The Faculty in Residence (FIR) positions are Department of Housing and Residential Education (DHRE) specific roles, separate from faculty appointments, through which California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) faculty members have an opportunity to live in community with residents and directly impact the residential experience. With oversight from and collaboration with DHRE staff, FIRs support the retention and success of residents by being an active leader in our villages and a knowledgeable point of contact and referral source for residents. FIRs promote learning and development through meaningful connections with residents and student leaders and implementing educational outreach and community events.
Meet the Faculty in Residence Team
Susana Henriquez
College: Natural Science
Department: Geological Sciences
Hi there! I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences, and I am so excited to be part of the CSUSB community, living on campus and supporting our students. I am originally from Chile, where I first discovered and fell in love with studying the Earth as an undergraduate student. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Chile in Santiago, then moved to the United States to complete my PhD at the University of Arizona. After a postdoctoral position at the University of Utah, I joined the Department of Geological Sciences here at CSUSB.
As a geoscientist, I am fascinated by the processes and systems that shape our planet. I am especially drawn to mountain belts and how the Earth responds to tectonic forces. I enjoy sharing my passion for geosciences and showing how it impacts our lives, so that others can develop a deeper appreciation for the land we inhabit, feel curious about the Earth, and perhaps even find ways to protect it. As a woman in science, I am passionate about mentoring and I look forward to helping students grow, find their own path, and thrive in their journeys.
I live in Coyote Village with my dog Ravioli, and you will often see us walking around campus or joining in at events. As a Faculty in Residence, my goal is to help students feel supported, connected, and truly at home. Mentoring is one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I feel privileged to spend quality time with students living on campus, learning from them, encouraging their growth, and celebrating the next generation of professionals as they prepare for their future at CSUSB and beyond.
Nicole Scalissi
College: Arts & Letters
Department: Art & Design
I am excited to support students in Coyote Village as Faculty in Residence! I’m here to connect residents to the support and resources for success at CSUSB and beyond.
I am Assistant Professor of Art History & Global Cultures. I love that art shows us different perspectives on our shared, changing world. My research specialty is Latinx/Afro-Latinx contemporary art history, but I teach about art from all over the globe. As an educator, I support students in developing their own critical voices (often bilingually) through thinking and writing about art and culture. I am proud to be a graduate of southern California public schools and community colleges. I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to finish my BA and later my PhD (both in the History of Art & Architecture), and I am happy to be back home in southern California.
I live in Coyote Village with my husband John (also CSUSB faculty) and Maggle, our dog. I love dogs, baking, and watching hockey (go Ducks) and reality competition art shows. You’ll see me around campus walking Maggle, lifting at the Rec, or at the art museum on campus.
As FIR, I am a reliable neighbor and helpful mentor. My goal is to help all residents feel comfortable on campus and with college life. I am especially excited to help students connect to clubs and people, learn about the incredible resources we have for everyone at CSUSB, and get familiar with art and culture on and off campus.
Tamara Roose
College: Education
Department: Teacher Education and Foundations
I’m an Assistant Professor in the MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program in the Watson College of Education. I’m very happy to continue living in University Village as a Faculty in Residence.
I’m originally from Southern California, but I completed a PhD in Foreign, Second, and Multilingual Language Education at The Ohio State University. My research focuses on the intersection of language, culture, and education. As both a teacher and scholar, I believe that students’ diverse language and cultural backgrounds should be positioned as assets that can enrich their academic journeys.
I’ve worked with international students and immigrants from all over the world for over fifteen years. At CSUSB, I prepare graduate students to teach English learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, both in the U.S. and overseas. Outside of the classroom, I love traveling the world, learning about other languages and cultures, spending time in nature, and staying physically active. I especially enjoy walking and talking, playing sports, and building meaningful relationships—often over good food and conversations.
As a Faculty in Residence, my goal is to serve as a bridge between students’ academic and social lives by fostering genuine connections and helping residents access resources that support their success. I’m excited to help create a sense of home at University Village as we live and learn together.
2025-2026 Faculty in Residence Selection
The 2025-2026 Faculty in Residence application has closed. If you have any questions regarding the selection process or the FIR position, please contact Timothy Bethune at 909-537-3291 or Timothy.Bethune@csusb.edu.