Lua Lopez Perez, Ph.D.
Director
Email: lua.lopezperez@csusb.edu
Dr. Lopez is an evolutionary ecologist with broad training in conservation genetics, evolutionary biology, and genomics. She earned her PhD in Conservation Genetics from the University of A Coruña (Spain) and completed four years of postdoctoral research in evolutionary biology and ancient genomics at Heidelberg University (Germany) and Pennsylvania State University. She previously served as a Research Assistant Professor at Binghamton University (SUNY), where she designed and taught the Ecological Genetics research stream for the Freshman Research Immersion program.
Dr. Lopez is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at California State University, San Bernardino, and serves as curator of the CSUSB Herbarium. Her research examines how ecological environments shape evolutionary outcomes, with a particular focus on eco-evolutionary dynamics—the reciprocal interactions between ecological and evolutionary processes. Using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates field ecology, ecophysiology, ancient and modern genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics, her work has practical applications in conservation management and invasive species control.
In addition to her research, Dr. Lopez is deeply committed to teaching and science communication. She employs active learning strategies such as project-based learning and backward design to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and inclusivity in the classroom, with particular attention to supporting underrepresented groups in STEM. Her dedication to science education also extends beyond the university through partnerships with local museums and community organizations.
Camelia Fowler
Community Partnerships Analyst
Email: fowlerc2@csusb.edu
Camelia Fowler serves as the Community Engaged Learning Specialist for the Office of Community Engagement and Learning (OCEL) at CSUSB, where she has been a dedicated member of the campus community since 2005. Over the course of her tenure, she has held several key roles, including University Testing Officer, Assistant to the Associate Provost for Academic Programs, and student assistant within Academic Affairs. Her service also extends to major campus initiatives, contributing to planning committees for the Women’s Leadership Conference, Employee Appreciation Day, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
In addition to her staff leadership, Camelia teaches in the university’s USTD (University Studies) program, where she supports first-year students in developing a strong sense of academic identity, belonging, and transition success. Her USTD instruction emphasizes community, reflection, and student empowerment—particularly for first-generation scholars—aligning closely with the university’s mission of inclusive excellence and student achievement.
Camelia was recognized in September 2018 with the President’s Divisional Distinguished Service Award for the Academic Affairs Division, honoring her sustained commitment to student success and institutional service. In her current role, she leads community-based learning projects in collaboration with CSUSB students, faculty, departments, and local, regional, and international community partners.
A fun fact about Camelia: she loves to travel and proudly collects magnets from every destination she visits!
Kendra Ekpo
Community Engagement Specialist
Email: Kendra.ekpo@csusb.edu
Kendra Ekpo is the Community Engagement Specialist for the Office of Community Engaged Learning at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). She provides management with recommendations regarding the experiential learning platform, such as Give Pulse, to enhance internal and external strategic planning and marketing efforts within the CSUSB community. In her role, she serves as a key resource for policy and procedural matters related to the platform. Additionally, she supports fiscal analysis, budget planning, and financial reporting, offering insights based on her analyses.
Kendra joined CSUSB in 2021 as the Assistant to the Parking Director. She was later promoted to Fiscal Support Coordinator before transitioning to her current position in the Office of Community Engaged Learning in 2023. Previously, she held several positions in the financial sector, including roles as a bank teller and a mortgage specialist at Wells Fargo. She also worked as an account specialist at the Magistrate Court in Belize. With over 10 years of experience in the financial field, Kendra brings valuable expertise to her current role.
Joshua Wilson
Administrative Coordinator for Faculty Initiatives
Email: joshua.wilson@csusb.edu
Joshua Wilson began his journey at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) in 2017 in the College of Education Dean’s Office, before transitioning to the College of Education’s Student Services unit. In 2022, he moved to the College of Extended and Global Education (CEGE) within the Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) division. In 2023, he joined the former Office of Community Engagement—now the Office of Community Engaged Learning, as the Administrative Coordinator for Faculty Initiatives.
Joshua is a recent CSUSB graduate, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Joshua made the Dean’s List during all four semesters of his undergraduate coursework and graduated with departmental honors. He brings a strong commitment to supporting and strengthening departmental operations and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the meaningful work of the Office of Community Engaged Learning.