Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM Studio

Step behind the curtain and discover the remarkable blend of creativity, engineering, technology, and problem-solving that brings theatrical magic to life. In this fascinating episode of the NIU Steam Podcast hosts Charles & April welcome renowned theater technologist, educator, and entrepreneur Tracy Nunnally for an illuminating conversation about the science behind stage effects. From flying performers safely through the air to designing complex automation systems, Tracy reveals how mathematics, physics, and innovation power some of the most unforgettable moments in live entertainment.

Listeners will gain exclusive insight into Tracy's unique journey from studying mathematics during the dawn of...

In this episode of the NIU STEAM Podcast, we dig into one of Illinois' most iconic yet often overlooked landscapes: the prairie. Ahead of the upcoming Tuesday, September 8th STEAM Café event at Lucha Cantina, titled Snacking on Sustainability, host discussions feature Courtney Gallagher, Director of Campus Sustainability at Northern Illinois University, and Holly Hanson, Community Engagement Manager at Wild Roots Nature Center.

The conversation explores why Illinois is known as the Prairie State and how more than 99% of the state's original prairie habitat has disappeared due to agriculture, urban development, and changing land use. Today, organizations a...

Discover how a simple farm invention helped shape DeKalb's future. In this episode, Charles Lansberg sits down with Jesse H. LaRue, Executive Director of the Glidden Homestead, to explore the story of Joseph Glidden, the invention of barbed wire, and the lasting impact local innovators had on building the community we know today. Learn about the historic Glidden Homestead, the origins of NIU, and why preserving local history continues to matter.

Featured Event

NIU STEAM Café at the Glidden Homestead Experience local history where it happened and explore the birthplace of an invention t...

In this episode of the STEAM Studio Podcast, host April Startzel sits down with Michael Corvino, lead instructor of NIU’s summer film production camp, to explore what makes this fast-paced, creative program so impactful.

Michael shares his unique dual role at NIU supporting technology across campus while teaching audio and video production. Michael explains how those experiences shaped the film camp he’s helped lead for over a decade.

In this episode of the Steam Studio Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Adams Campbell, professor of English at Northern Illinois University, to explore how literature, creativity, and technology collide in her innovative Monsters and Makers upcoming summer camp.

Dr. Melissa Adams Campbell (NIU) shares how her Monsters and Makers camp blends Frankenstein, hands-on bookmaking, and digital design to explore creativity, ethics, and emerging technologies like AI. From printing presses to collaborative monster-building, discover how students read, create, and reimagine what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, we hear from students in DeKalb High School’s Environmental Club as they reflect on their experience in the NIU STEAM Innovation Challenge. Just weeks after competing, they share how they created a solution to reduce microplastics in agriculture by designing a biodegradable seed coating made from chitosan.

Working outside of a traditional classroom, the team balanced busy schedules, met after school and at the library, and completed most of their project in a fast-paced final stretch. Their approach was entirely research-driven, relying on scientific literature and real-world examples rather than hands-on experimentation.

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In this episode, Romeoville students share their award-winning experience at the NIU STEAM Innovation Challenge, where they earned first and third place by tackling antibiotic resistance and microplastic pollution.

They discuss how understanding the problem, conducting research, and refining ideas led to innovative solutions, while also highlighting the importance of teamwork, time management, and persistence. Students reflect on the challenges of making ideas both scientifically sound and financially feasible, and how they learned to communicate and market their concepts effectively.

The conversation also reveals the critical role of mentorship and the value of connecting student...

In this episode of the NIU STEAM Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Duckett, Director of the Black Studies Program at Northern Illinois University, to explore Black history through a global lens and to spotlight the upcoming Sankofa Summer Institute: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future.

Dr. Duckett shares her journey in Black Studies, discusses the importance of pre colonial African history, and explains how culture, music, movement, and symbolism carry knowledge across generations. We dive into what makes this summer camp a unique, hands on, immersive experience and why it is open and meaningful for...

In this STEAM Studio Podcast episode, we spotlight the impact, innovation, and people behind NIU STEAM Camps. Host conversations with NIU STEAM educator Jess Winn and NIU student counselor Erin Lauer offer an inside look at how the camps inspire K–12 students, build confidence, and create lasting connections to STEAM disciplines and the NIU campus. Through personal stories, program insights, and practical information for families, this episode demonstrates why NIU STEAM Camps are a successful, sustainable model for precollegiate engagement and Husky recruitment.

In this episode of the STEAM Studio Podcast, we talk with Dr. Bill Martin, assistant professor at NIU, about authentic undergraduate research, learning through uncertainty, and using the campus itself as a living laboratory. From owls in Montgomery Woods to student‑driven research projects across biology and sustainability, Bill shares how curiosity, passion, and community engagement fuel meaningful science experiences for students and citizens alike.

Quantum isn’t just a technological miracle of the twentieth century. It is the strange, beautiful rulebook of the universe itself.

In this STEAM Studio episode, NIU physics professor Dr. Larry Lurio joins the conversation to demystify quantum mechanics and reveal why the field is having a moment once again. From particles that exist in more than one state at a time to entanglement that links objects across vast distances, Dr. Lurio explains how quantum theory challenges our everyday intuition while quietly shaping the future of computing, medicine, and materials science.

With clarity, humor, and pl...

From snow‑covered fairways to summer tee sheets packed with players, the game of golf at White Pines never stops moving. In this STEAM Studio Spotlight episode, we step onto the green to explore how science, technology, and community quietly shape every swing and every putt.

White Pines General Manager Andrew Godfrey joins Callaway Golf’s Stacy Borkowski and Bensenville Park District marketing lead Paul Palian for a behind‑the‑scenes conversation on what it really takes to run a year‑round golf facility in the Midwest. Together, they unpack the hidden physics and biomechanics behind putting, the role o...

A scenic route can sometimes be the most powerful teacher. In this episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight, eighth grade U.S. history teacher and middle school athletic director John Gallione joins the conversation to share how a nonlinear journey marked by early academic struggles, the Great Recession, career detours, and community college transfer ultimately led him to a deeply meaningful life in education. From coaching basketball to teaching history, John reflects on the role of mental health literacy, reflective practice, and learner agency in building sustainable learning environments. As both an athletic director and a musician, he explores how...

In this episode of the NIU STEAM Studio Podcast, we welcome a trio of experts from NIU Career Services—Michaela Holtz, Director of Career Readiness and Success; Steph Horgan, Assistant Director of Employer Engagement; and Tara Dickson, Assistant Director for Career Counseling and Education. To explore how the office has evolved to meet changing expectations in the labor market, supporting students at every stage from freshmen to graduate students. We dive into emerging workforce trends shaping the future, highlight the university’s expanding resources, and emphasize the partnerships and communities that help Huskies thrive long after graduation.

Journey from bicycle brakes and a hot glass mishap to one of the world's largest particle physics experiments. NIU professor Dr. Jahred Adelman joins the STEAM Studio Spotlight to discuss his work on CERN's ATLAS detector, the surprising role of computing and "big data" in smashing protons, and how skills in this field reach far beyond the lab. He also teases an upcoming talk on the hidden physics of the Olympic Games. Discover how a winding path through chemistry and engineering led to a life exploring the universe's smallest building blocks.

Dive into the vibrant world of college music with Dr. Thomas Bough, the director of NIU's beloved Husky Marching Band. Discover how students from every major can keep their passion for music alive, why band kids make the top scholars

Ready to solve a real-world problem? This episode dives into the NIU Innovation Challenge, where student teams take on major issues like microplastics and antibiotic resistance. Learn how they get expert mentorship, develop innovative solutions, and compete for cash prizes by pitching their ideas to a panel of judges.

From the physics lab to the roller derby track to the bookshelf, Elizabeth Holden lives a life of science and stories. The NIU alum and author of "Mighty Millie Novak" reveals how she juggles teaching, writing, and travel, proving that a curious mind can master anything.

Discover how to transform your classroom through the power of connection. Authors and educators Tim Yoder and Joy Young discuss their essential book, The Neurodiversity Connection, offering insights and real-world stories to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment for every brain.

How does a university truly connect with its community? Jennifer Groce, a professional "connector" for Northern Illinois University, breaks down the power of reciprocity, mutual voice, and listening to build partnerships that change the world.

How do you prepare students for a modern, interconnected world? NIU student leader Khalil Barahaoua discusses blending language, technology, and cultural understanding. Discover his journey from study abroad to the STEAM studio, and learn how interdisciplinary learning creates "aha" moments for everyone.

From a piano major to a steel pan builder and tuner, Yuko Asada shares her incredible journey into the heart of this unique instrument. She discusses her current research in Trinidad and Tobago, the challenge of preserving a cultural tradition, and the fascinating intersection of craft and technology in the quest to build a better pan.

Discover the hidden engine of university research. Dara Little, NIU’s Associate Vice President for Research with more than 25 years of research administration expertise, reveals how multi-million dollar projects are managed, the intense competition for funding, and the crucial support system that makes scientific breakthroughs possible.

How do the swarming patterns of fish and mosquitoes help us design better robots and understand human crowds? Dr. Sachit Butail, a mechanical engineering professor who studies everything from bioinspired robotics to emergency evacuations, explains the fascinating science of collective behavior on this episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight.

Discover the art, science, and pure joy of skateboarding with Ariel from Fargo Skate. In this inspiring episode, she breaks down the mental and physical layers of what makes skateboarding a lifelong passion and a form of creative expression. Learn how Ariel’s unique business inside a historic vaudeville theater is breaking down barriers, building an inclusive community, and proving that it's never too late to believe you can fly on four wheels. Whether you're a seasoned skater or have never stepped on a board, this conversation will teach you to see the world like a skater.

Engineers build solutions, but can they sell them? Discover IdeaPolooza, a groundbreaking program where engineering students learn to pitch their capstone projects to business stakeholders. Dr. Nick Pohlman and Becca Husar reveal how they're breaking down silos between colleges to create the next generation of well-rounded, employable innovators.

During this STEAM Studio Spotlight discover the power of informal learning with Jasmine Carey, an NIU STEAM instructor who has come full circle—from student worker to leading the Barb City STEAM Team. She shares how her own journey of taking things apart led to a career building up the next generation. Learn how her after-school program creates a safe space for middle schoolers to experiment, fail, and grow, transforming quiet students into confident leaders and connecting them to their community.

Join us for this episode of the STEAM Studio Spotlight as we talk with educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Cherish Jackson. In this powerful episode, Cherish shares how failures became her greatest teacher, revealing a surprising truth about the "savior complex" in education and how learning to build student resilience—not dependency—is the key to making a real impact. Join us for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, vulnerability, and embracing the beautiful chaos of teaching.

Join us on this episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight as we sit down with Robert Hsu, Director of the Business Law Innovation Clinic, lawyer, and clinical assistant professor. Robert shares his unorthodox journey into law—from knocking on law firm doors as a college student to becoming a mentor shaping the next generation of legal minds. Discover how curiosity, fearlessness, and a passion for teaching led him to an impactful career in academia and community service. Whether you're considering law school or just love an inspiring career story, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

Join Chrissy Swartz, NIU STEAM educator and self-proclaimed "earth science evangelist," as she shares how she turns middle schoolers into curious scientists—whether they're dissecting worm ecosystems, debating cloud formations, or tackling real-world problems. From her winding career path (retail manager? industrial safety pro? now science teacher?) to her mission to prove everyone can "science," Chrissy reveals how hands-on, messy, authentic learning sparks confidence and creativity.

Join us on this episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight as we sit down with Dr. Jeanne M. Isabel, a seasoned expert in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS). Discover the fascinating world of MLS—where cutting-edge technology meets critical diagnostics—and hear how Dr. Isabel’s career took her from local hospitals to international labs. Learn why this high-demand field offers rewarding career paths, hands-on training, and endless opportunities. Whether you're a student exploring healthcare careers or just curious about the science behind medical testing, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

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Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Carolyn Pluim as we explore the complex intersection of school health policies, education, and societal responsibility. Dr. Pluim challenges the assumption that schools should be the primary site for health interventions, discussing the ethics, efficacy, and unintended consequences of current practices. From school lunches to critical health education, discover why a more thoughtful, equitable approach is needed—and how we can advocate for meaningful change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on redefining health in schools.

For this Spotlight, we are excited to talk with Dr. Henna Muzaffar—nutrition scientist, educator, and leader—as she shares her unexpected journey from aspiring physician to pioneering researcher in community health. Discover how she embraces life’s pivots, empowers schools and families through nutrition, and tackles sustainability in public health. Packed with wisdom on adaptability, leadership, and the power of unprocessed foods, this episode is a must-listen for students, professionals, and anyone navigating their own path.

For this STEAM Studio Spotlight, discover how an entrepreneurial mindset goes beyond startups with Becca Husar, Associate Director of Innovation at NIU’s College of Business. Becca shares how creativity, empathy, and strategic action drive success—whether launching ventures, shaping curriculum, or empowering artists. Learn why innovation isn’t just for ‘unicorn’ founders and how AI fits into the future of problem-solving. Tune in for insights on building impact through human-centered design.

In this episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight, we chat with Dr. Thomas Skuzinski, director of NIU’s Institute for the Study of Environment, Sustainability, and Energy. With a passion for local governance and sustainability, Dr. Skuzinski shares how communities collaborate (or clash) on environmental issues, the importance of civic engagement, and how universities empower students to drive real-world change. From polluted creeks to resilient trees, this conversation is packed with insights on making an impact—one local decision at a time.

From farm to factory to fork—discover the surprising science and stories behind your food! In this Conversation from the STEAM Studio, agricultural literacy expert Rhodora Collins and food manufacturing storyteller Ashley Murcia pull back the curtain on how food reaches our tables. They’ll bust myths (did you know every kernel of corn has its own silk?), explore hidden careers in agriculture and manufacturing, and reveal why that bag of chips or tub of chicken salad is a marvel of innovation. Get ready to rethink what’s on your plate!

Follow Rhodora’s work at growyoungminds.org and...

Join Dr. Pallavi Singh, molecular microbiologist and gut microbiome researcher, as she dives into the fascinating—and often overlooked—world of microbes. From bison poop to antimicrobial resistance, discover how these tiny organisms influence human, animal, and environmental health through the lens of the One Health Initiative. Learn why microbes are "brilliant," how climate change affects them, and what we can all do to combat the growing threat of superbugs. A must-listen for anyone curious about the invisible forces shaping our world!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sarah Moskal, NIU’s Interim Associate Director for Student Wellness, as we explore the power of mindfulness, play, and holistic well-being. From grounding techniques to "sensory playgrounds," Sarah shares practical strategies to manage stress, embrace curiosity, and find joy in everyday moments—whether it’s birdwatching, bubbles, or battling doom-scrolling. Discover how STEAM and wellness intersect, and learn where to find resources to support your mental health journey. Tune in for a refreshing take on self-care, sprinkled with humor and real-world tips!

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Join us for an inspiring STEAM Studio Spotlight episode as we chat with Dr. Nancy Prange, Maggie, and Hanna from Huskie Harvest—a groundbreaking program at NIU that recovers surplus campus food and transforms it into free meals for students in need. Discover how this initiative has already saved over 16,000 lbs of food, created 18,000+ meals, and fostered sustainability while fighting food insecurity. Hear about the challenges, triumphs, and future dreams of expanding this model beyond NIU. Plus, learn how you can get involved! Tune in for a heartwarming conversation about community, innovation, and turning surplus into support.

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For this Spotlight, we welcome Brian Smith, Director of Employee Well-Being at Northern Illinois University. With over 25 years of counseling experience, Brian shares insights on mental health, workplace wellness, and the power of hope in building resilience. Discover how humor, self-awareness, and trust play crucial roles in team dynamics and personal growth. Whether you're navigating stress, leadership challenges, or simply seeking balance, this conversation offers valuable strategies for fostering well-being in all aspects of life.