The STEM Yard

Mar 24, 2025

Episode 6: Emily Torkelson

n this episode of the STEM yard we’ve got Emily Torkelson joining us—not just your average Configuration Design Engineer at Aurora Flight Sciences, 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! 

Mar 10, 2025

Episode 5: Dave Glenn

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! 

Feb 24, 2025

Episode 4: Jimmy Jordan

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. 

Feb 10, 2025

Episode 3: Ben Miller

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! 

Jan 27, 2025

Episode 2: Dr. Natalie Nelson

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. 

Jan 13, 2025

Episode 1: Greg Womack-Adams

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! 🏗️ 

Jun 6, 2024

Episode 11: 2024 SONT Part 2

In part two of our coverage, 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… 

Jun 6, 2024

Episode 10: 2024 SONT Part 1

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… 

May 15, 2024

Episode 9: An Inspiring STEM Career Story

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… 

Apr 25, 2024

Episode 8: State Tournament Recap

You won’t want to miss this week’s episode of the STEM Yard podcast, because we are  recaping the 2024 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament! 🎉 Your host, Alonzo Alexander, is on…