Brian Tissot, Department of Biological Sciences and HSU Marine Laboratory
Where are you originally from?
My farther was in the Navy so we moved every 2 years but I was largely raised in California and Virginia. I consider San Diego my home town.
Where did you complete your education?
I have a Ph.D. in Zoology from Oregon State University.
Where have you taught prior to coming to HSU?
I had faculty appointments and taught courses at the University of Hawaii-Hilo and Washington State University, Vancouver.
What are your specific areas of expertise?
I am a Marine Conservation Ecologist with an emphasis on benthic invertebrates and fishes. I also involved in fishery management and policy.
What classes are you teaching this year?
I will be teaching Zool 530: Benthic Ecology in the spring.
What attracted you to Humboldt State?
Being the Director of the Marine Laboratory was a unique opportunity and I enjoy the large number of faculty and students here interested in the marine sciences. Of course I love the ocean and forests but HSU’s focus on experiential education was similar to my undergraduate education at Cal Poly, which I loved.
What do you do in your free time outside the classroom?
Surfing, photography, hiking and diving. I hope to start ocean kayaking.
What is your favorite classroom technique to engage students?
The Socratic method.
What is the best thing about being a university professor?
It fulfills my endless quest for learning.
Where is the strangest place you’ve done research?
At 1,200 feet below the ocean’s surface in a submarine. It was surreal.
If you weren’t an HSU professor, what would you be?
A movie director.
What superpower would be most valuable to your research?
Not having to breath so I could stay underwater forever.
Mark Swetz, Department of Theatre, Film & Dance
Where are you originally from?
Born in Harrisburg, Pa.
Where did you complete your education?
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, part of the University of London.
Where have you taught prior to coming to HSU?
In the U.S. — The Ohio State University, The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre
In the U.K. — The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Brunel University, University of Canterbury and University of Greenwich.
In Spain — University of Cáceres, University of Castilla la Mancha and various workshops across the country.
Across Europe as the regional Lead Trainer for Apple, Ltd.
In China — Beijing First Medical University.
What are your specific areas of expertise?
Theatre directing, acting, dramaturgy, theatre history and disability studies.
What classes are you teaching this year?
TA251: Directing/Performance Workshop and TA315: Classical Acting
What attracted you to Humboldt State?
The location, the integrated nature of the department (Theatre, Film & Dance), the students, the facilities, the fact that it is a teaching university and the importance of the university in the community and greater region.
What do you do in your free time outside the classroom?
Hike, bike, explore
What is your favorite classroom technique to engage students?
Understand what their goals are and use the class material to pursue them.
What is the best thing about being a university professor?
Being a part of discovery and exploration.
Where is the strangest place you’ve done research?
Inside someone else’s head.
If you weren’t an HSU professor, what would you be?
Doing something in the high-tech sector.
What superpower would be most valuable to your research?
Stopping or elongating time.