Harper Talks

Dr. Joseph Sagerer, a 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, began as an uncertain high school student and flourished into a physics Ph.D. and pioneering researcher. In this episode of Harper Talks, Dr. Sagerer shares how Harper helped launch his academic career and discusses his current work using cosmic rays to map the ancient Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico —offering his undergraduate students at Dominican University a rare hands-on research experience. Tune in to hear how physics, archeology, and education collide in this real-life Indiana Jones story.

In this episode of Harper Talks, alumna Ushna Zamir shares how Harper College shaped her journey—from finding lifelong friendships to discovering a passion for communications. She shares how her experience on the speech team and support from mentors helped her shift from a STEM path to a new field of study. Now thriving in HR at Raytheon, she encourages students to be open to new opportunities, get involved, and trust the process.

Harper College alumnus Steven Mastandrea shares his journey from Harper to the University of Illinois, where he studied computer engineering. During his time there in the 1990s, he gained early exposure to the internet boom which helped shape his career.  Mastandrea also discusses his dual career paths — serving as Vice President of Engineering at Vibes while dedicating years to firefighting, EMS, and dive rescue work. Steven emphasizes the value of starting at a community college to explore interests and save money before transferring to a university.

Harper Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with alumnus Andrew Payette, a 2018 Harper College graduate and current constituent services liaison for U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Andrew shares how his involvement with Harper’s speech and debate team led to an internship that evolved into a full-time role in public service. He discusses the apolitical nature of his work, assisting constituents with government-related issues, and reflects on how his Harper experience prepared him for his continued studies at Northwestern University. Andrew also offers insight into the realities of working in government and his aspirations for a future in public service.

A self-proclaimed “theater kid” from the age of 7, Jeremy Lucas’ passion led him to pursue theater education at Harper College, Illinois State University, and ultimately earning his BFA from Roosevelt University.  Jeremy joins Harper Talks and discusses his education, founding Jaxx Theatricals, a full inclusion theatre company and performing arts education nonprofit in Los Angeles, his international experiences as a Cultural Arts Envoy for the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Program where he helps bring American musical theatre all over the world, and the honor of being named a 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumnus.

Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez, Harper College Alumna and current coordinator for student diversity initiatives at Harper College, shares her journey as a first-generation college student, the challenges of being undocumented, and how she became involved in campus life. She discusses her role in supporting diverse student populations, particularly through the Glide Peer Mentorship program, which aims to address equity gaps and enhance student retention. Esmeralda emphasizes the importance of involvement and connection in the college experience.

Alumnus Dr. Hector Martinez joins Harper Talks to discuss the love for science, education close to home, his dual duties as both business owner and principal Chiropractor at Tri-Modern Health, and becoming the team Chiropractor for the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team.