Spotlight--How DeKalb Students Turned Local Insight into Real-World Innovation

In this episode, we hear from students in DeKalb High School’s Environmental Club as they reflect on their experience in the NIU STEAM Innovation Challenge. Just weeks after competing, they share how they created a solution to reduce microplastics in agriculture by designing a biodegradable seed coating made from chitosan.Working outside of a traditional classroom, the team balanced busy schedules, met after school and at the library, and completed most of their project in a fast-paced final stretch. Their approach was entirely research-driven, relying on scientific literature and real-world examples rather than hands-on experimentation.The conversation highlights what made their experience unique, including their focus on a locally relevant problem in a farming community, their flexible and collaborative workflow, and the challenges of limited time and resources. Students also reflect on what they would improve, such as starting earlier, exploring more creative presentation formats, and connecting with industry mentors.More broadly, this episode showcases how the Innovation Challenge helps students move beyond classroom learning to solve real-world problems, build teamwork skills, and see the impact of science in action.