Science Stories from Cal State East Bay brings scientists together in human conversation. From first-generation students to faculty researchers, each episode explores the people and ideas shaping science in the Bay Area. Hear the stories behind the research, the curiosity behind the questions, and the community driving discovery at Cal State East Bay.
Science Through the Lens of Food: Dr. Antonio Roman Alcala, Growing Food, Growing Community
Food is more than what we eat. It's a window into science, culture, economics, and the environment. Dr. Antonio Roman Alcala discusses agroecology, food justice, and the importance of approaching science with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to creating more sustainable communities.
Show notes;
https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262053280/north-stars-of-emancipation/ (https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262053280/north-stars-of-emancipation/)
Insearchofgoodfood.org (http://insearchofgoodfood.org)
2 Sept 2026
Mini-Version of Transforming Lives Through Education: Dr. Sonja Lenz-Rashid, From Social Work to the College of Health
What inspires someone to dedicate a career to helping others succeed? Dr. Sonja Lenz-Rashid shares her journey from business student to social worker, educator, and founding dean. This conversation explores student success, mental health, trauma-informed care, and the importance of building supportive pathways for future healthcare professionals.
2 Sept 2026
Transforming Lives Through Education: Dr. Sonja Lenz-Rashid, From Social Work to the College of Health
What inspires someone to dedicate a career to helping others succeed? Dr. Sonja Lenz-Rashid shares her journey from business student to social worker, educator, and founding dean. This conversation explores student success, mental health, trauma-informed care, and the importance of building supportive pathways for future healthcare professionals.
2 Sept 2026
Mini-Version of Physics, Play, and Powering the Future: Preparing Students to Solve Real-World Problems
What do paper airplanes, classroom demos, and solar energy have in common? In this episode, we’re sharing how Dr. Erik Helgren makes physics accessible, engaging, and impactful—connecting everyday curiosity to global challenges like renewable energy and sustainability while preparing students for careers solving real-world problems.
2 Sept 2026
Mini-Version of How Science Really Works: A psychological look at bias, research, and truth
In this episode, Dr. Jacob Miranda examines science through a psychological lens, highlighting how bias, incentives, and human behavior influence research outcomes. He discusses the replication crisis, the rise of open science, and why transparency matters. The conversation also explores how AI is pushing educators to rethink what it means to truly learn.
2 Sept 2026
Mini-Version of The Mushroom Scientist: Dr. Brian Perry on fungi, fieldwork, and finding your way in science
In this episode of Science Stories, Dr. Brian Perry shares how a childhood spent outdoors in the East Bay and Sierra Nevada shaped his love of biology. A mycologist and professor of Biological Sciences at Cal State East Bay, he reflects on the winding path that led him from photography to biology, the importance of curiosity and conservation, and the transformative power of field-based learning. Brian also discusses mentoring students, research on fungi and plant microbiomes, and why science education must inspire hope, engagement, and discovery.
5 Aug 2026
Mini Version-Rethinking How We Learn Science: Teaching, Access, and the future of STEM education
Mini Version of Episode 1: Dr. Danika LeDuc discusses the nonlinear path that led her to chemistry, research, and leadership at Cal State East Bay. From early interests in genetics to a passion for environmental impact, she shares how taking chances and not having all the answers can lead to meaningful opportunities. This episode highlights the importance of resilience, lifelong learning, and creating inclusive pathways for the next generation of scientists.
15 May 2026
Physics, Play, and Powering the Future: Preparing Students to Solve Real-World Problems
What do paper airplanes, classroom demos, and solar energy have in common? In this episode, we’re sharing how Dr. Erik Helgren makes physics accessible, engaging, and impactful—connecting everyday curiosity to global challenges like renewable energy and sustainability while preparing students for careers solving real-world problems.
15 May 2026
How Science Really Works: A psychological look at bias, research, and truth
In this episode, Dr. Jacob Miranda examines science through a psychological lens, highlighting how bias, incentives, and human behavior influence research outcomes. He discusses the replication crisis, the rise of open science, and why transparency matters. The conversation also explores how AI is pushing educators to rethink what it means to truly learn.
29 Apr 2026
The Mushroom Scientist: Dr. Brian Perry on fungi, fieldwork, and finding your way in science
In this episode of Science Stories, Dr. Brian Perry shares how a childhood spent outdoors in the East Bay and Sierra Nevada shaped his love of biology. A mycologist and professor of Biological Sciences at Cal State East Bay, he reflects on the winding path that led him from photography to biology, the importance of curiosity and conservation, and the transformative power of field-based learning. Brian also discusses mentoring students, research on fungi and plant microbiomes, and why science education must inspire hope, engagement, and discovery.
27 Mar 2026
Rethinking How We Learn Science: Teaching, access, and the future of STEM education
In this episode, Dean Carmen Bustos-Works talks with Dr. Danika LeDuc about how science education can evolve to better support students. Dr. LeDuc shares her work in faculty development, active learning, and expanding access to research opportunities. They also discuss the future of science careers, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how educators can help students thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Transcript, show notes, and more
https://www.csueastbay.edu/csci/podcast
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5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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