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.​

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. ​

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

“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.

“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?”