NSME welcomes new faculty members

Meet the three new instructors

By California State University, Bakersfield

August 23^rd, 2024

As the 2024-2025 school year begins, the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering would like to introduce students to three new faculty members joining the departments of Biology and Nursing.

Thibault Allain, Biology

Microbiologist Dr. Thibault Allain joins the Biology Department as an assistant professor, coming to CSUB most recently from a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada. Originally from a small town near Paris, France, Dr. Allain received his master’s in microbiology from the Sorbonne University. He earned his Ph.D. in parasitology from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, the INRAE Institute and the Alfort National Veterinary School.

During his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary, Dr. Allain worked with Dr. Andre Buret, researching pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases, including parasitic infections and inflammatory bowel diseases. Dr. Allain’s research focuses on understanding the complex relationship between parasites, the bacteria in our gut and our overall health.

Dr. Allain will continue this research at CSUB, where he will investigate the role of extracellular vesicles in host-pathogen interactions.

“My research will focus on how protozoa such as Giardia use tiny particles to communicate with the microbiome and the host,” Dr. Allain said. “I aim to identify the specific mechanisms by which these vesicles can modify the behaviors of other microorganisms. Ultimately, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial and parasitic diseases.”

Dr. Allain looks forward to working with colleagues across academic disciplines, hoping to offer his expertise in a wide range of microbiology subjects to collaborative projects.

What drew Dr. Allain to CSUB was the university’s commitment to student success. In his microbiology courses, he wants to inspire his students to explore the fascinating world of microorganisms, he said.

“But most of all, I want them to have fun!” Dr. Allain said. “I am eager to share my enthusiasm for the history of science with my students. By introducing them to the groundbreaking work of pioneering microbiologists, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the field. For we should never forget that Antoni van Leeuwenhoek discovered 'animalcules' and built the foundation of microbiology and parasitology in the 17th century, all while running a draper shop! He and many others exemplify the power of curiosity and perseverance. It is truly inspiring to focus my research on the very microorganisms that sparked this scientific revolution.”

When not in the lab or the classroom, Dr. Allain can often be found outdoors. He enjoys hiking, climbing and mountaineering, and he is excited to explore the diverse landscapes California has to offer. His other hobbies include woodworking and playing jazz guitar.

Stacy Elrod, Nursing

An alumna of CSUB Nursing herself, Stacy Elrod joins the department as an assistant professor this year. Originally from San Juan Capistrano, she moved to Bakersfield in 2012 when she was accepted into CSUB’s nursing program. She then went on to earn her MSN in nursing education from CSU Dominguez Hills in 2020. She has worked part-time for CSUB’s nursing department since 2018.

“I am excited to move into my new role as a fulltime professor,” Elrod said. “My life was changed for the better when I received my acceptance letter for the nursing program at CSUB many years ago. I am honored to give back to a program that has done tremendous good for the community, the nursing profession and the patients we serve.”

Since graduating from CSUB in 2015, Elrod has worked in intensive care units, specializing in trauma and surgery patients. This semester, she will teach nursing senior students during their critical care didactic and clinical course.

“I am excited to share my love of the ICU with the students,” Elrod said. “I am passionate about being a nurse and am grateful for the opportunity to help mold the future generations entering into the profession.”

In addition to teaching, Elrod continues to work in the trauma unit. Outside of the classroom and hospital, Elrod enjoys beach vacations with her husband, Jake, and their two young children, Jackson and Luke.

Edward Kish, Nursing

Edward Kish joins the Nursing Department as an assistant professor this fall, having previously worked as a clinical instructor in the department. Born and raised in Washington State and a Bakersfield resident since 2008, Kish first earned a degree in religion and philosophy from Northwest University before later earning both a B.S. in Nursing and a Master of Science Administration — Health Care Management from CSUB in 2015.

Kish will draw on years of experience as he teaches his psychiatric nursing classes: he worked for six years at Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services at their Crisis Stabilization Unit or Psychiatric Evaluation Center, two years in similar units at Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness and for nearly three years as an addiction medicine registered nurse for Kaiser Permanente (both on a per diem basis), and in short stints at California Department of Corrections and at a Crisis Stabilization Unit just outside of San Francisco.

“As an alum of the program, I am happy to carry on the rich history of our nursing school and pass on the lessons that past and present CSUB professors passed onto me,” Kish said. “I am excited to educate the future generations of nursing students and hopefully instill in them a love and respect for psychiatric patients. This was why I desired to come back to CSUB at this stage in my career.”

In his free time, Kish enjoys traveling, mostly throughout the United States. Of particular interest on his travels are baseball stadiums, he said, noting that he recently returned from a trip to New York, where he got to visit both Yankees and Mets stadiums. He also loves checking out the dining scenes in cities he visits.