It's almost 4th of July weekend, which means it's time for me to head to Minnesota and talk about science. For the last 5 years, I've been part of a project to bring more science to science fiction by invading sci-fi conventions.
It's tough to find an audience as a science communicator. Posting something on the internet doesn't mean anyone will actually read it. Sports events can fill a stadium; not so much for a scientist. Sci Fi Conventions are some of the largest and longest-running meetings around. They need programming; scientists need an audience. It's a win-win. Also, costumes!
Having a real live scientist you can question about spiders, genetically modified organisms, or hypothetical GMO spiders makes them slightly less scary. It’s hard to see science as evil incarnate when it’s represented in person by a small, round, middle-aged woman with glasses.
When I wear the bug suit, I have great scientific discussions with hotel maids, bus drivers, Starbucks baristas, cops, and lawyers. Those conversations wouldn't happen if I just walked up to them on the street and asked if they had heard the good news: Insects are Awesome.
This is absolutely the highlight of my year, and is also invaluable at letting me see into the minds of people that are not biologists. It’s easy for me to forget that I know a lot of stuff that other people don’t. And, also, that a lot of the stuff that I know is completely irrelevant to the rest of the population.
Here's what I'll be talking about this year. Please do stop by and say hello if you are at the Con! I'll also be helping out with some hands on stuff involving bioluminescence and invisible ink, among other cool kid science activities. I have a bunch of insect goodies for people to snack on.
Ask A Scientist
A general Q & A with scientists from a variety of fields.
Panelists: Bug Gwen, Dr Rubidium, Matt Kuchta, PZ Myers, Lathan Murrell
Friday July 4, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Things I Licked for Science
Licking is a common methodology in more scientific fields than you've ever imagined. Get a taste (literally and figuratively) of the what and the why from scientists across multiple disciplines. I will bring insect snacks for everyone to taste, and I'm told the geologist on the panel is bringing his stones for a public licking.
Panelists: Bug Gwen, Emily Finke, Matt Kuchta, Desiree Schell, Anne Sauer
Friday July 4, 2014 10:00pm - 11:00pm
Superstimuli: My What a Big _____ You have.
Doing stupid things to attract mates isn't limited only to humans. From stalk-eyed fliesto the bird of paradise mating game, evolution makes animals go to ridiculous lengths for the sake of reproduction.
Panelists: Emily Finke, Bug Gwen, Sharon Stiteler, Matt Kuchta, PZ Myers
*Friday July 4, 2014 11:30pm - 12:30am *
Science of Irrationality
Your brain has been deceiving you all your life! Our brains often trick us into making irrational decisions and it does so in ways that are generally predictable. No one is immune, not even you. Come learn how your own brain has been misleading you.
Panelists: Mary Brock, Bug Gwen, Megan Press, Jamie Bernstein, Miri Mogilevsky
*Saturday July 5, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm *
Getting Away with Murder
How accurate is the forensic science in TV shows, movies, and books? How do criminal databases actually work? Can you get DNA evidence from crab lice? Scientists discuss the real science behind forensic investigations.
Panelists: Amanda Leinbaugh, Emily Finke, Bug Girl, Dr Rubidium, Desiree Schell
*Saturday July 5, 2014 8:30pm - 9:30pm *
Urban Legends: Myths, Facts, and Half-truths
From alligators in the sewer to clowns in the attic, urban legends walk the line between total absurdity and being just so outrageous that they might be true. Where do these stories come from, and why do they capture our imaginations so effectively?
Panelists: Jason Thibeault, Anne Sauer, Naomi Kritzer, Bug Gwen, Shawn van Briesen
*Sunday July 6, 2014 3:30pm - 4:30pm *
