The STEM Yard

Mar 25 2024 4
The STEM Yard Podcast artwork

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.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.

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State Tournament Preview

Mar 25 2024 19 mins  
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. The

Episode 6 - Sidney Wilkerson-Hill

Mar 11 2024 23 mins  
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 competit

50 Years with Rooney Coffman

Feb 26 2024 29 mins  
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 f

Renee's "Tree-mendous" Resources

Feb 12 2024 25 mins  
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

Winning with Weber

Jan 29 2024 38 mins  
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 jour

Wolfpack Invitational

Jan 15 2024 25 mins  
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-c

Jayne Carlisle

Jan 08 2024 22 mins  
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 valuabl

Bonus Episode: Division A Launch Party

Aug 14 2023 13 mins  
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 t

SONT 2023 - Part 2

Jun 12 2023 38 mins  
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

SONT 2023 - Part 1

Jun 05 2023 20 mins  
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 a