SDSU RISE Center

SDSU RISE CENTER

The demographics  of the rural,  border community of Imperial Valley  two hours east of San Diego present a complex set of socioeconomic issues that need to be addressed so residents have better access to health care, community support and advancement opportunities.

Through a new center called RISE (Research, Innovation, Student Engagement), SDSU Imperial Valley leaders, faculty, and students plan to harness community partnerships and initiate community engagement to address the issues unique to the region. They aim to  foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and problem-solving activities so SDSU becomes the premier Hispanic serving border region research institution in the United States.

RISE Center: Research, Innovation, Student Engagement

RISE will focus on issues facing Imperial County residents and organizations, identifying solutions in areas such as  health, education, and the environment. The collaboration with colleagues south of the border will provide reciprocal services, and tap the expertise of researchers on SDSU’s main campus.

Big Ideas Champion

  • Helina Hoyt, Ph.D., Nursing
  • Beverly Carlson, Ph.D., Nursing
  • Carlos Herrera, Ph.D., Borderlands Institute
  • Steven Hooker, Ph.D., Health & Human Services

Team Members

  • David Kanaan, Ph.D., SDSU Imperial Valley Dean’s Office
  • Gregorio Ponce, Ed.,D, SDSU Imperial Valley Dean
  • Michael Gates, Ph.D., Nursing
  • Neda Shamsalizadeh, Ph.D., Nursing
  • Mark Wheeler, Ph.D., SDSU Imperial Valley Associate Dean