Leadership
Staff
Charles Lundsberg is the Community Engagement Coordinator with NIU STEAM. He builds and strengthens partnerships between the university and local organizations / community groups to expand access to meaningful STEAM experiences.
Charles has been in academia for over a decade and worked in the entertainment industry prior to that. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Arizona State University and has a Masters in Education (M.Ed) from Berry College.
STEAM Educator
Jasmine Carey’s love for STEAM has led her on a beautiful journey. It started with NIU STEAM and volunteer opportunities during her undergraduate years in NIU's College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. After graduating with her B.S. in Industrial Management and Technology, she pursued her M.S.Ed. in Instructional Technology. During this time, Jasmine had the amazing opportunity to visit Tanzania to understand their perspective of STEAM education and work with not only educators, but also the community to try and change the mindset about hands-on learning. Her goal as an instructor is to not only teach but to mentor with purpose, and STEAM allows her that opportunity. Jasmine uses STEAM education as a catalyst to equip students with the skills they need to be successful members of society, as well as confident critical thinkers ready to the take on some of the world's toughest challenges through innovation and problem solving.
April Startzel is STEAM Program Coordinator and Educator. She is committed to promoting both safety and innovation within our Makerspace and Classrooms.
Her educational philosophy is rooted in the convergence of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. She aims to ignite creativity within every student, kindling the spark of curiosity and fostering collaborative growth. She firmly believes that design is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a bridge to understanding the world. As students wield tools and explore possibilities, they become architects of their own learning journey.
April has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and is working of her Master of Fine Arts, Art and Design degree with a focus on studio art, painting and digital fabrication at Northern Illinois University.
As a graduate of NIU's Science Educator Licensure Program, Chrissy joined NIU STEAM as an instructor for Barb City STEAM Team. In this role, Chrissy combines her desire to make Science concepts accessible to all with the opportunity to work with 6th-8th students in an after-school STEAM exploration and enrichment program. She brings nearly a decade of experience delivering instruction and writing middle/high school science curriculum in the content areas of Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Earth and Space Science, Forensics and Exercise and Sports Science. She holds a BA in Biology earned at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin with an emphasis in Molecular Biology. Chrissy is also a State licensed Drivers Education instructor for both behind the wheel and in the classroom.
Becky Swiontek is a NIU STEAM Educator whose passion for education began at a very early age when she played school with her family members and tutored students in her classes. She earned her BS in biological sciences with a chemistry minor and teacher certification, as well as a MS Ed. in curriculum and instruction from NIU. Her journey as a professional educator includes fourteen years as a high school biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and biotech teacher in Naperville, as well as eight years as the 6-12 grade science instructional specialist for the Valley View School District. She is very proud to be part of a program that instills creativity and problem solving through STEAM for students of all ages and backgrounds, as well as supports teachers with their goals of incorporating STEAM in their instruction for students.”
Jessica Winn is a STEAM educator with NIU STEAM. Jess is a Southern Californian who moved to Illinois from Alaska after spending the last 13 years teaching and growing in the final frontier. She has spent years working in the Alaskan outdoors with the National Park Service, Student Conservation Association, and Anchorage Park Service. She has done internships with NASA and written blogs for PBS. Jess has taught all grades from K-12 in the fields of science and physical education. Her favorite courses to inspire students included Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Astronomy. Jess focuses on Project- and Place-based Learning, building interest through excitement and curiosity. To her, learning starts by building foundational relationships with the people she works with. If she's not in the office, look for her on the trails, on the water, or biking around with her dog and her family.
