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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

The STEM Yard

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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.

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.

The STEM Yard

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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.

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.

The STEM Yard

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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.

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.

The STEM Yard

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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.

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!

The STEM Yard

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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.