Dr. Karin Crowhurst Principal investigator About me: I grew up in western Canada (Calgary and Vancouver) but travelled east to pursue my university degrees. During undergrad (at Queen’s University) I met my future husband and entertained myself by making contact explosives. I continued my education at the University of Toronto where I completed my PhD in Biochemistry and Biomolecular Structure in the Forman-Kay lab before moving to Los Angeles in 2003 to join the Mayo lab at Caltech for my postdoc. I joined CSUN as an Assistant Professor in 2007. Since then my students and I have worked hard to move our research forward, and create a fun and inclusive lab environment. Other interests: I have been a radio DJ in my past and in rare periods of spare time these days I like to make stuff and go exploring (locally and globally). I also have a garden and grow amazing tomatoes and berries and veggies in the summer.
Ruben Bautista Graduate student, Biochemistry Joined as undergrad: summer 2022 Joined as grad student: fall 2024 About me: I discovered my interest in research through an NSF funded research opportunity for community college students in 2020 where I worked in a materials lab at UCLA. I completed a B.S Biochemistry in 2024 at CSUN (during which I did research in the Crowhurst lab) and joined the Master’s program the following semester. Other interests: Music, hiking, reading.
Toryan Cox-Georgian Graduate student, Biochemistry Joined as undergrad: summer 2022 Joined as grad student: summer 2024 About me: What I like about doing research is the NMR peak assigning, it reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle and I find it fun and it can be somewhat relaxing when you get in the “flow-state”. Other interests: My favorite things to do in my free time are painting, going to thrift shops, and baking. I prefer walking everywhere because I can appreciate nature and do some people-watching.
Zeni Fontanilla Undergraduate student, Chemistry Joined: spring 2025 About me: coming soon Other interests: TBA.
Walter Torres Graduate student, Biochemistry Joined: fall 2024 About me: I am a first-generation college graduate, and proud of it. While it was not always easy to continue school, my family has always motivated me to continue to pursue my goals and my dreams. I desire to make my science dreams a reality to show myself, my family and all those who dream similar dreams that anyone can pave new roads no matter what our starting materials may be. Other interests: I love watching sports and going fishing. The Master’s program has nurtured my latest hobby… napping 🙂
