Advertise on podcast: All Things STEM

In this episode of All Things STEM, host Dr. Frank Gomez speaks with Susan Keefe, California Director of Beyond Plastics and former Oracle executive, about one of the most misunderstood issues in environmental policy: the belief that plastic recycling works as intended. After nearly 30 years in the technology sector, Susan shifted her career toward environmental advocacy following a personal reckoning tied to chemical contamination and childhood cancer cases in her hometown of Toms River, New Jersey. That experience led her to examine the connections between plastics, fossil fuels, public health, and corporate accountability. Throughout the conversation, Susan explains why plastic recycling was never designed to function at scale, how decades of industry messaging shaped public behavior, and what actually happens to plastic once it enters the waste stream. She draws on policy research, waste-tracking investigations, and on-the-ground advocacy to illustrate where systems fail—and where meaningful change can still occur. Listeners will also hear insights on: The health risks associated with plastics and their chemical additives Why “recyclable” labels are often misleading Gaps in enforcement of California’s plastic reduction laws Practical steps individuals, communities, and institutions can take now This episode offers a clear look at the realities behind plastic use and recycling, and challenges listeners to rethink convenience, demand transparency, and consider solutions that protect public health and the environment. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

In this episode of All Things STEM, host Dr. Frank Gomez welcomes Dr. Christopher Meyer, Dean of Science and Mathematics at Fresno State, and Dr. Lynn Cominsky, Physics Professor at Sonoma State University. Together, they discuss the escalating threats to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in education, the sweeping cuts to federal grant funding, and the profound impacts these changes have on students, faculty, and institutions. The conversation dives into: The termination of billions in federal grants and its toll on campus research, innovation, and student opportunities.The dismantling of evidence-based programs like the What Works Clearinghouse, and what that means for education and accountability.How faculty and universities are adapting—turning to state initiatives, philanthropy, and industry partnerships for support.The broader consequences of policy shifts on DEI, Pell Grants, TRIO programs, and access for low-income and DACA students.Resistance from higher education institutions, including lawsuits and campus advocacy, and why leadership and solidarity are more critical than ever.Dr. Meyer and Dr. Cominsky highlight the human stories behind these policy changes, emphasizing the resilience of students, the responsibility of educators, and the urgent need to safeguard equity and innovation in STEM. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

In this timely episode of All Things STEM, Dr. Frank Gomez is joined by Dr. Carmen Domingo and Dr. Leticia Márquez-Magaña of San Francisco State University for a candid conversation on the shifting landscape of higher education. They delve into the real-world impact of sweeping federal budget cuts, the chilling effect on DEI efforts, and the personal and professional toll on students, faculty, and researchers. Grounded in experience and driven by a commitment to justice, this episode explores how leadership, collaboration, and community can push back against systemic setbacks. Tune in for a bold discussion on what it means to lead, resist, and reimagine during uncertain times. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

In this urgent and thought-provoking episode, host Dr. Frank Gomez is joined by Dr. Amy Sprowles, Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology at Cal Poly Humboldt, and Dr. Heather Macías, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Cal State Long Beach. Each of our guests has distinguished themselves as scholars, teachers, and leaders, dedicated to promoting excellence, diversity, and harmony in education. Together, they confront the growing existential threats to higher education—ranging from sweeping cuts to NSF and NEH grant funding, to the dismantling of DEI efforts under current political pressures. The conversation dives deep into how these changes are affecting faculty, students, and campuses, and explores how public institutions can resist, adapt, and continue advancing inclusive and innovative teaching and research. This is Part I of a powerful two-part series that highlights the need for community, courage, and clarity in a time of unprecedented uncertainty. 🔗 Listen now to hear how California State University faculty are standing strong and reimagining what it means to educate, advocate, and endure. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

In this powerful episode of All Things STEM, Dr. Frank Gomez sits down with Dr. Guillermo Escalante—bodybuilder, educator, and Interim Associate Dean at CSU San Bernardino—to explore how the discipline of fitness fuels leadership in higher education. From his roots in Costa Rica to balancing fatherhood and academia, Dr. Escalante shares how resilience and vision can create real impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on overcoming adversity, building structure, and shaping student success. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

In today's episode, we're excited to have Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, a cultural anthropologist with an incredible journey that takes him from mechanical engineering to hands-on fieldwork with indigenous communities in Southern Mexico. Dr. Gonzalez’s work spans a wide range of topics, from the everyday practices of subsistence farming to indigenous science and the ethical dilemmas surrounding military tech and algorithmic policing. His research is a cool mix of hard science and social science, giving us a fresh perspective on how technology is changing our world. We’ll also dive into his experience with the Human Terrain System program and his latest thoughts on the tech industry’s growing involvement with defense contracts. This conversation is all about why it’s so important to consider the ethics of AI and other advanced technologies. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

In this episode of All Things STEM, Dr. Frank A. Gomez speaks with Dr. Fred Smoller, Associate Professor of Political Science at Chapman University and President of the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon. Join us as we delve into Fred's journey and the exciting developments of the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon. They discuss the origins and evolution of the Sustainability Decathlon, a competition that promotes green, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions. The conversation highlights the educational significance of hands-on experiences in sustainable housing projects and examines strategies for sustaining and expanding such initiatives through innovative funding models and community engagement efforts. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

Assistant Professor Eric Wood, an expert in Avian Ecology and Conservation at Cal State Los Angeles, joins "All Things STEM" to discuss his research on the impact of environmental and global changes on biodiversity in urban landscapes, specifically in Los Angeles. His work explores how historical racial redlining has affected urban development, income inequality, and bird habitats. By combining avian research with social issues, Professor Wood's work sheds light on sustainability and equity in urban ecosystems. This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of wildlife biology and urban ecology, highlighting the historical and ongoing influences shaping metropolitan natural environments. Listeners will gain insights into how interdisciplinary research can inform and improve urban greening and conservation strategies in marginalized areas. Key points: Professor Eric Wood discusses his research on avian ecology and conservation in urban landscapes Historical racial redlining has impacted urban development, income inequality, and bird habitats The research combines avian biology with social issues, focusing on sustainability and equity The episode explores the intersection of wildlife biology and urban ecology Interdisciplinary research can inform and improve urban greening and conservation strategies in marginalized areas Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

Introducing Dr. Kristen Walker, esteemed Professor of Marketing at Cal State Northridge, whose pioneering research bridges public policy, technology, and marketing realms. Dr. Walker's scholarly focus centers on cultivating socially responsible business practices within technology landscapes, touching on interactive marketing, social media dynamics, and safeguarding youth privacy. Join us as we explore Dr. Walker's perspectives on the paramount significance of trust and privacy in technology, navigating the intricate landscape shaped by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

"Long-term goals of sustainability restoration for the Redwood in California would be to increase forest resiliency. We want to manage forests to be resistant and resilient to factors such as drought, pathogens, and fire. Given the changing climate, if the forest dies, it is uncertain whether they will regenerate. The conditions may be too hot or too dry." In this episode, Dr. Frank A. Gomez engages in a conversation with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas to discuss the intricate relationship between climate and redwood trees, exploring the mutual impact they have on each other's existence and growth.  Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

“We have to have a shared vision of goals that have explicit value judgements about what it means to have a humane society. There has to be this ideal that we want to strive for and by this, I mean there is a need to form a critical theoretical perspective and analysis where you understand groups and people and micro level issues and how they are connected and interconnected with broader economic systems.  We have to see a broader picture beyond individuals and this idea of individual will…and move toward ideals of justice, equity and a more humane society”. In this episode, Dr. Frank A. Gomez engages in a conversation with Dr. Erualdo R. González, a Professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at California State University, Fullerton, where they explore topics including community engagement, sustainability, equity, and the effects of gentrification. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

"The big barriers are upfront purchase price, vehicle range, and the availability of charging infrastructure. There are more visible gas stations than charging stations. The range anxiety piece is one that has dogged the electric vehicle market; people feel like they will get stranded. However, most electric vehicles, with some exceptions, will have a 250-to-400-mile range. Also, upfront purchase prices have reduced. Charging station logistics are a concern. I conducted a study that looked at access to charging infrastructure and the way access is inequitable, even here in California, a state that has a lot of (A) vehicle charging infrastructure and (B) a bit of a justice and equity lens applied to these kinds of policies. Most EVs are owned by folks who have higher income, higher education, and tend to live in single-family homes. This means there is an inequity in who is getting access to the benefits of being an electric vehicle owner." In this episode, Dr. Frank A. Gomez engages in a conversation with Dr. Kevin Fingerman to explore the obstacles hindering the progress of transportation electrification in our state and country. They delve into potential solutions that can be approached from an energy justice perspective. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

“I think we need to improve both nutrient and physical activity environments everywhere children grow, go to school, and play. And we need both universal policies and policies that support children with less resources so we can give all children a fair chance to grow healthy.”  In this episode, host Dr. Frank A. Gomez sits with Dr. Emma Sanchez, associate professor of Health Education at San Francisco State University, to discuss her research on racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health. She shares her research on the impact of policies and environments on health and disparities. She also addresses obesity, maternal and child health, food, neighborhood conditions, physical education policies, and the significant impact of these policies on the most vulnerable populations within our communities, children. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

“61% of teachers in the workforce in California are white, while white students only compose 22% of the student population. So, you already see this disproportion. Latinx teachers are 1 in 5 while Latinx students are 55 to 56 percent of the K-12 student population.”  In this episode, host Dr. Frank A. Gomez sits with Dr. Tina Cheuk, assistant professor of Elementary Science Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to discuss issues that include the development of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in STEM settings. In addition, to the struggles of teachers of color across the pipeline.  “If students do not see people who mirror them, they get this opinion that I am not good enough. People that look like me are not there, so they won’t strive to be a teacher. How should we reimagine or reinvent how we look at applicants?” Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat 

“Why is it important to mentor students, especially students of color in STEM areas?” In this episode, host Dr. Frank A. Gomez sits down with Dr. Frank A. Gomez, a Professor of Psychology at California State University, San Marcos, to discuss his leadership in mentoring underrepresented students and his personal mentorship experiences that impacted his life.  “Science and academia are not the world that many folks inhabit prior to considering a career in that area, and this is where mentorship becomes essential…I have seen people come into the field and experience brick walls and challenges at multiple times and feel that they are failures. Getting small success along the way is very important to feel that you are competent and can pursue this career, and this is where a mentor can be very helpful”. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat