Please join us in welcoming Sam Stein (he/him) to Schmid College of Science and Technology. Stein will serve as an Instructional Assistant Professor of​ Environmental Science & Policy.​

Sam Stein’s work focuses on the restoration of aquatic systems such as rivers and wetlands, and he recently completed his Ph.D. in Geography at UC Berkeley. In addition to his research, Sam is interested in equitable pedagogy and improving accessibility in higher education both inside and outside of the classroom.​

Q&A with Sam Stein, Instructional Assistant Professor of​ Environmental Science & Policy

Q: What role were you in before this one? 

A: Prior to arriving at Chapman, I completed a BS in Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno, an MA in Geography at San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. in Geography at UC Berkeley. In addition to my research, I am interested in equitable pedagogy and improving accessibility in higher education both inside and outside of the classroom. I was part of the inaugural Universal Design for Learning (UDL) working group at UC Berkeley, and earned graduate-level certificates in UDL and Teaching and Learning in Higher Education during my Ph.D.

Q: What is your current area of research — and why are you passionate about it? 

A: My current research focus is the impact of small-scale structures (such as beaver dams, log jams, and bio-mimicry structures) in river restoration projects. I’m particularly interested in understanding the impact of the structures on key stream functions, like groundwater recharge, sediment transport, and water quality regulation, and using that information to improve future approaches to river management. Although these structures are increasingly popular among restoration practitioners and community stakeholders, there’s still a lot of gaps in our knowledge around the long-term impact of these projects that make them worth studying further (and teaching the next generation of environmental scientists about).

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a scientist? 

A: Working somewhere in student services. Prior to starting my Ph.D., I worked in a few different roles in higher education at San Francisco State University including as a lecturer, an academic advisor, and the director of an academic support program for underrepresented student populations. I loved working with and mentoring students outside of a typical classroom or research setting, and I’d happily step into a similar role again.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this semester?

A: I’m most looking forward to getting to know the students at Chapman and in the ES&P program, especially their interests and long-term goals, and figuring out new opportunities for getting students out in the field to learn hands-on about the environment and how we interact with it.