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 is the Community Engaged Learning Specialist for OCEL. She joined CSUSB in 2005 and has held several positions on campus, including as the university’s Testing Officer, Assistant to the Associate Provost for Academic Programs, and student assistant for Academic Affairs. Cam has also served on the campus’ planning committees for the Women’s Leadership Conference, Employee Appreciation Day, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In September 2018, Cam was awarded the President’s Divisional Distinguished Service Award for the Academic Affairs Division. Cam’s responsibility is to lead community-based learning projects with CSUSB students, faculty, campus departments and local/regional/international community partners. A fun fact about Cam is that she loves to travel and collect magnets from places she has traveled to!
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 in 2017 at CSUSB within the College of Education. In 2022, he transitioned to the College of Extended and Global Education (CEGE) Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) division. Joshua brings a passion for aiding and enhancing the department and looks forward to continuing and contributing to the great work done by the Office of Community Engaged Learning.