Faculty highlight: Dr. Anthony Rathburn

Q&A about how CSUB serves the community

By California State University, Bakersfield

July 20^th, 2021

How I make a difference: Dr. Anthony Rathburn

Dr. Anthony Rathburn, professor and chair of the Department of Geological Sciences, interim director of the California Energy Research Center and director of the California Well Sample Repository, is grateful that a recent fire that devastated two downtown businesses spared the nearby Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, where he serves on the board of directors.

However, the museum did sustain water and smoke damage, and the pandemic has restricted public engagement. Still, the museum has reopened with limited attendance recently, and CSUB staffers helped curate two new exhibits: a mounted giraffe head and an 8-foot-long titanosaur bone.

The mission of the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science:

"To educate, engage and inspire our community to explore the wonders of science through enrichment activities, exhibits and special programs."

Why Dr. Rathburn became involved:

"I have always enjoyed natural history museums and believe strongly in the value of science education for all ages. I thought as a scientist and science educator, I might have something to contribute to the local museum. After visiting the BVMNHS, I realized that this is a great little museum with a lot to offer and a lot of potential."

Why it is important for CSUB to serve its communities:

"It is critical for CSUB to be an integral part of the community because these interactions help both the university and the communities it serves grow and improve together. By serving its communities, CSUB fosters greater equality of opportunities for community members, improved socio-economic outlook and strengthened mutually beneficial partnerships."

Learn more about the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

"For me, giving back to the community is fulfilling and enables me to meet a wider range of people with diverse backgrounds. By sharing ideas and expertise beyond the university campus, I believe that I can have a broader, positive impact on improving educational opportunities and enhancing the community's appreciation for science. Through community involvement I also see myself as an ambassador who can help strengthen CSUB's ties with the communities it serves."