Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM Studio

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...

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,"...

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...

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 educati...

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, a...

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 f...

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 c...

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...

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,...

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-scrol...

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 insecur...

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, lea...

For this Spotlight, we are excited to welcome Kiki Prottsman, a computer science educator and advocate who believes coding is "productive art." From her early days tinkering with a kitchen computer to shaping Microsoft MakeCode, Kiki shares how computational thinking empowers learners—and why AI literacy matters now more than ever. Discover her playful, unplugged teaching methods and why making mi...

Join hosts Russ Devereaux and Jess Winn as they sit down with Samuel Bello, a Fulbright Scholar and linguist from Colombia, for an inspiring conversation about language, culture, and identity. Samuel shares his journey from teaching in Indigenous communities to studying English linguistics in the U.S., offering profound insights into multilingualism, language revitalization, and the power of educa...

In this conversation from the STEAM Studio, hosts Dr. Kristin Brynteson and Dr. Lori Hensold sit down with educators Jess Winn ( NIU Steam ) and Kari Harris ( Illinois MTSS Network ) to explore the powerful connection between student engagement and behavior. Drawing from their extensive classroom and coaching experiences, Jess and Kari share practical strategies for fostering engagement, addressin...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jess Winn, STEAM educator, and lifelong learner, as we explore how curiosity transforms classrooms. From teaching in Alaska’s national parks to developing migrant education programs in Illinois, Jess shares how she helps students—and teachers—find their voice through hands-on, meaningful learning. Whether you’re an educator seeking fresh ideas or just lov...

In this episode of STEAM Spotlight , we sit down with April Startzel, STEAM Program Coordinator and educator, to explore the behind-the-scenes work of creating dynamic, functional, and safe maker spaces. April shares her insights on designing classrooms that foster creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning—from equipment selection and layout to safety protocols and supply management. Whethe...

Join hosts Kristin Brynteson and Russ Devereaux as they welcome Beth McGowan (Curator of Rare Books at NIU) and Melissa Adams-Campbell (Professor of English) to explore NIU’s Book Lab —a hands-on space where history, technology, and the future of books collide. Discover rare first editions, a replica 18th-century printing press , and how students are learning the art of bookmaking. From medieval m...

Join hosts Dr. Kristin Brynteson and Dr. Lori Hensold as they welcome Laura Williams , a 21st-century learning specialist, to explore authentic learning and Agile classrooms . Laura breaks down her "authentic learning litmus test"—connecting students with experts, creating real-world deliverables, and using industry processes like Agile—while sharing inspiring examples of student-driven projects....

In this episode of The STEAM Studio , we spotlight Chef Bryan Flower, the visionary behind Edible Campus at Northern Illinois University. Bryan shares his journey from a culinary career to leading innovative food systems initiatives, which aim to create a sustainable, educational, and community-focused food ecosystem. We dive into the importance of food literacy, combating food insecurity, and the...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bryan Dallas, a passionate advocate for students with disabilities and a key figure behind the transformative Huskies BELONG summer camp program at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Dr. Dallas shares his journey from working in disability support services to creating a groundbreaking initiative that helps high school students with disabilities explore STEM c...

In this episode, Kristin chats with Dr. Lori Hensold, an education expert with over 25 years of experience in MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) and RTI (Response to Intervention). Lori discusses her work at Northern Illinois University, the importance of MTSS in meeting diverse student needs, and how it integrates with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). They also...

For this STEAM Spotlight we interview Dr. Kristin Brynteson, the Director of STEAM. Kristin leads efforts to support interdisciplinary STEAM education and technology integration through regional and statewide professional development programs and annual events such as the STEAMing It Up Conference. Kristin also works with state partners to support educators as they use data, technology and open ed...

The STEAM Studio will inspire, educate, and entertain, offering fresh perspectives that spark curiosity, celebrate achievement, and explore the extraordinary in STEAM. Tune in weekly to The STEAM Studio and find your curiosity within every episode. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover our shows. You can listen on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google...