WHO WE ARE
CREI is a global research institute with the ultimate goal of understanding human behavior through scientific research and cultural investigation. Our fundamental belief is that understanding individual and group behavior through scientific research will help pave the way for assessment and ultimately finding solutions to today’s social problem. We utilize the most qualified researchers and the best scientific methods available to science in order to capture the essence of basic human behavior through understanding culture, rituals, customs, and social behavior. Pursuant to findings from our research study, our team makes an assessment to investigate a resolution to the problem identified in the research. Finally, the solution is implemented in order to improve lives and create opportunities for those deprived of such prospects.
OUR VISION
- Seeks social issues as areas of needs for study in a variety of social sectors within the United States and international regions, conduct research, collect statistical data, and provide scientific documentation.
- To be instrumental in informing, advancing, improving, and educating individuals across the globe on social, mental, and community-related issues and for the betterment of humanity.
- Advocacy in giving voice to the voiceless by creating opportunities for learning and improving individual lives and creating opportunities for the disadvantaged.
OUR MISSION
CREI’s mission is to identify, create, and provide cross-cultural research and educational opportunities to individuals denied access to higher education due to religious or ethnic affiliation. To this end, CREI conducts relevant scientific studies in an effort to deliver research-based solutions that could improve the lives of women, children, individuals, and families globally.
GOALS and OBJECTIVES
To provide and promote cross-cultural research, assessment, and opportunity for higher education to both scientific and non-scientific communities for the purpose of the betterment of the global society.
Staff/Organization
Executive Board Members
Dr. Nicole Jafari is a faculty at two California State Universities in the departments of Human Development and Child & Adolescents studies. Her research interests are in the areas of cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary studies. Along with two other co-authors, she has written a college textbook with a global, cultural, and multi-disciplinary view on human development and growth. In addition, Dr. Jafari has authored and co-authored many other publications on the child, family, and community-related issues. For the past several years, she has been an advocate and a public speaker on topics related to children, youths, and families in today’s multi-cultural and multi-contextual environment addressing such issues as Mass Media, Globalization, Cultural Integration, and Effective Parenting. She is currently collaborating with several non- profit and like-minded organizations, which promote social consciousness, public awareness, education, and awareness.
Safineh Tahmassebi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University. She has over 30 years of teaching experience in the field of English as a Second Language and training English teachers. Ms. Tahmassebi has presented numerous workshops, papers, and training sessions at a variety of regional and state professional conferences in Cross-Cultural Training, Cultures of the Middle-East, The Role of Economics for Women in Developing Nations, Colonialism in the Middle-East, Teacher Training, Learner Autonomy, Language Testing and Assessment, and the history of California as a culturally homogenous society. Her expertise includes developing a curriculum for all language and cross-cultural training classes. In addition, she is certified in Basic Mediation from the State of California and volunteers as an onsite/simultaneous interpreter in Farsi and English.
Hoda Hessaramiri began her career in public service in 2002 and has served in various roles within the non-profit, public, and private sectors. She currently serves as a Senior Analyst on a team of individuals contributing to the advancement of data-driven decision making within the public sector. In her previous roles, Hoda served as the Director of Outreach and Program Manager at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Orange County United Way, respectively, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of a financial-based, direct service program that assisted low and moderate-income community members on their path to financial stability. Hoda received her Master of Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton in 2002, where she was awarded the Sidney Baldwin Award as the most outstanding student in her graduating class. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine receiving a degree in Political Science. Hoda is published in international and national publications on gender pay inequality.
Advisory Board Members
Dr. Afrookhteh is currently serving as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, and a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Alliant International University. He is a higher education executive, combining PhD and JD degrees with over 25 years of diverse professional experience, at both private as well as public higher education institutions including experience with traditional as well as on-line pedagogy. His experience as a faculty member, academic administrator and compliance officer affords a unique perspective on higher education issues and allows for a more comprehensive approach to strategic planning, problem solving and decision-making.
Over his career, Dr. Afrookhteh has developed and taught courses in Legal Aspects of Healthcare Administration, Medical Ethics, Law and Ethics in Education, Health in Public Education, Program Evaluation and Healthcare Finance. He has also served in various capacities including Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). In addition to experience working with board of trustees at academic institutions, Dr. Afrookhteh also serves as pro bono legal adviser to non-profit organizations such as the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) and California – Advisory Council on Military Education (CA-ACME).
Over his career, Dr. Afrookhteh has developed and taught courses in Legal Aspects of Healthcare Administration, Medical Ethics, Law and Ethics in Education, Health in Public Education, Program Evaluation and Healthcare Finance. He has also served in various capacities including Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). In addition to experience working with board of trustees at academic institutions, Dr. Afrookhteh also serves as pro bono legal adviser to non-profit organizations such as the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) and California – Advisory Council on Military Education (CA-ACME).
Rhett Diessner is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Lewis-Clark State College and Global Affiliated Faculty member at BIHE. He earned a doctorate at Harvard and a master’s at the University of Oregon. His research interests are engagement with natural beauty, artistic beauty, moral beauty, and beautiful ideas. He is the author of Understanding the Beauty Appreciation Trait (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) and has published in such journals as Ecopsychology;
Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts; Journal of Moral Education, and Review of General Psychology.
Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts; Journal of Moral Education, and Review of General Psychology.
Cynthia A. S. Donham retired faculty at California State University at Long Beach in the Human Development and Sociology Department. She received her doctorate and master’s from the University of California at Irvine in Social Relations and received her bachelor’s from the University of California at Davis majoring in a combination of Cultural Anthropology and Studio Art. She has particular interests in adolescent and early adulthood problems from a multicultural perspective, as well as expertise in Social Gerontology and the Elderly Deaf subculture. Cynthia also facilitates workshops on social and cultural issues for businesses and community organizations.
Dr. Peyman Raoofi Licensed Clinical Psychologist, received his bachelor’s degree with Summa Cum Laude Honors from California State University, Northridge in Psychology. He then obtained his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Raoofi obtained his Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. He has trainings from Johns Hopkins University and Yale University on science of well-being and health psychology. Dr. Raoofi has published several papers on Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is currently working at his own private practice with individuals, couples and families. In addition, Dr. Raoofi is contracted with multiple Long Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes as consultant psychologist. Dr. Peyman Raoofi is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, and the Board of Iranian Psychological Association of America (Vice President & Treasurer). Dr. Raoofi is a recipient of Gold Honor of the US President’s Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush and President Obama’s Call to Service Award. He also has been recognized as an Honorary Ambassador by UNICEF and recognized as a Mental Health Hero by Chicago School of Psychology. Dr. Raoofi is an International speaker and has been a guest speaker in many universities including MIT, UCLA, Cal State Los Angeles, Chicago School of Psychology, California School of Psychology, Pepperdine University, Sharif University and Tehran University. He has been a guest on multiple TV and Radio shows such as Voice of America, BBC, NBC, Spectrum News, Manoto, Radio Hamrah, and KIRN 670AM.
The Founder and President of R&R Accounting and Tax Services Inc., Sohrab Rowshan has more than 35 years of accounting experience serving both individual and corporate clients . Mr. Rowshan also has a master’s degree in accounting, with a specialty in cost and manufacturing. Among many of the services offered by R & R, he has prepared individual, partnership (Partnership, LLC) and corporate (C or S) tax reports. Mr. Rowshan is licensed by the State of California and has been a member of the Society of California Accountants since 2008.
Meet Our Dedicated Interns/ Volunteers
My name is Camryn Cook and I am a senior at CSULB. I will be graduating spring 2021 with a major in Human Development and a minor in Psychology. My goal is to attain a Masters in Counseling Psychology to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for children and adolescents. In the past year I have volunteered at a local elementary school where I assisted teachers and worked with students helping them with homework and organizational skills. Throughout the time I spent there, seeing the impact I had helping the kids grow, both academically and in self-confidence, I realized my desire to work with children. Outside of academics, I love to go camping with my friends and our dogs, I enjoy playing my guitar, and baking is one of my favorite ways to relieve stress.
Jenna is a senior at California State University, Long Beach. Her major is in Human Development and she is interested in research fields such as developmental psychology and social psychology. In her free time, she likes reading Sci-Fi novels, making jewelry, and working out.
Lizeth Romero-Vazquez is a senior at California State University, Long Beach majoring in Human Development and minoring in Child Development & Family Studies. Her interest in research are topics related to child and human growth and development. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing water coloring, journaling, and hiking. When she is not doing any of the above, Lizeth works both at a department store as a jewelry salesperson and at amazon corporation.
Ariana Ruiz is senior at California State University, Long Beach majoring in Human Development and minoring in Anthropology. Her interest in research fields are topics related to child development and social psychology. In her free time, Ariana enjoys spending time with family, as well as adventuring and exploring new hiking trails, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Keyla Morris is a senior at California State University, Long Beach. She is majoring in Human development and minoring in Spanish. She is interested in research fields related to child labor and child development. For several years, she has volunteered at an elementary school and worked with children in k-4th grade. In the future she aspires to move to a foreign country to serve a community and continue to work with children.
Type of Desired Services
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