Dr. Elaine Bernal

Elaine Villanueva Bernal, Ed.D., is a chemistry educator and public science communicator in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State Long Beach, where they have taught for more than two decades. They make complex chemistry accessible to audiences, offering expertise on breaking news, environmental concerns, chemical safety, and issues affecting local communities for CNN, NBC, ABC7, CBS, Spectrum News, FOX LiveNOW, and the Los Angeles Times.

Bernal brings this commitment to meaningful communication into the classroom, exploring how AI can help students connect chemistry to their disciplines, careers, and communities. Their work integrates interdisciplinary learning, ethical AI literacy, and public-facing science communication. A Faculty Innovator for the Gates Foundation-funded REAL CHEM initiative, Bernal has also contributed to CSULB’s FFFP and METRIC programs and helped lead the library-based SEED partnership. They serve as the California Faculty Association’s Associate Vice President for Lecturers South, representing lecturers across the CSU system.