Jenny Melander is an Assistant Professor of Biological Systems Engineering and Science Literacy Specialist in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is also the coordinator for the National Center for Agricultural Literacy. She is active in promoting science and engineering education in both formal and informal settings through her research, extension, and outreach activities involving several cross-disciplinary regional and national efforts. Her past research focused on developing and testing new biomaterials for dental and orthopaedic applications. Jenny is enjoying her new role focused on developing biomedical engineering youth programs and expanding non-formal STEM education through outreach programming in the areas of food, fuel, and water. Through her efforts, she hopes to empower youth through STEM creativity.