It may have been while staring at gummy bears in kindergarten when Alex Vasquez realized his path was destined to be different than most. While other kids in his Novato elementary school were doing one-to-one counting with gummy bears, Alex was already working on square roots and multiplication tables.

ABET is the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies.

In the Department of Geology at SSU, students are taught hands-on scientific techniques to better understand the Earth throughout a series of camping-based field trips across western North America. These trips are the foundation of the department, and introduce students to the remarkable geology that surrounds us all. The Department of Geology's Matty Mookerjee and Philip Mooney recently led 13 students across California on a field trip for an upper-division course in Structural Geology.

A rowboat drifts atop a small, glassy lake encircled by a noisy highway, a bustling golf course and a lively playground. In this little aquatic refuge, two men row along to transport unusual cargo: young western pond turtles. The tiny, palm-sized creatures meander in clear plastic tubs resting in the boat's hull as they await freedom in their new home.