Invited Speakers

Plenary/Banquet speaker (Public Talk): “The Intersection of Talent and Passion” 

Dr. Renee Horton, NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration Project (EPFD) Airworthiness Deputy at Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) 

The intersection of science research, life’s struggles, and a career in STEM, focusing on the theme of overcoming a disability will be explored. Through personal anecdotes and scientific accomplishments, we will delve into the challenges faced highlighting the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. 

Join us as we discuss how resilience, innovation, and a passion for discovery can lead to success and inspire positive change in the world.

“Big-Data Explorations for Astronomy Education“

For nearly two decades the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has mapped the night sky and made its professional astronomical data freely available to the world. The immense archival imaging and spectroscopic datasets of the SDSS, coupled with its multiple access points and interfaces suitable for users of all levels of experience, provide a novel sandbox for audiences from a wide range of backgrounds to explore and engage with large datasets while cultivating interests and proficiency in astronomy. SDSS data and resources have facilitated inquiry-based activities for thousands of students learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, from elementary through graduate school, and through after-school and informal education programs. This talk will present the latest freely accessible educational activities from the SDSS, appropriate for high school and college level explorations.

“From Game of Thrones to Frozen: What Hollywood Can Teach Us about the Importance of Science in Storytelling”

Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Chief Science and Education Officer for the St. Louis Science Center. Author of Fire, Ice and Physics, the Science of Game of Thrones (MIT Press 2020)

The finale of Game of Thrones was the most-watched single show in HBO’s history and Frozen II was the highest-grossing animated movie ever. Clearly these blockbusters, and others like them, are telling stories that people want to hear. They are also packed with science concepts. From Valyrian steel to snow anchors, storytelling relies on science to draw in and keep an audience. Just as important is how they can use deviations from real-life science effectively without pushing the audience out of the story. This talk with focus on how many of the pop culture juggernauts incorporate science, whether consciously or unintentionally, to strengthen the story and audience engagement.