Beach professor lands $1.5 million privacy grant as September spotlights new titles, honors
Making Waves is a monthly column that celebrates accomplishments of the CSULB community.
Professor leads nationally funded privacy app project
Gwen Shaffer, professor of journalism and public relations, is leading a research team that has secured a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant to develop a mobile privacy assistant app and dashboard for Long Beach residents. The three-year project is designed to give users control over how the city collects personal data through smart technologies such as automated license plate readers, public Wi-Fi and Long Beach’s parking app. The initiative builds on the research team’s existing Digital Rights Platform. Shaffer and her collaborators have mounted data privacy labels on dozens of city-deployed technologies throughout Long Beach that collect personally identifiable information. Each label features a unique QR code that takes residents to an online portal, where they can get more information. A former chair of the city’s Technology and Innovation Commission, Shaffer said the initiative addresses public concerns about surveillance — by enabling residents to make informed choices — and could serve as a model for municipalities nationwide.
Dean advances port education pathways in LBUSD
Chris Swarat, dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Education, announced a new Port of Long Beach contract with CSULB’s Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) to support Port-sponsored pathways at three Long Beach Unified School District high schools. Under the 30-month agreement, CITT will provide curriculum and programming for Cabrillo’s Academy of Global Logistics, Jordan’s Advanced Manufacturing, Construction and Engineering Academy and Long Beach Poly’s NOVA Academy, which focuses on clean energy and transportation technologies and launches this fall. Working with teachers, administrators and private industry, the team will give students real-world insight into Port operations, its economic impact and environmental leadership, and related career opportunities.
Alumni athletes take national senior title
Long Beach State Hall of Famers Margaret Mohr ‘88 and Kirsten Cummings ‘85, standout basketball players in the 1980s, helped lead the San Diego Avalanche to a national championship at the 2025 National Senior Games. Competing in the 60+ division, the team secured its title with a 41-29 win in the finals after dominating much of the tournament. Cummings, a two-time All-American who overcame a hearing impairment, was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 1990 and later played professionally in Italy. Mohr, inducted in 2011, was the point guard during the Beach’s first Final Four run in 1987 and went on to a successful coaching career. Their latest victory continues a legacy of excellence, showing that decades after their collegiate achievements, Mohr and Cummings remain vital contributors to the game they helped shape at Long Beach State.
Marketing grads win top national media award
Recent CSULB marketing graduates Davis Abog ‘25 and Safi Mahmood ’25 captured first place in the Washington Media Scholars Foundation’s 2025 Media Scholars Case Competition, marking the first time CSULB has entered the national contest. Competing against student teams from across the country, Abog and Mahmood developed a comprehensive media plan for a fictional energy advocacy group, advancing through multiple rounds before presenting their strategy at an awards luncheon in Washington, D.C. Each received a $5,000 scholarship. Guided by marketing lecturer Kierstin Stickney, with support from Associate Professor Hieu Nguyen and lecturer Ken Miller, the team credited faculty mentorship as key to their success. Mahmood also was named one of the Outstanding Marketing Graduates of Spring 2025.
Strategic Communications writer earns OC Press Club honors
Richard Chang, writer and communications specialist for CSULB Strategic Communications, earned multiple honors at the Orange County Press Club’s 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards, entering several of his university-produced stories in the “Sponsored Content” categories. Chang received first place in Best Food Story for a feature on a CSULB alumna’s Michelin-star success at Long Beach’s Heritage restaurant. He also placed second in Best News Feature Story for coverage of Beach TV News, second in Best Arts/Culture Story for a look at six decades of public art, and second in Best Music/Entertainment Story for chronicling the Wind Symphony’s Kennedy Center performance. He received honorable mention for his Commencement 2024 coverage.
August Employee of the Month: Network Engineer Hieu Vu
Hieu Vu, wireless network engineer, was named August’s Employee of the Month after 12 years of service keeping CSULB connected. Senior Technology Helpdesk Analyst Lily Keo praised Vu for “his outstanding service and consistent support of the Technology Help Desk and campus community.” At semester starts and beyond, Vu helps ensure smooth Wi-Fi access for students, staff and faculty, improving the onboarding process and proactively resolving issues. “What stands out most about Hieu is his approachability and reliability,” Keo added. Reflecting on his work, Vu said, “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow into my role as a Wireless Network Engineer here at CSULB,” noting his Cisco Certified Network Associate credential and plans for additional certifications.
Have an item for Making Waves? Send your submissions to Wendy Thomas Russell.
