STEM LAB Leadership Team

Michele fall head-shot

Michele de Coteau, Ph.D. (she/her) 

College of Science Student Success Coordinator

Michele grew up in San Francisco and earned her bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from UC Berkeley, and her doctorate in Materials Science from the University of Oxford. Before coming to Cal State East Bay, she served as director and advisor for STEM student success and undergraduate research programs at UC Berkeley and UCSF. She has also taught at Laney College. In her spare time, Michele hangs out with family and friends. In her nerd time, she relaxes with crossword puzzles. She looks forward to working with students, faculty, and staff as we grow the STEM LAB program!

Contact Information:

Office: South Science 142 (SC-S 142)

Phone: (510) 885-3404

Email: michele.decoteau@csueastbay.edu

grace-valdez-headshot

Grace Valdez (she/her) 

STEM Teaching Pathway Coordinator 

Grace grew up in Pleasanton, CA and recently earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University in May 2023. In her senior year, Grace was an Outreach Coordinator for a health and wellness program for the SFSU population. During her undergraduate studies, Grace developed a passion for educational equity and overall improvement of students' life chances. She hopes to continue to apply this passion to her role as the STEM Teaching Pathway Coordinator. Grace enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new places around the Bay Area, and traveling in her free time. She also looks forward to connecting with students, staff, and faculty as part of her work with the STEM Lab.

Contact Information:

Office: North Science 143 (SC-N 143)

Email: grace.valdez@csueastbay.edu

Karen headshot

Karen Crabb (she/her)

CSCI Administrative Support Coordinator

Karen grew up in Hayward and recently joined the Cal State East Bay Team. She works full-time in the College of Science Student Services Center and is always ready to help. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, DIY home projects, and working on her college degree.

Contact Information:

Office: North Science 143 (SC-N 143)

Phone: (510) 885-4046

Email: karen.crabb@csueastbay.edu

helgren-sqErik Helgren, Ph.D.
(he/him)

Interim Associate Dean

Professor Erik Helgren has been teaching Physics at Cal State East Bay since 2008. He promotes student-faculty research and experiential learning through active, high-impact teaching. He received the George and Miriam Phillips Outstanding Professor of the Year award in 18-19. Helgren has held numerous positions at Cal State East Bay including STEM Net Fellow, Director of LSAMP, Board Member of the Institute for STEM Education, and Chair of the Physics Department. He received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from UCLA. During undergraduate and graduate studies, Erik worked for Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Contact Information:

Email: erik.helgren@csueastbay.edu

Contact Us:

The STEM LAB
  • 绿帽换妻, East Bay
  • 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
  • Hayward, CA 94542