Even in youth, Terri Castaneda, the museum director and assistant professor of anthropology at Sac State, seemed destined to be an anthropologist.

She realized her love for the subject when she was only in seventh grade, living in Denver, Colo. It was there she learned about anthropology and the work of such influential figures as Louis and Mary Leakey and Jane Goodall.

“The discipline of the subject really captured my imagination and intellectual curiosity,” Castaneda said.

While Castaneda lived most of her adult life in Houston, she also attended school in Denver, Los Angeles and Memphis, Tenn. She went back to school to get her doctorate with the hope of being able to teach anthropology in a department with an affiliated research and teaching museum.

“Only about 1/10th of all anthropology departments have museums and museum collections, so I was thrilled to be offered the position of Museum Director/Assistant Professor,” said Castaneda.

Her first office was in the basement of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, in which she shared a space of about 10 feet by 15 feet with an Egyptian mummy. Castaneda can still picture the sarcophagus, which had a lid that was warped and could not be closed. It rested alongside the half-unwrapped mummy in her office.

“My friends found it very creepy, but I loved it and thought he made the perfect officemate, since he never talked or got phone calls I had to answer.” Castaneda said.

It is this optimistic and easy-going personality that has given her the opportunity to inspire others and share with them her love of anthropology.

The most rewarding event in her time at Sac State came when she taught in the Educational Opportunity Program last semester. This program, mainly for students who are first generation college students, it provides a structured and nurturing place while they are getting their feet on the ground.

“The most awesome thing I have seen at CSUS was the EOP?s closing ceremony this past December, where the students showcased their intellects and talents in exhibits and live dance, stage and literary performances,” said Castaneda. “It was incredibly moving and inspiring.”

Castaneda always finds time in her busy schedule for her family. Her husband, Chris Castaneda, teaches history at Sac State, and she has two children who both play in the Sacramento Youth Symphony. In her spare tim, Castaneda gardens, collects antiques, attends concerts, volunteers for non-profit organizations and serves on the board of the Discovery Museum.

Castaneda brings her love of teaching and anthropology to the students and it shines through in her work.

“I try to bring humor and compassion to the classroom,” Castaneda said. “I know the teachers who had the greatest impact on my own education had those qualities in great abundance. I have respect for my students as unique and already accomplished individuals.”