Faculty and Staff

Javier Espinoza Barajas Born in Michoacán, México, Javier migrated to the U.S. at sixteen and quickly embraced education as a path to opportunity. He graduated from Mt. Eden High School while taking college courses at Chabot—where his love for anthropology began. Javier earned a B.A. in Social Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz and an M.A. from CSU Los Angeles. His curiosity for culture led him to study abroad at UNAM in Mexico City. Today, as an Anthropology Professor and PACE Coordinator at Chabot College, Javier empowers students to explore diverse perspectives and connect learning to real-world experiences.

I'm Kirsten Olson and I began my study of anthropology at UC Santa Barbara where I earned my BA, then UCLA for my MA, and finally New York to continue my studies at Columbia University. My research has focused on anthropological archaeology, and I've been lucky to study people and cultures of the past in Belize, Argentina, Central California, and New York City. I have been teaching Anthropology now for over 15 years. I also enjoy hiking, birding, gardening, and spending time with my partner and three cats. ****PLEASE NOTE: Here at Chabot College, my courses are all online, so if you wish to reach me, please send me an email!****

I’m Nicole Buyagawan! I am a Bio-cultural Anthropologist, and I also hold degrees in American Ethnic Studies and Diversity Studies. My research area of focus is in the layered social and physical effects of incarceration, specifically solitary confinement. I teach both Anthropology and multicultural studies on various campuses throughout the Bay area, as well as Seattle which is where I am from. I am also a study abroad leader and take small groups of students on short term study programs every summer. When not working I live to travel, garden, play with my dogs, and spend time with my husband

I m an anthropologist whose research interests include bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology, specifically the health and quality of life of archaeological populations. I have conducted archaeological excavations and skeletal analysis in California, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Turkey, and at the Smithsonian Institution. I am a Bay Area native with four boys, three cats, two dogs, and a gecko.