Fueled by a curiosity for the world around her, Diana Jeanne Cosand has found biology to be the perfect career. She loves that it grants her the opportunity to better understand the nature she grew up admiring, and to support causes dedicated to its conservation. One of her first positions in the field was ranger naturalist at Yosemite National Park. Ms. Cosand’s experience in that role was a real turning point because it sparked her desire to teach environmental biology. She proceeded to obtain roles as adjunct faculty in biology at Cerritos College, Irvine Valley College, Fullerton College, and Santa Ana College. In 2000, Ms. Cosand became an assistant professor of biology at Chaffey College, and in 2002, she became an associate professor of biology at the school. She remains in that role to this day.
To prepare for her endeavors, Ms. Cosand earned a Master of Arts in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from California State University in 1991 and 1987, respectively. She credits her growth in the field to her professors, who guided and mentored her. She also notes that her time on an educational cruise in Alaska to see the site of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was an impactful learning moment, as it brought her face-to-face with a real environmental disaster.
Ms. Cosand’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she was selected as a grantee of the Research Opportunity Award through the National Science Foundation, and a recipient of the Report to Community Award from Chaffey College and the Chaffey Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She was named an alumni scholar by the Math and Science Council of California State University in 1991. Her achievements have been highlighted in various editions of Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women.
When Ms. Cosand isn’t working, she enjoys being active in her community. She is a member of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, and was previously a member of the board of directors of Southern California Botanists and the North Etiwanda Open Space Preserve.