
Awards will be announced in May. All nominations must be received by the Academic Senate office via email at senate@sfsu.edu by 4 p.m. Monday, March 15.
About 250 high school students from the San Francisco Unified School District will visit the Video Game Studies program on Monday, March 10. They will have opportunities to sit in on classes in other programs and attend a tabling event.
Availability for visits to classes begins at 12:15 and concludes at 2 p.m. Representatives of departments and programs are also invited to table between 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
For more information and to participate, please email Chris Weinberger at csw1@sfsu.edu.
The SF State Academic Senate will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2 – 5 p.m., via Zoom for its 10th meeting of the academic year.
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee as consent items:
- Minor in Persian Studies (MN-PRSN): reduction in units
- Bachelor of Arts in History (BA-HIST): distance education authorization
- Graduate certificate in Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Innovation (CT-TSD): distance education authorization
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Graduate Pathway Program (TESOLGPP-SELF): new certificate
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in second reading:
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management (BS-HTM): name change
- Bachelor in Music, concentration in Music Production (BM-MUSMP): degree type change
- International Relations Graduate Pathway Program (IRGPP-SELF): new certificate proposal
- Minor in Business Analytics: new minor proposal
- Master of Science in Accountancy (MS-ACCT): change designation, change core classes
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, concentration in PK – 3 Integrated Teacher Education Program: concentrations
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, concentration in Special Education Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP): concentrations
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, concentration in Care and Education: Concentrations
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, concentration in Pre – K to Third Grade: concentrations
- Recommendation from Senator Foley item in second reading:
- Revision to Policy on Program Sustainability, Continuance and Discontinuance #F24-177
- Academic Senate will hear formal presentations from:
- Nancy Gerber, Baccalaureate Requirement Committee chair, and Kent Lorenz, general education faculty director: “GE 2025” (time approximate 3:30 – 3:50 p.m.)
- Rob Collins and Dipendra Sinha, Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU) senators: “ASCSU Update” (time approximate 3:50 – 4:10 p.m.)
The Institute for Civic and Community Engagement invites the campus community to an information session about the Panetta Congressional Internship on Monday, Feb. 17, noon – 2 p.m., in HSS 204. SFSU’s 2024 Panetta intern, Andrea Soto, will discuss Learp the internship’s benefits, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
For questions, please contact Programs and Outreach Coordinator Tati Martinez at altimartinez@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-6419.
“AI Literacy Essentials: Critical Analysis of Generative AI” explores the critical analysis of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to support responsible use of this technology. Learn how AI models are trained and why misinformation and biases may occur in AI-generated content. Develop strategies to analyze AI outputs and assess AI tools for quality and ethical considerations. Participants will engage in the evaluation process through collaborative, hands-on activities and reflective discussions.
This course is required to receive a digital badge for the AI Literacy Education Program.
Schedule:
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Please register via Zoom.
- Thursday, Feb. 20, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Please register via Zoom.
Risk and Safety Services offers a series of “Ready, Set, Safety!” lunch-and-learn presentations beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 11:30 a.m. in Library 286. These brown-bag talks are designed to inform the community of risk mitigation programs in place at SF State. Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate in these discussions as they offer an open forum for anyone interested in learning more about a variety of topics.
The Feb. 26 presentation will cover special events. Presenters will provide information on requirements for student organizations, colleges and departments when organizing an event.
The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL) invites the campus community to its first “WE Wednesday” event of the spring semester on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. in Library 240. The event, led by Associate Professor Zubaida Qamar, brings faculty together to envision a teaching farm and create community. Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP is preferred but drop-in is welcome. Please RSVP via Qualtrics.
The University Budget Committee (UBC) invites campus employees to attend its next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. – noon, via Zoom.
UBC members represent staff, faculty, students, administrators. Please visit the UBC page to access slideshows and minutes from past meetings or request the recording from a recent meeting.
UBC members also offer office hours on Friday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – noon, for the campus community to ask questions or share feedback with UBC members about budget-related matters.
Please RSVP for the Feb. 27 meeting and/or office hours to ubc@sfsu.edu.
The Lam-Larsen Initiative for Emerging Technologies hosts “Discover the Power of Comics in Case Writing” on Friday, Feb. 28, at noon via Zoom. The event is open to students, faculty, staff and alumni. This workshop is designed for educators across disciplines who are passionate about making learning more accessible, inclusive and impactful.
This webinar will feature Yasser Rahrovani, associate professor of Information Systems at the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. Rahrovani will introduce an approach to teaching sensitive topics using comics and visual stories and share how comics can be used as a powerful tool to address sensitive topics such as sexual harassment and artificial-intellgience bias in educational settings. This approach aligns with diversity, equity and inclusion principles by fostering a more inclusive, engaging and learner-centric environment.
Participants will gain practical insights into:
- When and how to use comics as an instructional tool
- Effective pedagogical techniques for teaching with comics
- A critical comparison of comic-based cases versus traditional text-based cases
- The process of creating compelling comic cases
SF State Spotlight
The Washington Post quotes Asian American Studies Professor Russell Jeung in a Jan. 28 article about Lunar New Year.
“For many in the Chinese diaspora and the more broad Asian diaspora, Lunar New Year is probably the most important festival and cultural event of the year — it’s like our Christmas,” he said.
American Indian Studies Professor Emerita Elizabeth Parent’s “Stitched Tawny Warmth” has earned third place in three-dimensional art at the “Finding a Path” art show at the South San Francisco Public Library.
This juried exhibit features two- and three-dimensional artworks, exploring personal experiences and broader cultural narratives to illuminate potential avenues within the intricate labyrinth of life.
Parent (Deg Xit’an) was the first Native American person on the editorial board of the Harvard Educational Review, the first Alaska Native woman to earn a Ph.D., the first Alaska Native woman to obtain tenure as a full professor, and the first professor in American Indian Studies at SF State.
A recent episode of the podcast “Scamfluencers” examined the role late Professor Emeritus of Economics Ralph Anspach played in revealing the true origin of the game Monopoly.
For decades, the game company Parker Brothers claimed that Monopoly had been invented by a man named Charles Darrow in the 1930s. In 1973, Anspach created his own game, Anti-Monopoly, in which the object was to break up monopolies rather than build them. General Mills (which had acquired Parker Brothers) sued him for trademark infringement, but Anspach refused to back down and discontinue his game. In the ensuing legal battle, the true creator of the game was revealed: Monopoly had been invented in 1903 by a leftist feminist, Lizzie Magie, as a critique of capitalism. Darrow had stolen the idea.
In the “Scamfluencers” episode, co-host Scaachi Koul calls Anspach “a hero” for the way he stood up to General Mills and helped uncover the truth.