We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Steve Blumenshine
Title: Interim executive director, CSU-WATER (Water Advocacy for Education and Research)
Department: CSU-WATER, via Biology
Academic Degree(s): Ph.D., University of Notre Dame; M.S. George Mason University; B.S. University of Wisconsin

How long have you worked at Fresno State? Since 2001; 21 years.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
Probably my second Fulbright Scholar Award, which was for collaborative work on water quality, climate change, and invasive fish in Lake Constance, Germany during 2021. I was able to apply my "research toolbox" which fortunately filled some of the existing gaps in the research group.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
So many things! My new position leading CSU-WATER requires me to greatly expand my water knowledge and networking throughout the CSU system while at the same time largely leaving behind my more specific areas of expertise. We all need to be passionate about addressing the current and future water issues in California, especially for the Central Valley.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
It was the recognition afforded by the Provost Research, Scholarship or Creative Accomplishment Award for 2021-2022. Also whenever one of my lab students wins an award or earns a fellowship or similar.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?
This was a while ago, but when our third child was born, I brought our two older kids to my large class (our kids were home schooled). Near the end of the class period, our daughter Dixie (age 7 at the time) asked me directly and quite loudly "Is this almost over." The class burst out laughing and I added "you just said out loud what everyone here is thinking" and we all had a good laugh together. So, don’t take yourself too seriously!

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
Probably this current one. It’s interesting because I’m learning new things everyday and interacting with so many interesting people. It’s unusual in that there is a great deal of responsibility and expectation, but a tremendous amount of liberty in how to fulfill that.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
Mostly active things like racquetball, Nordic skiing, mountain biking, but also fantasy football.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I like to cook.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked?
I feel so fortunate to have the opportunities to grow into a very rewarding career based at Fresno State.