CAMPUS CONNECT
FROM: LTU RADIO
Real conversations with faculty, student leaders, and industry guests. Hear a wide range of topics from academics to campus life. Connecting students, stories and success, Campus Connect is LTU’s official student podcast.
Season 2: Episode 16
“STEM and Leadership: JaJuan's Growth at LTU”
Description: We sat down with JaJuan who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Health Care Administration and Management and holds bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. We discuss the summer and STEM programs at LTU and how his experiences have shaped his role at LTU.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: JaJuan Jones Jr – Masters Student in Health Care Administration and Management, STEM Program Coordinator, Summer Program Manager, LTU
Season 2: Episode 15
“Four Years at LTU: Akram on Engineering, Volleyball, and Growth”
Description: In this episode, we sit down with Akram, a senior Mechanical Engineering student and a dedicated volleyball player. Akram shares his experience balancing academics, athletics, and student involvement at LTU.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Akram Askoul – BS in Mechanical Engineering, Men’s Volleyball Athlete, Blue Devil Motorsports, LTU
Season 2: Episode 14
“Biomedical Innovation at LTU: Dr. Li's Work at LTU”
Description: We sat down with Dr. Yawen Li who is the chair of the biomedical engineering department and associate professor. She holds her Ph.D. from MIT, her graduate and undergraduate studies from China. We learn about her research, mentorship, and how biomedical engineers are contributing to medical innovation.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Dr. Yawen Li – Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department, LTU
Season 2: Episode 13
“Proctoring at LTU: Amy's Role”
Description: In this episode, we sit down with Amy Figot, a major role in making proctoring services possible at LTU. With over a decade of experience in student services, she shares insight into balancing policy enforcement with student support, including working with accommodations and student-athletes. The conversation highlights how effective proctoring and leadership contribute to fairness and overall student success.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Amy Figot – Proctoring Services Lead, LTU
Season 2: Episode 12
“Experience, Education, and Writing: Rich’s Story”
Description: Today, we sat down with Rich, a communication and education professional with a non-traditional path into academia. With a background spanning performance, service, and advanced study in English, Rich brings a distinctive perspective to teaching and student engagement. We discuss how these experiences shaped an adaptable approach to communication and writing. Rich also shares practical strategies for helping students develop clarity, confidence, and intention in their work.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Rich Robinson-Sanabria – Horldt Writing Center, Instructor, LTU
Season 2: Episode 11
“Bridging Research, Medicine, and Student Opportunity: Dr. Timmons’ Time at LTU”
Description: This episode highlights Dr. Shannon Timmons, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences at LTU. From conducting research on how chemicals can improve health, to mentoring students and providing hands-on experience in science, we dive into her journey, her work in advancing scientific discovery, and her advice for students interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Dr. Shannon Timmons – Department of Natural Sciences Chair, LTU
Season 2: Episode 10
“Communicating to Break Stimage: Laurence's Mission”
Description: Today, we sat down with Laurence Wilson, a student whose work focuses on education, stigma reduction, and public health awareness. From pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies to working as a Community & Student Engagement Specialist, Laurence has built a mission centered on HIV education, recovery advocacy, and holistic well-being. This episode explores his journey into advocacy, the role of communication in challenging stigma, and his perspective on how public health education can create stronger, more informed communities.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Laurence Wilson – BA in Communication and Media Studies, Community & Student Engagement Specialist, Details at XI Media Host, LTU
Season 2: Episode 9
“Leadership and Creativity: Amalia’s Vision at LTU ”
Description: We sat down with Amalia Spencer, a student leader and photographer. From founding and leading the Through the Lens photography club, to serving as Vice President of Student Government, and working as a freelance photographer, this episode focuses on her passion for photography, her journey balancing creativity with leadership, and her perspective on building a lasting visual community on campus.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Amalia Spencer – Founder of Through the Lens, VP of Student Government, Women’s Volleyball Athlete, Alumni Ambassador, Graphic Design Student, LTU
Season 2: Episode 8
“Golf and Engineering: A Global Perspective with David”
Description: Today, we sat down with David Krige, an international student on campus. David balances his academics while competing as a member of the LTU golf team. Beyond athletics, he works as a student library assistant, contributing to campus learning and student success. In this episode, we discuss his transition to college in the United States, his experiences as a student-athlete, and how he manages academics, sports, and campus involvement.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: David Krige – International Golf Athlete, Electrical Engineering Student, Student Library Assistant, LTU
Season 2: Episode 7
“Stressed, Thriving, or Just Surviving: Mental Health with Christy”
Description: In today’s episode, we sit down with Christy Schulze, Director of Clinical Counseling Services at Lawrence Technological University. Christy discusses her path into counseling, how she helps students manage their mental health concerns, and how to distinguish everyday stress from concerns that need professional support. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about therapy, early warning signs of mental health decline, and the science behind initiatives like LULU’s Paws therapy dog events.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Christy Schulze – Director of Clinical Counseling Services, LTU
Season 2: Episode 6
“LTU's Youngest Blue Devil: Abrahim's Unique Journey”
Description: Today, we sat down with a fourteen-year-old freshman pursuing a full-time degree in biomedical engineering. At an age when most students are just beginning high school, he is already navigating the academic demands, social environment, and personal growth that come with college life. In this episode, we discuss his journey into higher education, what sparked his interest in biomedical engineering, and what it is like experiencing college from such a unique perspective.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Abrahim Jalil – Biomedical Engineering Student, LTU
Season 2: Episode 5
“From Residence Halls to Greek Council Leadership: Dawson's Time at LTU”
Description: We sat down with Dawson Sass, a leader on campus. From supporting students in residential life through his role as a Resident Assistant (RA) to serving as the Greek Council President and leading the fraternity and sorority community, this episode focuses on his experiences in student leadership, his journey balancing multiple roles, and his perspectives on meaningful campus involvement.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Dawson Sass – Resident Assistant (RA), Biomedical Engineering Student, Greek Council President, LTU
Season 2: Episode 4
“Campus Leadership Spotlight: Student Government with Jeremy”
Description: In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Chapp. He is the president of the student government and an overall involved student on campus. Jeremy shares how his journey of involvement at LTU began and what motivated him to take on leadership roles across multiple organizations while also offering insight into how student government operates behind the scenes, how it advocates for student needs, and the ways it works to improve the overall student experience on campus.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Jeremy Chapp – President of Student Government, LTU marching band, Member of the Architectural Engineering Blub, Member of Alpha Sigma Phi, LTU
Season 2: Episode 3
“Beyond the Classroom: Physics and School Spirit with Dr. Scott Schneider”
Description: In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Scott Schneider, a longtime Professor of Physics at LTU. Dr. Schneider reflects on his academic journey, what continues to energize him in the classroom, and how teaching has evolved over the years. Beyond academics, he is widely known as LTU’s Blue Devils Super Fan and serves as the Grand Marshal at commencement ceremonies. This conversation highlights his lasting impact on students and his deep connection to the LTU community.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Dr. Scott Schneider – Associate Professor of Physics, LTU
Season 2: Episode 2
“Culture, Campus, and Content Creation: Sabina's Journey as an International Student”
Description: In this episode, we sit down with Sabina Narbayeva, an international student from Kazakhstan who has an impressive following on social media (@ssanbaybe). From her academic experience in the United States, navigating a new country, and being a student content creator, Sabina shares her journey balancing campus life, cultural adaptation, and building her online presence while pursuing her goals at LTU.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Sabina Narbayeva – International Student, LTU
Season 2: Episode 1
“Passing the Mic: A Conversation with Former Host Sufyan”
Description: In this episode, we sit down with Sufyan Ahmed Khan. He is the former host of Campus Connect and a recent graduate of Business Data Analytics. We learn from his time at LTU leading student organizations, working on campus, his experience as an international student, and the roles that shaped his journey. As he prepares for his next chapter abroad, he shares lessons learned, favorite memories, and what being part of the LTU community has meant to him.
Host: Miriam Al-Bayati
Guest: Sufyan Ahmed Khan – Former Campus Connect Host, LTU