Kristin serves as Director of NIU STEAM, leading a team of creative professionals and student employees in delivering community-engaged STEAM programs that serve more than 5,000 K-12 students, university students, educators and families each year. Under her leadership, NIU STEAM’s afterschool programs, summer camps, campus initiatives, teacher professional development opportunities and STEM Fest connect learners throughout the region to college and career pathways. She develops partnerships with industry leaders, school districts and community organizations to expand workforce development opportunities and shares NIU’s engagement mission as host of the STEAM Studio Podcast.

With more than 20 years of experience in educational technology, Kristin has helped students and educators build confidence in using technology for learning and innovation. A three-time graduate of Northern Illinois University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, a Master of Science in Education, and a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology.

April Startzel serves as the Director of Operations for the NIU STEAM Outreach & Engagement Center, where she leads impactful STEAM programs, community partnerships, and large-scale events such as STEM Fest. Her work focuses on connecting learners of all ages with engaging STEAM experiences while creating meaningful opportunities for NIU students to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, engage in community outreach, and explore career pathways. Through innovative programming and strategic collaboration, April helps strengthen connections between NIU, regional partners, and the communities they serve, inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. A proud double-degree Huskie, April holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and a Master of Arts and Design (M.A.D.) from Northern Illinois University.

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.

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 MS 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. 

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.”