Meet our Curators
The dedicated curators, who are also passionate Biology faculty members, volunteer their time to maintain and enhance our unique botanical gardens at San Bernardino Valley College.
Between classes and other college responsibilities, they bring their expertise in both animal and plant science to create an enriching experience for all visitors.
Discover the beauty of the gardens and gain insights into the vital roles of Southern California's diverse and fragile ecosystems.
Tatiana Vásquez
Professor of Biology
M.S in Biology, University of North Carolina
BS, Biology, University of California Riverside
I enjoy studying plant-animal interactions with my students in the San Bernardino Mountains and in our botanical gardens, especially when we observe the intimate connections between insect/bird pollinators and plant flower adaptations. It is also very exciting to monitor resident and transient birds and mammals that visit our garden in this urban environment.
Courses I teach:
Majors: Cell & Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Ecology
GE: General Biology, Human Ecology
Thomas Lechuga
Assistant Professor of Biology
PhD in Biomedical Sciences, University of California Irvine
BS in Biology, University of Redlands
I'm a passionate plant enthusiast who merges my love for native plants and cultivars with my expertise in cell and molecular biology. In the botanical garden, I nurture student projects on allelopathy and biodiversity, creating an inclusive outdoor learning environment where molecular biology and nature intertwine.
Courses I teach:
Majors: Cell & Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology
GE: General Biology
Jenifer Carl, who has been caring for some of the garden areas and for her professional insight.
She is also on her way to getting her arborist certification!
We are grateful to the staff of the SBVC Maintenance & Operations and especially with:
Previous Curators &
Professor Emeriti of Biology
Glenn Drewes
MS in Biology, UC Riverside
Courses taught: General Biology, History of Life, Organismal Biology and Ecology
Mark Ikeda
MS in Biology, Cal Poly Pomona
Courses taught: General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Organimal Biology and Ecology