Biology, Vertebrate Paleontology
Biology professor, consultant of 70 films, and recipient of the 2022-23 CSUSB Golden Apple Award
Biology professor Stuart Sumida is considered one of the university’s best for his passion and commitment in teaching and working with students.
Stuart Sumida – Biology professor honored with CSUSB Golden Apple AwardBiology professor Stuart Sumida is considered one of the university’s best for his passion and commitment in teaching and working with students.
Sumida, who joined CSUSB in 1991, lectures on a number of subjects that includes human anatomy and physiology, evolution and topics in zoology. He is the author of three books and more than 70 journal articles – many with students, introducing them to the process of research and publication in refereed journals.
Sumida’s dedication to teaching has garnered a number of honors, including CSUSB’s Golden Apple Award; CSUSB Outstanding Professor; the prestigious California State University Wang Family Excellence Award; and California Professor of the Year, awarded by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Sumida’s reach has extended well beyond the walls of CSUSB and throughout the world. In addition to his exemplary teaching record, he is a nationally and internationally recognized educator, who is a sought-after keynote speaker for a wide range of organizations, including the National Science Teaching Association, the California Association for Science Educators, as well as numerous film festivals and academic conferences.
Due to his extensive experience and research background, he is considered the world’s expert in teaching anatomy to animators and artists, having contributed to more than 70 feature-length films, television programs and video games, including the Academy-Award-winning animated films “Soul,” “Ratatouille” and “Zootopia.” Most recently, he has been featured in the “Ask a Scientist” webinar series for the National Academy of Sciences and their outreach office, “The Science and Entertainment Exchange.”
He has served as a research associate in the section of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History since 1995, and in the department of Geology at the Field Museum of Natural History since 1989.
He was elected vice president of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology in 2022, the largest professional organization of paleontologists in the world, and will become the society’s president in November 2024. He is the first CSU faculty member elected to the society’s leadership or presidency.