Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

STEAM Story Fellows

The STEAM Factory is teaming up with The Story Collider to host the SP26 STEAM Story Fellows Program. 

Why is Storytelling Important?

True, personal stories are a powerful form of communication and public engagement. They are uniquely effective at inviting audiences to explore unfamiliar and intimidating territory, and leave with new perspectives, lasting personal connections, and the desire to return for more. Relative to other forms of information sharing, stories can foster science engagement among non-expert audiences, lead those audiences to perceive scientists as more authentic, and promote perspective-getting, which is an important precursor of attitude change. 

Who is The Story Collider

The Story Collider is a nonprofit organization with a mission to reveal the vibrant role that science plays in all our lives through the art of personal storytelling. Whether through educational workshops, live shows, or their podcast that has been downloaded more than 14 million times - The Story Collider’s array of programming is connected through a common thread, their belief that true, personal stories about science create connection, increase empathy and understanding, and transform both the listener and the teller.

Call for Applications

The STEAM Factory is seeking applications for the SP26 STEAM Story Fellows program. Selected Fellows will receive in-depth storytelling training, one-on-one story coaching and an opportunity to perform live or record their story for our STEAM Story Fellows Archive. Applications are due December 1, 2025. Apply today! 

Who Should Apply?

Whether you are a scientist, a painter, a writer or a philosopher - everyone's daily lives are touched by science. STEAM Factory members from all disciplines who have a science story to tell are encouraged to apply. 

What are the Benefits? 

The STEAM Story Fellows program will provide professional development to foster communication skills, build community and promote belonging in STEM. When researchers participate in storytelling training programs, they report improvements in their popular and scholarly communication skills, along with their self-confidence.

Program Timeline

December 1, 2025 - Application Deadline

January 23, 2026 - Storytelling workshop (in-person)

January - February 2026 - One-on-one story coaching (virtual)

 March 2026 - Live public show (in-person)

Time Commitment

The STEAM Story Fellows program will run January – March 2026. Programming and time commitments are outlined below. 

All STEAM Story Fellows are expected to participate in: 

  • One full-day, in-person workshop to be held in early January in Columbus
  • Three to five hour-long story coaching sessions to be held virtually and scheduled at a time that works for both the Fellow and their story coach 

Five Fellows will be selected to perform their story live as part of an in-person public event to be held in Columbus in March 2026. 

  • Fellows performing in the live show will need to be available for the evening of the event 

The ten Fellows who do not perform in the live show will record their story virtually. Recorded stories will be featured in the STEAM Story Fellows archive. 

  • The time it takes to record a story will vary by individual. Assume this activity will take at least one hour.

Questions? Contact us at steamfactory@osu.edu.