Patty Oikawa Faculty Profile

Photo of Patty Oikawa

Patty  Oikawa

Assistant Professor

Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences

I am a biogeochemist who focuses on nutrient cycling and climate change. I recently joined the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at CSU East Bay in September 2016. I am from the Bay Area and studied as a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley for 3 years before coming to CSU East Bay. My research focuses on how ecosystems interact with the atmosphere. For example, I am currently studying how wetland restoration in the Bay Area and Sacramento Delta can be used to mitigate climate change.

My teaching philosophy is to engage students with hands-on active learning. I emphasize group work and discussions in the classroom while providing as many opportunities as possible to get outside and collect data. I am always accepting students into my lab so please contact me if you want experience with biogeochemical measurements.