Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) - Take Five with…Zo Kreager

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science, joined Elgin Community College this past year. Born and raised in Nebraska, Kreager first came to Illinois to pursue her PhD at Northern Illinois University. After finishing school, she taught in upstate New York at SUNY Oneonta before heading back to the Midwest and settling at ECC.

If you come across students interested in rocks, natural hazards, or earth processes, Kreager requests you send them her way! Curious about Kreager’s first-ever job? It had nothing to do with physical science and everything to do with a cute little red wagon filled with veggies. Read on to learn more about Kreager!

What would you choose if you could instantly be an expert at one thing? Cooking and the culinary arts.

What was your first job? In elementary school, my friend and I would go door to door and sell our parents' produce from their gardens. We had a little red wagon and a big sign that said Tom’s Tomatoes. I like to say my first job was being the only employee of Tom’s Tomatoes.

Binge watcher, book club, or both? Both! I love a good story no matter what the medium.

Cats, dogs, or house plants? Cats! I have two Toaster and Gumbo!

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to own a kiosk at the mall to do gift wrapping.