Fullerton College Welcomes New Tenure Track Faculty
Fullerton College welcomes six new tenure track faculty members. The college looks forward to supporting our new faculty as they excel in teaching, scholarship and service. Meet our new instructors:
Carlos Antunez
Computer Information Systems
Carlos Antunez is a proud first-generation college student and the first in his family to have attended college. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills and is on track to complete his master’s in cyber security in spring 2025. He brings eight years of information technology experience, with five teaching in higher education. His passion for teaching began at Santa Ana College, where he developed his courses and curriculum to be both engaging and interesting for students. Apart from his formal education, he also indulges in the arts, having taken art and music courses at different community colleges. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, weightlifting, playing soccer, dancing and socializing with friends and family. He also loves playing the acoustic guitar, working on his cars and spending time with his two pet huskies.
Joseph Cipriano
Chemistry
Joseph Cipriano received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and his masters degree in biochemistry at California State University, Fullerton with an emphasis on viral proteins. Outside the classroom, Cipriano has also produced a documentary film, titled “Pedaling with Purpose,” that focuses on the experiences of men of color with HIV and their efforts to end AIDS and its stigma. During his free time, he participates in competitive gaming, physical and outdoor activities and being a pup parent.
Wesley Cox
Ethnic Studies
Wesley Cox holds a wealth of experience as a faculty member after serving at California State University, Fullerton, Los Angeles Valley College and Fullerton College. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design and a Bachelor of Arts in Africana studies. He also holds a master’s degree in African American studies and a certificate in digital humanities from University of California, Los Angeles. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University’s joint doctoral program in education. His research focuses on higher education and student affairs, specifically Black LGBTQIA2S+ students at public California universities. In his professional background, he has partnered with a variety of African American organizations to provide resources and housing for underserved populations.
Tricia Gonzalez
Cosmetology
Tricia Gonzalez was born in Bellflower, California and raised in Los Angeles County. For Gonzalez, cosmetology has always been a passion. Gonzalez holds a bachelor’s in theater arts and an emphasis on makeup, hair and costume design from CSUF. She also earned a credential in fashion and interior design and an associate degree in cosmetology from Riverside City College. Her teaching career began at the high school level and continued at private and community colleges in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Her goal is to inspire all students to excel in their craft and to push the boundaries of possibility in the world of cosmetology.
Alissa Matus
Chemistry
A Southern California local, Alissa Matus was born and raised in Los Angeles County. Teaching at a community college has been one of her biggest goals. Her bachelor’s degree in chemistry was obtained at Azusa Pacific University, and she completed her doctorate degree in chemistry at University of California Irvine . As a student, Matus founded several mentorship programs and strongly advocated for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for her peers. Most recently, she helped submit a cross-institutional National Science Foundation grant that connects science, technology, engineering and math curriculum and climate justice topics and is thrilled to bring this initiative to Fullerton College. In her spare time, Matus will be found listening to music, planning a trip or looking for concerts to attend and taking care of her dog.
Renee Ramos
Counseling & Student Development
Renee Ramos is a native of Chino, California. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in administrative leadership. For five years, she served as an academic advisor at University of Southern California (USC) in the student-athlete academic services department. While at USC, she completed her doctorate in educational leadership and her second master’s degree in educational counseling. Her continued passion for education led her to the community college sector, where she joined Glendale Community College and Citrus College as an adjunct athletics counselor. During her free time, Ramos enjoys playing softball on an all-women’s tournament team, staying active with early morning gym sessions and spending time with her family.
