Shows
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Sarah MoskalJoin 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!Follow NIU Healthy Huskies for more wellness insights!2025-06-0742 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Huskie HarvestJoin 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.Mo...2025-05-3129 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Brian SmithFor 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.2025-05-2351 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Kiki ProttsmanFor 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 mistakes is key to innovation.2025-05-0840 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Samuel Bello 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 education. Discover how language shapes our world, the importance of preserving Indigenous languages, and why embracing cultural roots matters more than ever. Whether you're a language enthusiast, educator, or simply curious about global perspectives, this episode will leave you with a...2025-05-0155 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioA Conversation--How Engagement Can Improve BehaviorIn 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, addressing common barriers like time constraints and teacher confidence, and creating a safe, student-centered learning environment. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or instructional coach, this conversation offers valuable insights on proactive approaches to behavior management through meaningful engagement.2025-04-2436 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Jess WinnJoin 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 love stories about unconventional career paths (physical therapy to spy camp instructor?!), this episode is packed with humor, heart, and actionable insights.2025-04-1720 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Making a Maker Space with April StartzelIn 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. Whether you're an educator planning a new maker space or looking to optimize an existing one, April’s expertise offers valuable lessons on balancing innovation with practicality. Tune in for tips on organization, safety, and how to keep the spirit of curiosity aliv...2025-04-1029 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--NIU Book Lab with Dr. Beth McGowan & Dr. Melissa Adams-CampbellJoin 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 manuscripts to AI’s impact on publishing, this episode dives into why books matter—then, now, and tomorrow.Don’t miss the Book Lab’s Open House on April 28th!2025-04-0328 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Laura WilliamsJoin 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. Discover how to foster engagement, collaboration, and reflection in the classroom, and hear about Laura’s book and free resources at authenticlearningalliance.org. A must-listen for educators ready to transform learning into meaningful, student-centered experiences!Laura will also be keynoting the NIU Engaged Learning Confer...2025-03-2837 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Chef Bryan FlowerIn 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 transformative power of locally sourced, nutrient-dense foods. Bryan also introduces the Food Systems Innovation Challenge, a platform for students to tackle real-world food supply chain issues. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of food, health, and sustainability!2025-03-1437 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Dr. Bryan Dallas 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 careers, transition to college, and build self-advocacy skills. Learn how Huskies BELONG provides a year-long college immersion experience, including a week-long summer camp, mentorship, and career exploration—all designed to empower students to succeed in higher education and beyond. Tune in...2025-03-1430 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Dr. Lori HensoldIn 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 highlight their collaboration on the NIU Engaged Learning Conference, sharing insights on professional development, student engagement, and the future of holistic education. Tune in to learn how MTSS and STEAM can create inclusive, effective learning environments.Resources:...2025-03-1226 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioSpotlight--Dr. Kristin Brynteson 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 educational resources to support student success. For over 20 years, Kristin has enjoyed helping in-service and pre-service teachers become fearless with technology while they explore innovative ways to impact student learning. She is a former industrial engineer with a M.S. in instructional...2025-03-1134 min
Northern Illinois University Presents: The STEAM StudioThe STEAM Studio TrailerThe 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 Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Join us as we explore, celebrate, and inspire the world of STEAM!2024-11-1902 min
LTC One-to-OneAI & Digital Citizenship with Mike RibbleDr. Mike Ribble, author of a number of works on digital citizenship, joins us to discuss the role of digital citizenship and digital literacy as we all come to grips with the age of artificial intelligence. We’ll look at how educators, administrators, parents, and families can work together to help students understand and adapt to an AI-infused world. We’ll also take a look back at NIU STEM Fest with Dr. Kristen Brynteson from episode 1.
Mike Ribble, Ed.D. (Contact Dr. Ribble)
DigitalCitizenship.net
Digital Citizenship 9 Elements and S3 Framework
Digital C...2023-10-1357 min
LTC One-to-OneGaining STEAM with Kristin BryntesonLearn about the latest in edtech with the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, hosted by Brian Bates and Matt Jacobson.
In this episode:
Your hosts introduce the podcast.
Dr. Kristen Brynteson discusses the NIU STEAM Program.
Sarah Phelps from LTC outlines some STEM/STEAM resources for educators.
Ben Sondgeroth from LTC answers a mailbag question about supporting edtech PD in schools.
Do you have a question for the LTC to answer on-air? Check out the Poll and Q&A in Spotify, or drop your question into the LTC Mailbag (Google Form).
Links & Resources (docu...2023-09-2841 min
The Sound of ScienceThe Sound of Science - 'Engineering and Vaccines'Dr. Brynteson: You are listening to the Sound of Science on WNIJ. I'm Dr. Kristin Brynteson, director of NIU STEAM. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Muthuswamy, associate professor in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Welcome!2021-06-1101 minThe Sound of ScienceThe Sound of Science - 'Engineering Cheesecake'Dr. Brynteson: Welcome WNIJ listeners to The Sound of Science. I'm Kristin Brynteson, director of NIU STEAM. Today I'm joined by Dr. Muthuswamy, associate professor in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Welcome.2021-06-0401 minThe Sound of ScienceThe Sound of Science - 'Industrial Engineering'Dr. Brynteson: Welcome WNIJ listeners, I'm Dr. Kristin Brynteson, director of NIU STEAM. Today, I have Dr. Muthuswamy, associate professor in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology joining me in the studio.2021-06-0402 minThe Sound of ScienceThe Sound of Science - 'Illinois Frogs'Kristin: Welcome WNIJ listeners to the Sound of Science. I’m Kristin Brynteson, Director of NIU STEAM.2021-04-0602 minThe Sound of ScienceThe Sound of Science - 'Amelia Earhart'HOLLIE: Welcome to The Sound of Science. This episode is part one of a three-part series featuring voices of women in STEM working right here at NIU in honor of Women’s History Month. Expect to learn all about some amazing women whose legacies are much too big for one episode and whose impact affects not just the fabric of science history, but the day-to-day lives of the women out in the world today using STEM to create change. This week I reached out to engineer turned educator, blogger, podcaster, and maker extraordinaire Dr. Kristin Brynteson and asked her to ta...2021-03-1200 min
The STEM Read PodcastThe STEM Read Podcast - Fostering E-EmpathyOn this episode of the STEM Read Podcast, we’ve got three perspectives on technology, empathy and e-sports. Host Gillian King-Cargile (@gkingcargile) and Kristin Brynteson (@kbrynteson) interview George Couros, author of The Innovator’s Mindset about creating a positive atmosphere for students by using technology to bring people together. Next, Gillian talks to NFL-kicker-turned-sci-fi-author Chris Kluwe about sports, e-sports, empathy in gaming, and how all of that informed his first novel Otaku. Finally, Gillian talks to Keisha Howard, co-founder of Sugar Gamers, about representation in the video game industry and ways to support girls and women in all aspects of gami...2020-04-3054 min
Failure BitesPlot Twist - John ScalziKristin Brynteson spoke with one of our favorite authors at C2E2 this year: John Scalzi. Scalzi is an American science fiction writer known for books like Red Shirts, Lock In, and many others. Check out his newest book The Last Emperox, coming April 2020!
2020-04-0313 min
Failure BitesPlot Twist - John ScalziKristin Brynteson spoke with one of our favorite authors at C2E2 this year: John Scalzi. Scalzi is an American science fiction writer known for books like Red Shirts, Lock In, and many others. Check out his newest book The Last Emperox, coming April 2020!
https://www.tor.com/2019/06/06/cover-reveals-john-scalzi-the-last-emperox/
https://twitter.com/scalzi2020-04-0313 minFailure BitesOn the Floor at C2E2Join host Kristin Brynteson as she talks to successful people at Chicago's pop culture event: C2E2!
Check out our guests:
Bianca Roman-Stumpff - https://biancaart.storenvy.com/
La Vie Cosplay – https://laviecosplay.com/
Pearlfire: Discovery - https://pearlfirerpg.com/
Chuck Costas - https://propstore.com/
2020-03-1914 minFailure BitesOn the Floor at C2E2Join host Kristin Brynteson as she talks to successful people at Chicago's pop culture event: C2E2!
Check out our guests:
Bianca Roman-Stumpff - https://biancaart.storenvy.com/
La Vie Cosplay – https://laviecosplay.com/
Pearlfire: Discovery - https://pearlfirerpg.com/
Chuck Costas - https://propstore.com/2020-03-1914 minThe STEM Read PodcastThe STEM Read Podcast - LARPing and LearningIn this episode of the STEM Read Podcast Gillian King-Cargile (@gkingcargile), Kristin Brynteson (@kbrynteson), and Melanie Koss (@melaniekoss) sit down with author Kate Hannigan (@katechicago) and game-based-learning expert Andrew Peterson.2020-02-2852 minFailure BitesRisk, Reflection, Reward - Kristin BryntesonDr. Kristin Brynteson hosts AND shares her experience with failure, along with a tasty tidbit from educator/author George Couros.
2019-10-1806 min
Failure BitesRisk, Reflection, Reward - Kristin BryntesonDr. Kristin Brynteson hosts AND shares her experience with failure, along with a tasty tidbit from educator/author George Couros.2019-10-1806 min
Learning Through LeadingKristin Brynteson: OER, STEM, and so much more!Dr, Kristin Brynteson, educator, podcaster and blogger from Northern Illinois University, discusses a variety of topics and programs with us during this interview.Questions addressed in this episode: What is Illinois OER, and how do OERs compare with the big-name publishers' works? How can STEM, STEAM, and STEAM Read help kids, and how do I get started in my classroom?Some definitions: STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics STEAM: STEM + the Arts STEAM Read: STEAM + Reading iOER: Illinois Open Educational Resources Connect with Dr. Brynteson: Twitter: @kbrynteson https://twitter.com/kbrynteson Web: ilshare...2019-08-0734 min
Failure BitesRight Shoe, Wrong Foot - Kim LikierKristin Brynteson learns that success is contextual through an interview with Kim Likier.2019-05-0203 min
Failure BitesFirst the Worst - Mike JonesNobody is born an expert, or so host Kristin Brynteson learns from seasoned teacher Mike Jones.2019-04-1804 min
Failure BitesBig Fish, Small Pond - Dr. Anne KaplanBeing a big fish in a small pond can set unrealistic expectations. Dr. Anne Kaplan shares her experience with going to college.
Follow NIU STEAM on Twitter: twitter.com/niusteam
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NIUSTEAM/
Transcript:
KB: Past successes are awesome! It feels great to have a win, and those wins can help us build self-confidence. Self-confidence can be a great asset—except when it's not. I’m Kristin Brynteson, and this is Failure Bites, the podcast where successful people tell bite-size stories of failure, growth, and success. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Anne Kaplan, vice president of Outr...2019-03-0104 min
Failure BitesThe Bigger the Goal, the Bigger the Challenges - Dr. Marlo BarnettHost Kristin Brynteson talks to Dr. Marlo Barnett about the struggles of crossing the finish line of achieving a PhD.
Follow Dr. Barnett on Twitter: twitter.com/marlobarnett
Follow NIU STEAM on Twitter: twitter.com/niusteam
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NIUSTEAM/
Transcript:
KB: You are listening to the Failure Bites podcast, where successful people tell bite-size stories of failure, growth, and success. I'm your host, Kristin Brynteson. Big goals can be scary, not only are they big, but they can also be roadblocks and obstacles around every corner, ready to overwhelm us and prevent us from achieving our goal. In...2019-02-1403 min
Failure BitesA Great Teacher, Failure Is - Dr. Lisa FreemanHost Kristin Brynteson is on a quest to talk about failure. Joining her today is NIU president, Dr. Lisa C. Freeman.
Follow NIU STEAM on Twitter: https://twitter.com/niusteam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NIUSTEAM/
Transcript:
KB: Failure. We all do it, but none of us like to talk about it. Failure’s hard to deal with. It can be painful. It can be embarrassing. Admitting we failed is like admitting we are the failure. In reality, that's not true. A wise teacher once told me “The greatest teacher, failure is.” Okay, that wise teacher was Yoda, and he didn't...2019-01-2404 min
Lab Out LoudLearn the Science, Live the Book with STEM ReadGillian King-Cargile and Dr. Kristin Brynteson join co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler this week to talk about STEM Read - a program from Northern Illinois University that uses live and online programs to inspire a broad range of readers to learn more about the science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in popular fiction. Listen to Lab Out Loud to learn more about STEM Read and the educational opportunities it offers, including book-aligned lesson plans, a podcast featuring an author or STEM expert and even a STEM Read Summer Institute.2019-01-0741 min
EdGamerEdGamer 145: NIU’s STEM Read Program With Kristin BryntesonKristin Brynteson is the Assistant Director of the P-20 Center at Northern Illinois University. The Center for P-20 Engagement collaborates with internal and external partners to provide leadership and promote innovation by fostering interdisciplinary learning communities and initiatives which increase educational success. One of their projects is STEM Read, Coordinated by Gillian King-Cargile. Gillian King-Cargile has a bachelor’s degree in film production and an MFA in creative writing. She is a writer, a book lover, and a professional science appreciator.… Read the rest 2014-10-2500 min