Science Stories from Cal State East Bay

CSUEB College of Science

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.

Episodes

  1. Sep 5

    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/ Insearchofgoodfood.org

  2. Sep 2

    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.

  3. Sep 2

    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. Student Resources & Opportunities Cal State East Bay College of HealthExplore programs in Kinesiology, Nursing, Public Health & Health Sciences, Social Work, and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. The College of Health opened in July 2025 with a focus on preparing health professionals to improve outcomes in the Bay Area, California, and beyond.CSUEB College of Health(opens in a new tab)Guardian Scholars Program — SF StateLearn more about the program Dr. Lenz-Rashid helped establish to support current and former foster youth pursuing higher education. The program grew from her direct-service work with young people who experienced foster care and homelessness.Guardian Scholars — Fostering New Futures(opens in a new tab)Career Empowerment Center — Cal State East BayExplore career coaching, jobs, internships, micro-internships, résumé support, networking opportunities, and other resources designed to help students prepare for life after graduation.Career Empowerment Center(opens in a new tab)Pioneer Career AcceleratorBuild practical career skills and receive guided support while preparing for internships and employment. The program connects students with professional development and career-readiness opportunities.Pioneer Career Accelerator(opens in a new tab)Jobs & Internships at Cal State East BayFind opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and connect academic learning with future careers. CSUEB students can access on-campus employment, internships, and career opportunities through the Career Empowerment Center and Handshake.Student Employment & Career Opportunities(opens in a new tab)Graduate Studies at Cal State East BayExplore graduate programs and resources for students considering advanced degrees. CSUEB provides information on graduate admissions, financial aid, statements of purpose, and deciding whether graduate school is the right next step.Graduate Studies Resources (opens in a new tab)

  4. Sep 2

    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.

  5. Sep 2

    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.

  6. Sep 2

    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.

  7. Aug 5

    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.

  8. May 15

    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.

  9. May 15

    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.

  10. Apr 29

    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.

  11. Mar 27

    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

    Rethinking How We Learn Science: Teaching, access, and the future of STEM education
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

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