The STEM Yard

State Tournament Preview

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Lights, Camera, Science! 🎬 The 2026 State Tournament Preview

This week on The STEM Yard, host Alonzo Alexander sits down with NCSO Director Lisa Giacomelli and Science House Executive Director Jason Painter to preview the 2026 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament.

Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, this episode is your "director’s cut" for navigating the big weekend at NC State University on April 17–18, 2026.

Get ready for your close-up with tips for first-time teams, from navigating the bustling NC State campus to making your mark at Reynolds Coliseum. Our guests also dive into the "Lights, Camera, Science" theme and provide advice on how to bring that award-winning movie magic to this year’s ceremonies!

Grab your lab goggles and join us as we prep for the biggest night in STEM!

Interested in being on the STEM Yard podcast? Email producer Valerie Bass at vabass@ncsu.edu

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The STEM Yard is a production of The Science House at NC State University. Our show is produced by Valerie Bass with assistance from the NC Science Olympiad. We are supported by funding from The Backyard Foundation.

Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Get ready for an inside look at the frontier of biotechnology with Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou, a CRISPR pioneer and Distinguished Professor at NC State University. In this episode, Dr. Barrangou pulls back the curtain on his journey from student to the National Academy of Sciences, sharing why failure is actually a scientist's greatest asset and why he is so optimistic about the future of STEM.

As the keynote speaker for the 2026 North Carolina Science Olympiad State Tournament, Dr. Barrangou also reveals what he hopes competitors will take away from his speech on April 17, 2026, at NC State. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most influential scientists of our time as he discusses the technology—and the mindset—shaping our world.

Circuit Lab

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The STEM Yard, host Alonzo Alexander welcomes back Everett Brostedt, an NCSO undergraduate assistant and the dedicated Event Leader for the Circuit Lab competition. Everett provides essential event information and resources to help teams prepare for both the test and hands-on portions of the event. Beyond the competition, Everett shares what inspired him to become an Electrical Engineering major and reflects on the importance of exploring diverse interests before committing to a field of study. His transition from a former NC Science Olympiad competitor to a student leader offers valuable perspective for anyone navigating the path from high school to a STEM career.

Water Quality

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The STEM Yard, we’re making a splash with Lauren Daniel, the Water Education Program Coordinator at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

As the Event Leader for Water Quality in North Carolina, Lauren is on a mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. From leading impactful programs like NC Stream Watch and Project WET to being named the 2025 National Project WET Coordinator of the Year, her passion for our natural resources is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Whether you're a competitor looking for event resources or a STEM enthusiast curious about stream health, this conversation is one you won't want to miss!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Water Quality B | Water Quality C | Local Water Supply Plans

NCSO Q&A

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500

In this special Q&A episode, host Alonzo Alexander steps into the hot seat to answer your questions about the pod and his opinion on Sci Oly topics. He’s joined by the NCSO crew to tackle everything else on your mind—from deep-dives into event prep and tournament strategy to the new 2026 State Tournament theme. Whether you're curious about Alonzo's hot takes or learning more about the NCSO team, we’ve got you covered.

Do you have more questions for the STEM Yard? Email them to Executive Producer Valerie Bass at vabass@ncsu.edu.

NCSO Student Staff

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In this extended episode, we go behind the scenes with the NCSO undergraduate student staff, a dynamic group of former Science Olympiad competitors who turned their love of STEM into leadership, mentorship, and service. In this episode, Max Thai, John Palmer, Benjamin Bates, Everett Brostedt, and Azlyn Raja share their personal Science Olympiad journeys, favorite competition memories, and the experiences that shaped who they are today.

Hear how their diverse paths brought them to NCSO, what it is really like working behind the scenes of tournaments and programs, and the impact they hope to make for the next generation of competitors. Whether you are a current student, coach, or alum, this conversation offers a fun and inspiring look at the people helping keep Science Olympiad thriving in North Carolina.

Rodney Smith

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the STEM Yard Podcast, Alonzo sat down with Rodney Smith, Principal of Alston Ridge Middle School in Cary, North Carolina, to explore why Science Olympiad matters from a school leader’s perspective. Principal Smith shares how NCSO supports student growth, builds a culture of problem-solving and teamwork, and aligns with broader goals in STEM education. From developing future-ready skills to fostering confidence and curiosity in students, this conversation highlights the powerful role academic competitions play in middle school learning, and how administrators champion them.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review of the STEM Yard Podcast. Your support helps us grow and reach more Science Olympiad participants.

2025 SONT Part 2

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Part two of The STEM Yard’s special coverage is here! Join us LIVE from the 2025 National Science Olympiad Tournament at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln!

This episode features interviews with North Carolina teams sharing their Nationals experiences, competition strategies, celebration plans, and advice for future participants. Highlights include a special segment with the Division B National Champions.

Don’t miss this exciting glimpse behind the scenes of Nationals 2025!

2025 SONT Part 1

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In part one of our Nationals Series, host Alonzo Alexander sits down with Sue Ellen Pegg, College Relations Director at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and host of this year’s tournament, to talk about what it takes to plan and execute an event of this magnitude—and why it matters to the Science Olympiad community.

You’ll also hear from Maiya Yu, PhD candidate at Stanford University, former Michigan State competitor, and Science Olympiad Board member, as she shares her passion for rule development, student mentorship, and the power of staying connected to STEM through service.

🎧 Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, inspiration, and the start of our journey through Nationals 2025!

Live from States

Thu, 08 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Ready for some science shenanigans? This week on the STEM Yard, we’re LIVE from the NC Science Olympiad State Tournament!

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at these young scientists as they tackle challenges that’ll make you question your own school projects. Don’t miss out on the fun—tune in, laugh with us, and let’s nerd out together!

The STEM Yard is packing up and hitting the road to bring the Nationals experience to you. If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact show producer Valerie Bass at vabass@ncsu.edu or check our show notes for more information.

States Preview

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The State Tournament is just around the corner, and we’re here with the NCSO crew! Join us for our latest episode where Lisa, Jayne, and Jason break will be chatting about the upcoming tournament on April 25th and 26th—because who doesn’t love some STEM-tastic shenanigans?

The team discusses the bungee drop event, home bases, the theme for this year and so much more. So grab your lab goggles and tune in! Because if STEM were a sport, this would be the Super Bowl!

Resources and Links:
State Tournament Info
Volunteer Opportunities
Sponsorship Information
STEM Expo Sign Up
Keynote Speaker Details

The STEM Yard will be at the State Tournament on April 26th! If you are interested in being on the podcast, please contact producer Valerie Bass at vabass@ncsu.edu.

Reminder that The STEM Yard will be back AFTER the State Tournament!

Emily Torkelson

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the STEM yard we’ve got Emily Torkelson joining us—not just an aerospace engineer, but also a former Science Olympiad competitor and world champion flyer! 🏆✈️

Host Alonzo Alexander dives into Emily's journey from Science Olympiad to soaring through the skies. ✨ Curious how she went from science experiments to mastering flight? Spoiler: No capes were involved!

Tune in for laughs and inspiration, and maybe pick up some tips on how to let your STEM journey take flight! 😂

Don’t miss out on the chance to see her as our KEYNOTE SPEAKER—because who wouldn’t want guidance from a world champ? 🥇

Dave Glenn

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Get ready to be inspired! This week on the STEM Yard podcast, Alonzo chats with the phenomenal Dave Glenn, a true champion of the Science Olympiad program! 🎉

From parent to coach to regional director, Dave's journey is filled with passion and dedication for nurturing young minds in STEM. 🌟 You'll hear his heartfelt stories and gain invaluable tips on tackling the thrilling Ramp and Roll 🎢 event!

Join us for an uplifting conversation that celebrates teamwork and the transformative power of science education. 🎧✨ Don’t miss out—tune in and ignite your passion for STEM!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Are you ready to make a big impact? Join us on March 26th for NC State’s Day of Giving and help us elevate STEM education through North Carolina Science Olympiad! 🚀

Your contribution isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in the future leaders of our world who will innovate, inspire, and impact lives.

👉 Are you ready to make a difference? Visit go.ncsu.edu/give2ncso and help us elevate the next generation of STEM pioneers.

Jimmy Jordan

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Join us for an inspiring episode of the STEM Yard podcast as we sit down with Jimmy Jordan, the Event Leader for Just Plane Awesome, Flight and Helicopters. With over 13 years of dedicated volunteering with NC Science Olympiad, Jimmy's passion for aviation and education culminated in his well-deserved title of Volunteer of the Year in 2024. Discover his incredible journey, insights into fostering STEM education, and how he's making a difference in the lives of young aspiring scientists and engineers. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply a STEM enthusiast, this conversation is packed with motivation and valuable lessons. Don’t miss out—tune in now to hear from one of the most impactful voices in NC Science Olympiad.

Ben Miller

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Get ready to be inspired! An exciting new episode of The STEM Yard podcast is dropping, and you won't want to miss it! Join Alonzo as he chats with the amazing Ben Miller—former Science Olympiad competitor and current Event Leader for Wind Power!

With an impressive West Point background and a Civil Engineering degree, Ben is here to share his journey and ignite your passion for STEM. Whether you're a curious student, an innovative educator, or a die-hard Science Olympiad fan, this episode is packed with insights that will elevate your Wind Power game! Tune in now and let the inspiration flow!

Learn More about the Wind Power event: Division B | Division C

Dr. Natalie Nelson

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this exciting episode of the STEM Yard podcast, host Alonzo Alexander sits down with Dr. Natalie Nelson, the Event Leader for the Coastal Countdown trial event. As an Associate Professor and University Faculty Scholar in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at NC State, Dr. Nelson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. She is also the Principal Investigator of the Coastal & Watershed Analytics Lab, where she explores critical environmental issues.

Join Alonzo and Dr. Nelson as they dive deep into the Coastal Countdown trial event, uncovering its significance and what attendees can expect. They also discuss ghost forests and their impact on our ecosystems. If you have ever considered a future in agricultural engineering or are curious about how this field intersects with environmental challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to inspire and inform!

Greg Womack-Adams

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0500

The STEM Yard podcast is back and better than ever! 🎉 Join our host, Alonzo Alexander, as he kicks off this exciting season with a special guest—build event expert Greg Womack-Adams! 👷‍♂️ With 15 years of experience volunteering with NC Science Olympiad and the prestigious Jason Painter Distinguished Service award under his belt, Greg has incredible insights to share. From his early days as a competitor to his journey as an Event Leader, Greg reveals his tips for mastering build events and pursuing a career in structural engineering. Whether you're a competitor or a Science Olympiad enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and elevate your build event game! 🏗️

2024 SONT Part 2 - Michigan State

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Welcome to part two of our STEM Yard podcast coverage of the 2024 National Science Olympiad Tournament, where we dive deeper into the world of Science Olympiad. In this episode, we'll be hearing from key figures behind this incredible STEM competition. We'll get insights from Michigan Science Olympiad Director Paul Voydanoff and Science Olympiad Executive Director Elizabeth Mulkerrin, who will share their perspectives on the tournament and the importance of hands-on learning in STEM. Additionally, we'll hear directly from the competitors from Slauson Middle School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, giving us an inside look at the student experience.

2024 SONT Part 1 - NC Teams

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Get ready for an inside look at the 40th National Science Olympiad Tournament! In part one of our coverage, we're live from Michigan State University to hear from the North Carolina teams competing. Host Alonzo Alexander chats with teammates and coaches from Piedmont IB Middle, Jay M. Robinson Middle, Enloe High, and the NC School of Science and Math - Durham. Discover the dedication, passion, and determination that fuels these remarkable students as they showcase their scientific prowess on the national stage. This is a must-listen episode that provides a unique perspective on the hard work and excitement behind the National Science Olympiad Tournament.

An Inspiring STEM Career Story

Wed, 15 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Tune in to the STEM Yard podcast as host Alonzo Alexander sits down with Delaney Carey from ABB. Delaney shares her inspiring journey to a fulfilling career in STEM, starting from her lifelong passion for science. Learn how she turned her enthusiasm for Industrial Engineering into a thriving career at the global technology leader, ABB. Delaney offers invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to kick-start their own STEM career. Don't miss this insightful episode, and join us in thanking ABB for their vital sponsorship of the North Carolina Science Olympiad, which provides hands-on educational experiences for K-12 students.

2024 State Tournament Recap

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

You won't want to miss this week's episode of the STEM Yard podcast, because we are recapping the 2024 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament! 🎉

Your host, Alonzo Alexander, is on the scene to bring you all the thrilling details. Get ready to hear about which teams took home the big prizes, and listen in on Alonzo's conversations with the incredible competitors.

These students have worked so hard to showcase their STEM skills, and we couldn't be more proud of them! 👏

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible volunteers, families, and sponsors that make NC Science Olympiad the amazing community that it is. A huge round of applause to all of you!

Tune in now to experience the energy and excitement of the 2024 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament.

State Tournament Preview

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard, Alonzo chats with NC Science Olympiad Director Lisa Giacomelli and Program Coordinator Jayne Carlisle about the upcoming 2024 State Tournament on NC State's campus on April 12-13th. Alonzo, Lisa and Jayne discuss plans for the State Tournament including ways to get involved and how teams can get into the spirit of competition.

Episode 6 - Sidney Wilkerson-Hill

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Hold onto your test tubes because we've got a real scientific gem for you! Introducing Sidney Wilkerson-Hill, NC State Alum, brilliant Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at UNC Chapel Hill and former Science Olympiad whiz-kid extraordinaire.

From acing science competitions to shaping young minds in the classroom, Sidney's journey from Science Olympiad competitor to keynote speaker at the 2024 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Join us as we chat with Sidney about all things science, education, and the thrill of competition. Get ready to be inspired by their passion for igniting curiosity in the next generation of budding scientists.

50 Years with Rooney Coffman

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Join Alonzo as he sits down with Rooney Coffman, the Director of the prestigious Laurinburg Tournament - the oldest Science Olympiad tournament in North Carolina.

Let's celebrate 50 years of excellence with NCSO (North Carolina Science Olympiad) as we reflect on its remarkable journey and impact over the past half-century. Discover the history, insights, and stories from the first Science Olympiad Tournament.

Explore more NCSO History!

Renee's "Tree-mendous" Resources

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Get ready to take your forestry skills to the next level! In this episode, we have the incredible Renee Strnad, Event Leader for Forestry, as our special guest.

Renee, a true expert in the field, serving as the State Coordinator for Project Learning Tree and an Environmental Educator at NC State University. Join us as Renee shares her valuable insights, techniques, and secrets for dominating the forestry event.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips that will help you sharpen your skills and stand out from the crowd.

From tree identification to learning forestry history, Renee has seen it all and mastered it all. She'll be revealing the strategies to beat the competition.

So grab your binder, sharpen your pencils, and get ready for an action-packed episode filled with forestry event competition tips and tricks that will have you feeling like a true champion. Tune in now!

Winning with Weber

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we have a special guest with us - Pat Weber, the former coach of the Carnage Magnet Middle School Science Olympiad team. Pat is no ordinary coach, as she won the Coach of the Year award in 2017. Her leadership and expertise have led Carnage to numerous State and National Tournaments throughout her successful tenure.

Join us as we dive into Pat's incredible journey as a coach and explore the strategies she implemented to achieve such remarkable success. We'll uncover her secrets to building a winning team, fostering a passion for STEM subjects, and overcoming challenges along the way.

Whether you're an aspiring coach or simply interested in hearing about inspiring stories from the world of STEM education, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in as we chat with Pat Weber and gain valuable insights into what it takes to excel in Science Olympiad competitions. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, inspiration, and a whole lot of STEM awesomeness!

Wolfpack Invitational

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

A special BONUS episode of #TheSTEMYard podcast has just dropped! 🎙️ Join our amazing Alonzo Alexander, as he deep dives into the minds of the Wolfpack Science Olympiad crew, the NC State alumni behind the FIRST ever Division B Invitational in North Carolina! 🏆 Wanna know all the details? Tune in as Nirmiti Nerkar and Janet Cobb share all the tea ☕ Be a part of the game-changing event and score a free T-shirt - because who doesn't love free stuff? 🎧💡🐺

Sign-up to volunteer at the upcoming invitational on January 20th!

Jayne Carlisle

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Introducing Season 2 of #TheSTEMYard, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of Science Olympiad and beyond! Join us as host Alonzo Alexander sits down with the phenomenal Jayne Carlisle, our NEW Program Coordinator!

In this episode, Jayne spills the beans about her passion for Science Olympiad and shares her vision for the program. Plus, she dishes out some seriously valuable tips you won't want to miss!

Tune in and discover how Jayne's enthusiasm, expertise, and love for all things STEM will take our program to new heights.

Bonus Episode: Division A Launch Party

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

The STEM Yard is back with a bang! Join us for an exciting Division A Launch Party, hosted by the one and only Alonzo Alexander. This is a great episode to listen to with your team. It's interactive and students can guess, along side Alonzo, as NCSO Director Lisa Giacomelli unveils new events using clues.

Our brand new events will push your scientific knowledge and skills to the next level. From mind-bending challenges to hands-on experiments, there's something for everyone. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of fun and excitement!

Pssst... Be the first to know...

During our launch party, we will be revealing the highly anticipated theme for the 2024 season. Brace yourself as we embark on a new journey of discovery and innovation.

2024 Slate of Events | Spotify Playlist | Event Resources | Coach Resources

SONT 2023 - Part 2

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard, host Alonzo Alexander is back for part two of our LIVE coverage from the 2023 Science Olympiad National Tournament at Wichita State University. Alonzo chats with three teams; Seven Lakes High School from Katy, Texas, Enloe Magnet High School from Raleigh, NC and Carmel High school from Carmel, Indiana.

Teams discuss what it's like competing at an in-person Nationals for the first time in years, how fun it can be connecting with other teams, best merch at the swap meet and their experience at Wichita State University.

SONT 2023 - Part 1

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard, host Alonzo Alexander is LIVE from the 2023 Science Olympiad National Tournament at Wichita State University. Alonzo chats with Jenny Kopach, CEO & Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications for Science Olympiad. Jenny shares what Science Olympiad means to her family. what sets the program apart from other STEM competitions and her advice for teams.

Also joining the podcast is Ashwin (Ash) Ghadiyaram, NC Science Olympiad Alum, National Anatomy & Physiology Event Leader and current med student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ash discusses his journey from competitor to National Event Leader. Plus, Alonzo got a sneak peek at the scoring room and quizzes Alan Chalker, score room manager, about how scoring works.

Bonus Episode: Pristine Onuoha

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of The STEM Yard, Alonzo sits down with Pristine Onuoha, winner of the 2022 Genes in Space student research competition and her AP Biology teacher Kimberly Manning.

Pristine discusses her award-winning research project and the exciting role it will play in better understanding how space travel affects DNA. Kimberly shares her tips for encouraging students like Pristine to excel in the classroom and beyond. The dynamic duo showcases the power STEM education has on transforming research and student success.

Onuoha’s project, which will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 3, 2023. Her research investigates spaceflight-induced lengthening of telomeres, which are sections of DNA that protect chromosomes. Telomere length can serve as a biomarker for aging and can help predict a person’s risk for certain diseases. Results from Onuoha’s experiment could lead to a better understanding of aging, cancer development, and how the body heals itself.

The competition was founded by Boeing and miniPCR bio and supported by the ISS National Laboratory and New England BioLabs, the Genes in Space program challenges 7-12 grade students to propose DNA-based experiments that leverage the unique environment of the ISS.

Watch Pristine's project launch into space on June 3rd at 12:34 pm!

Nationals Preview

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard host Alonzo Alexander chats with Jill Fisher, Director of Kansas Science Olympiad and Dean Andrew Hippisley of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wichita State University. Fairmont College of Liberal Arts is the sponsor and host of the Kansas Science Olympiad program and upcoming National Science Olympiad Tournament.

Alonzo, Jill and Andrew discuss the upcoming 2023 National Science Olympiad Tournament including the significance of Wichita State University getting to host the event and their recommendations for local Wichita activities. Jill discusses her background as former National Science Olympiad competitor and her inspiration for the event.

Links

2023 National Science Olympiad Website | Official Science Olympiad Website | 2023 Science Olympiad Instagram | 2023 Science Olympiad Facebook | Fairmont College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Kansas Science Olympiad

LIVE from States

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard we are LIVE from the 2023 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament. Alonzo chats with event leaders and volunteers from the floor of Reynolds Coliseum. He also got a chance to sit down and interview the Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences and Holly Springs High School teams.

A special thank you to the 2023 State Tournament Sponsors:
Platinum level presenting sponsors Wolfspeed and ABB. Our program is also supported by The Corning Foundation, Eastman Chemical, PhRMA, Optimum, General Dynamics and Red Hat. Event materials were donated by Carolina Biological and Mineralogy.

For more information on the State Tournament visit our website at ncscienceolympiad.ncsu.edu.

State Tournament Special

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard, Alonzo chats with NC Science Olympiad Director Lisa Giacomelli about the upcoming 2023 State Tournament on NC State's campus on April 21-22nd. Alonzo and Lisa discuss state tournament plans, ways to get involved and how teams can get into a 90s state of mind for this years 90s Rewind theme.

Post it on the Interwebs

Oh snap! You can join us in kicking off the state tournament by sharing a photo of your team prepping for the upcoming tournament season or whatever. Be sure to use hashtags #ncscioly23 #NCSO90sRewind.

State Tournament Resources

States Page | Volunteer Sign-Up | STEM Expo Sign-Up | Speed Mentoring Sign-up | Sponsorship Opportunities | Keynote Speaker | Spotify Playlists

Keynote with Karuana Gatimu

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of The STEM Yard, Alonzo chats with Karauna Gatimu, Principal Manager of the Customer Advocacy Group at Microsoft and upcoming Keynote Speaker at the 2023 North Carolina Science Olympiad State Tournament. Alonzo and Karauna discuss the importance of having fun in your career, the future of the metaverse and she gives a sneak peek at her upcoming State Tournament Keynote Address.

About Karuana Gatimu

Karuana Gatimu is a business architect and productivity expert currently working in the Microsoft Teams product group. With a 25-year history in collaboration technology and corporate IT, she is experienced in Microsoft 365 services with a focus on Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Power Platform. She combines her technical expertise with apassion for community management and a #PeopleFirst approach to business transformation. Her team currently drives worldwide adoption of Microsoft 365 services, product feedback, and technical readiness for IT professionals, developers, and productivity Champions, including the Microsoft 365 Champions program and the Teams Technical Community. Her specialized experience in enterprise, government, non-profit, and retail solution architecture allows her to build large scale adoption programs and create the Microsoft Service Adoption Specialist and Virtual Event Production courses. She is the host & executive producer of Coffee in the Cloud on YouTube and a frequent speaker on empowering female leadership in technology and the future of collaboration.

LinkedIn | Twitter | Coffee in the Clouds

Wolfpack Olympiad

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

The NC State Science Olympiad Alumni Club is an NC State student organization that provides support through test writing, volunteering at tournaments and helping out at local invitationals. The NC State Science Olympiad Alumni Board joined The STEM Yard to discuss their work with Science Olympiad and their plans for the future.

Amit, Amy, Janet, Nirmiti and Safina chat with Alonzo about their experience as competitors, their passion for the Science Olympiad organization and their plans to host a Division B Invitational next year.

NCSU Sci Oly Alumni Website | Instagram | Twitter

Conen the Science Olympian

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Conen Morgan is a former NC Science Olympiad participant, national judge, regional director, and emcee of NCSOs biggest award ceremonies. Conen has spent the past 30 years championing the Science Olympiad program and giving back to students across the country.

Conen joins The STEM Yard to share his Science Olympiad experience. Conen and Alonzo talk about the value of the Science Olympiad program, tips for success and Conen's vision for the future of the NC Science Olympiad.

New Coach Perspective

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Ivy Thompson is a new Science Olympiad coach from Hickory Day School in Hickory, North Carolina. Ivy is a former competitor with a passion for advancing STEM education and sharing her love of Science Olympiad with her middle school students.

Ivy joins The STEM Yard to discuss her experience as a former competitor and her journey as a new coach. Ivy and Alonzo talk about the importance of having fun in STEM, the role of parents, and what she hopes to get out of the 2023 tournament season.

Running a Regional

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Kimberly Turk is the Unifour Regional Director and has been involved with Science Olympiad for over 13 years. She started out as a supportive parent and eventually, ended up looped into helping out the Science Olympiad as one of our long standing Regional Directors. Kimberly was awarded the Jason Painter Distinguished Service Award in 2022 by North Carolina Science Olympiad.

Kimberly joins The STEM Yard to discuss her experience as a Regional Director and her journey with the Science Olympiad. Kimberly and Alonzo talk about the importance of promoting STEM for children, volunteering at tournaments, and her favorite events.

Volunteer at the Unifour Regional | All NCSO Volunteer Opportunities

Homeschool Experience with DaVinci's Dragons

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Did you know that homeschools can compete in NC Science Olympiad? In this week's episode, Alonzo chats with Coach Kristin Russell and teammate Azlyn Raja of DaVinci’s Dragons. DaVinci's Dragons is one of oldest and the largest homeschool team in North Carolina. Kristin and Azlyn share their experience including the challenges and perks of running a homeschool team, how to manage sibling dynamics and Kristin's essentials for Sci Oly success.

Resources
Coach Companion Guide | Student Companion Guide
*These guides were developed by former DaVinci's Dragons head coach Cara McLauchlan

The Car Guys

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Jonathan and Nathan Hiser are brothers and Car Event Leaders for North Carolina. The Hisers' join The STEM Yard to discuss their background with Car events, coping with failure while competing, and the importance of family connections in Science Olympiad.

Cracking the Code

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

John Toebes is the Science Olympiad National Event Leader for Codebusters and State level event leader for North Carolina. John joins The STEM Yard to discuss his background with Codebusters, tips for forming a well-rounded team, the importance of diversity and tricks for decoding faster. In the second half of the episode, John answers listener-submitted questions that cover a wide variety of event-specific topics, including the fractionated morse cipher, Patristocrat and Cryptarithm.

About Codebusters

In this event, teams decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques, or show skill with advanced ciphers by encrypting or decrypting a message.

Resources

Solving Guides | Tyro Tutorial | Division B Codebusters | Division C Codebusters
American Cryptogram Association

About John Toebes

John has an unusual background with skills in a number of areas. He is an avid innovator with 114 issued US patents (and counting) and over 175 Issued patents world-wide. John's 100th US Patent issued issued on June 23, 2015. In 2018, North Carolina State University Computer Science department inducted John into their Hall of Fame. John was awarded the Jason Painter Distinguished Service Award in 2021 by North Carolina Science Olympiad.

Learn more about John

Teams on the Rise Part 4

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sat down with Emmaline and Yichen, Co-presidents of the Chapel Hill High School Science Olympiad, to learn more on how to build and manage a top performing team and what it is like to be a competitor while also being a student leader.

Teams on the Rise Part 3

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sat down with Isaac and Misha, Co-presidents of Green Hope High School's Science Olympiad, to learn more about their challenges competing in middle school versus high school as well as the pressures of leading a team.

Green Hope High School Twitter
Green Hope High School Instagram

Teams on the Rise Part 2

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sat down with Alston Ridge Middle School coach Michelle Gainey, to learn more about her challenges as year-around Science Olympiad coach, the Alston Ridge community and the importance of getting school administration support.

Connect with Alston Ridge Middle School
Alston Ridge MS Twitter | Coach Michelle Gainey Twitter

Teams on the Rise Part 1

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In our new series, we are delving into Teams on the Rise. What does that mean exactly? In North Carolina Science Olympiad, the competition for the top two spots at the State Tournament is fierce. Teams on the rise refers to the teams building momentum to unseat the top two squads who typically qualify for Nationals.

In this episode, we sat down with Davis Drive Middle School Coach Elizabeth Crowell, Co-coach Meredith Walrod and team member Nishka Nerkar, to learn more about them and take a closer look at their strategies, game plan, and teamwork to learn how they plan to advance in the ranks.

Carolina (Invitational) on my Mind

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Carolina Science Olympiad Alumni Association is a student club at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill for students who love Science Olympiad. Through their alumni club, Carolina Science Olympiad has fostered a community for passionate STEM students to volunteer at tournaments and provide assistance to local schools. Carolina Science Olympiad is hosting their first fully in person invitational tournament on January 28, 2023 for Division C at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Carolina Science Olympiad's Isa Gamez and Amil Agarwal join The STEM Yard to discuss their experience as former competitors and working behind the scenes creating their own Invitational. Topics include the importance of staying involved with Science Olympiad after high school and their passion for the Invitational and Alumni Association.

Connect with Carolina Science Olympiad
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Former Director Series Part 2

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this two part series, Alonzo sits down with the three former Directors of NC Science Olympiad. The interviews cover a wide array of topics including the overall impact of the program, the importance of STEM education, tips for success and much more. In the second episode of the series, Alonzo sits down with Kim Gervase.

Former Director Series Part 1

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this two part series, Alonzo sits down with the three former Directors of NC Science Olympiad. The interviews cover a wide array of topics including the overall impact of the program, the importance of STEM education, tips for success and much more. In the first episode of the series, Alonzo sits down with Manley Midgett and Dr. Jason Painter.

Episode 1 - New Beginnings with Lisa Giacomelli

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Lisa Giacomelli is the new Executive Director of North Carolina Science Olympiad (NCSO). Lisa, a longtime Science Olympiad coach, served as the head science teacher at Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences (WAAS) for nine years. During her tenure at WAAS, she started and developed one of the most competitive Science Olympiad teams in the state and nation.

The STEM Yard Trailer

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Welcome to The STEM Yard the official podcast of the North Carolina Science Olympiad. Join host Alonzo Alexander as he dives into the competitive and academic world surrounding the largest STEM competition in the state.

Listen to The STEM Yard on Spotify starting January 9th!

Inspired by The Brickyard at NC State, The STEM Yard is a space for those who love science, technology, engineering and mathematics to connect and share their stories.