Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM Studio

Dr. Kristin Brynteson | April Startzel | Charles Lundsberg | Yaw Agyemang

Curious about the future of education, technology, sustainability, and the ideas shaping our communities? Whether you're an educator looking for new perspectives, a professional looking to stay ahead of change or someone who simply loves learning. Listen and understand the trends, research, and innovations that will impact the way we live, work, and learn. Each week, host conversations with researchers, educators, industry leaders, and innovators who are tackling real-world challenges and building the future. From food security and community resilience to artificial intelligence, leadership, youth development, scientific discovery, and emerging careers, every episode turns complex topics into engaging, accessible conversations. You'll leave each episode with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our future and practical ideas you can apply today. New episodes weekly. Follow the show and discover the people and ideas building what's next.

  1. 1d ago

    Growing Local: How Communities Can Build a More Resilient Food System

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Laura Fehling, Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability, and Steve Schultz, Garden Manager for NIU Edible Campus, we move from identifying food system challenges to exploring practical solutions. This episode examines how individuals, organizations, and communities can play a role in building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system. Whether you're interested in growing your own food, reducing waste, supporting local farmers, or learning how innovative approaches are shaping the future of agriculture, this episode offers practical insights and actionable ideas

    Growing Local: How Communities Can Build a More Resilient Food System

  2. 4d ago

    Why Our Food System Is Vulnerable: Challenges, Food Security, and the Future of Edible Campus

    In this episode, we explore the factors shaping today’s food system, from climate change and extreme weather to supply chain disruptions, food insecurity, and the decline of small family farms. Joining us are Laura Fehling, Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability at NIU, and Steve Schultz, Garden Manager for NIU Edible Campus. Together, they discuss how our food system has evolved, why it remains vulnerable, and how local initiatives can help strengthen community resilience.

    Why Our Food System Is Vulnerable: Challenges, Food Security, and the Future of Edible Campus

  3. Oct 21

    STEM Isn't Scary: Inside NIU's Haunted Labs

    In this episode of the NIU STEAM Podcast, hosts Yaw Agyemang and Greg Hulmes speak with NIU Physics Lab Manager Jeremy Benson about Haunted Labs, a long-running campus tradition that combines spooky fun with scientific discovery. Jeremy shares how the event began, why it continues to attract families year after year, and how simple moments of wonder can inspire curiosity about science. Whether you're fascinated by optical illusions, high-voltage demonstrations, or just looking for a fun family activity this Halloween season, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of NIU's most popular STEM outreach events. NIU Haunted Labs - NIU Events Calendar

    STEM Isn't Scary: Inside NIU's Haunted Labs

  4. Oct 15

    Why Science Needs Better Communication

    Science shapes our everyday lives, but understanding it often feels out of reach. In this episode, science communicator Jessica Burgess joins the NIU STEAM Podcast to explore why effective STEM communication matters and how complex topics can be made accessible to everyone. Drawing from her experiences as a marine biologist, zookeeper, educator, museum professional, and outreach leader at Argonne National Laboratory, Jessica discusses the challenges scientists face when communicating with public audiences. The conversation examines the impact of jargon, the importance of storytelling, and why enthusiasm and audience-centered communication are key to sparking curiosity. This episode also explores science literacy, misinformation, emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI, and the growing need for STEM communication that helps people connect new ideas to what they already know. Jessica shares how her work through STEM Translation Company is helping researchers, educators, and organizations bridge the gap between expertise and understanding. Whether you're a STEM professional, educator, student, or simply curious about science, this episode offers valuable insights into making science more engaging, approachable, and meaningful for all

    Why Science Needs Better Communication

  5. Oct 2

    The Magic Behind the Impossible: The Science of Live Theater Special Effects

    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 the computer age to becoming a nationally recognized expert in theatrical rigging and special effects. As a faculty member and technical director in the School of Theater and Dance at NIU, and owner of Vertigo, Tracy shares how engineering principles and creative thinking intersect to solve challenges that many consider impossible. His stories demonstrate that behind every breathtaking stage illusion lies careful planning, precision, and a deep understanding of science and technology. The conversation also explores the extraordinary growth of Vertigo, a company that has evolved into a global leader in flying effects, custom automation, and theatrical engineering. From Broadway-style productions and holiday classics to international projects and cutting-edge anti-gravity simulations, Tracy offers a captivating look at the innovations shaping modern performance. Along the way, he highlights the importance of collaboration, risk management, and the relentless pursuit of creative solutions. Whether you're a student, educator, artist, engineer, or simply curious about how spectacular stage moments come to life, this episode delivers inspiring insights into the power of STEAM education and interdisciplinary thinking. Join us as we explore how imagination, technology, and human ingenuity combine to make the impossible possible, and don't miss Tracy's upcoming STEAM Cafe presentation on October 7th at Fatty's Pub and Grill, 630 P.m. where he'll bring even more behind-the-scenes magic to the conversation.

    The Magic Behind the Impossible: The Science of Live Theater Special Effects

  6. Aug 31

    Restoring Illinois Prairies, One Acre at a Time

    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 across Illinois are working to restore these ecosystems, bringing back native plants, improving wildlife habitat, and creating opportunities for community engagement. Learn about two exciting restoration projects. Wild Roots Nature Center is transforming a 169-acre former golf course in Rockford into thriving prairie habitat, while NIU is preparing to convert 40 to 45 acres of campus green space into native prairie. Both projects aim to improve biodiversity, strengthen local waterways connected to the Kishwaukee River system, and create spaces where students, families, and community members can experience nature firsthand. The episode highlights the ecological importance of prairies, from carbon sequestration and flood mitigation to supporting pollinators such as monarch butterflies and the endangered rusty patched bumblebee. Courtney and Holly explain how prairie plants invest most of their growth underground, creating deep root systems that enrich soil, store carbon, and improve water infiltration. Join us September 8th at Lucha Cantina for STEAM Café: Snacking on Sustainability and learn how prairie restoration is helping create a healthier, more resilient future for our communities. SCAN QR NOW

    Restoring Illinois Prairies, One Acre at a Time

  7. Aug 6

    From Barbed Wire to NIU: How Innovation Built a Community

    Discover how a simple farm invention helped shape DeKalb's future. In this episode, Charles Lansberg sits down with Jesse Haish 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 that changed the world. "History happened here, and its story continues to inspire future generations." Registration: https://niu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b87E9co37bNgxQq Glidden Homestead website: https://www.gliddenhomestead.org/ Burritoville: https://burritovilleil.com/

    From Barbed Wire to NIU: How Innovation Built a Community

  8. Jun 3

    Big Ideas, Small Teams: The Magic of Film Camp

    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.

    Big Ideas, Small Teams: The Magic of Film Camp
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Curious about the future of education, technology, sustainability, and the ideas shaping our communities? Whether you're an educator looking for new perspectives, a professional looking to stay ahead of change or someone who simply loves learning. Listen and understand the trends, research, and innovations that will impact the way we live, work, and learn. Each week, host conversations with researchers, educators, industry leaders, and innovators who are tackling real-world challenges and building the future. From food security and community resilience to artificial intelligence, leadership, youth development, scientific discovery, and emerging careers, every episode turns complex topics into engaging, accessible conversations. You'll leave each episode with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our future and practical ideas you can apply today. New episodes weekly. Follow the show and discover the people and ideas building what's next.

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