Dr. Seth Mallios
Dr. Seth Mallios is the Kit and Karen Sickels Endowed Chair in University Heritage and Community Engagement at San Diego State University (SDSU), where he also serves as Professor of Anthropology, University History Curator, Director of the South Coastal Information Center, and Director of the Center for University Heritage and Community Engagement.
An accomplished archaeologist, anthropologist, and historian, Dr. Mallios is recognized for his community-based research that bridges science and the humanities to explore identity, memory, and the stories that shape our understanding of the past and present. His work connects academic scholarship with public engagement, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
Dr. Mallios leads several prominent local research initiatives, including the Nathan Harrison Historical Archaeology Project, the Whaley House Historical Archaeology Project, and the San Diego County Gravestone Project. Throughout his career, he has authored 18 books and dozens of scholarly articles, secured more than $2 million through over 100 grants, contracts, and awards, and curated numerous public exhibitions showcasing anthropology, archaeology, and regional history.
Dr. Mallios earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.
Dr. Christal Sohl
Dr. Christal Sohl is a Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Chemistry at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she leads innovative research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer. By exploring questions at the intersection of biochemistry, molecular biophysics, and cell biology, Dr. Sohl and her research team—the "Sohlmates"—seek to uncover how enzyme dysfunction contributes to disease, identify new therapeutic targets, and advance the development of future cancer treatments.
Equally passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, Dr. Sohl has guided the research and professional development of more than 60 graduate and undergraduate students. She also serves as Director of SDSU's NIH-funded Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program, where she supports aspiring STEM researchers as they prepare for doctoral studies and careers in scientific leadership.
Dr. Sohl earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma, her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University, and completed an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale University before joining the SDSU faculty in 2015. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, the National Science Foundation, CSUPERB, the SDSU/UCSD U54 Partnership, and SDSU, reflecting her significant contributions to cancer research and STEM education.