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Huskie Trek Talks 2025: Ideas in Motion
Saturday, March 1
Program begins at 3 p.m.

Reception with appetizers and conversation to follow the program (5:30 p.m.)
Suggested Attire - Cardinal and Black Business Casual

Join us on Saturday, March 1 at 3 p.m. for our 2025 program for Huskie Trek Talks: Ideas in Motion. Now in its second year, Huskie Trek Talks brings campus innovators together with community members to witness the research and discovery happening at NIU and spark discussions that lead to impactful partnerships and idea advancements.

These interactions underscore the essence of the event: to foster a community of innovators driven by a passion to explore and solve complex challenges.
  

  
Huskie Trek Talks is produced by the NIU Foundation in partnership with the Office of the Provost, the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development, and the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships.

To learn more about the event, check out this feature story about Huskie Trek Talks and to register to attend in person or virtually, please visit our 2025 Huskie Trek Talks registration page.
 

See the 2024 Huskie Trek Talks Presenters

In May 2024, Huskie Trek Talks debuted to a filled house, eager to learn more about the exciting innovation and creativity happening throughout Northern Illinois University. 
Read more ⇒
View the 2024 Huskie Trek Talks Program ⇒

2025 Featured Trek Talkers

  • CARING WITH CODE: THE ROLE OF AI IN CAREGIVING

    M. Courtney Hughes, PhD, MSM. Courtney Hughes, Ph.D., M.S.

    Professor
    Department of Public Health
    College of Health and Human Sciences
     

    Christy Muasher-Kerwin, PT, DPT Christy Muasher-Kerwin, PT, DPT

    Clinical Assistant Professor
    School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders
    College of Health and Human Sciences

  • VIDEO: INVISIBLE THREATS, VISIBLE SOLUTIONS: THE MIDWEST CENTER FOR MICROPLASTICS RESEARCH

    Melissa Lenczewski, Ph.D. Melissa Lenczewski, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Department of Earth, Atmosphere, and Environment & Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy
    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

  • NUTRIENT WARS: THE EDIBLE CAMPUS STRIKES BACK

    Bryan Flower Bryan Flower

    Associate Director of Food Systems Innovation
    Director of the Edible Campus Program 
    Office of Innovation
     

    Elizabeth Gaillard, Ph.D. Elizabeth Gaillard, Ph.D.

    Distinguished Research Professor
    Joint Appointment with Biological Sciences Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

  • VIDEO: FROM PLAINS TO DINNER PLATES: SAFEGUARDING OUR FOOD SUPPLY

    Aleena Kallan Aleena Kallan

    Senior, Biological Sciences

  • THE FUTURE OF STEELPAN: BLENDING TRADITION WITH INNOVATION

    Yuko Asada Yuko Asada

    Director of the Community School of the Arts Steelband
    Department of Music
    College of Visual and Performing Arts

  • IDEAPALOOZA: HARVESTING CREATIVITY, ORCHESTRATING IMPACT

    Becca Husar, MBA Becca Husar, M.B.A.

    Associate Director, Innovation and Partnership Development
    De La Vega Innovation Lab
    College of Business
     

    Nick Pohlman, Ph.D. Nick Pohlman, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Department of Mechanical Engineering
    College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

  • VIDEO: STEP BY STEP: HOW AI-POWERED GAIT ANALYSIS IS TRANSFORMING AUTISM SCREENING

    Ziteng Wang, Ph.D.Ziteng Wang, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor
    Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
    College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

  • THE FUTURE IS BIODEGRADABLE: REINVENTING FOOD PACKAGING AND CIRCUIT BOARDS

    Mahdi Vaezi, Ph.D.Mahdi Vaezi, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor
    Department of Engineering Technology
    College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

  • VIDEO: MAKING AMENDS: HOW APOLOGIES REBUILD TRUST

    Isabelle Van Winkle Isabelle Van Winkle

    Senior, Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

  • HEAD IN THE CLOUDS: EXPLORING THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH FIELDWORK

    Victor Gensini, Ph.D.Victor Gensini, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor
    Certified Consulting Meteorologist
    Department of Earth, Atmosphere, and Environment
    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences