I’m happy to be returning to Arisia as a panelist again this winter! New England’s largest and most diverse science fiction convention will be January 15-18, 2016 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, near the convention center. My panel schedule is below.
Hope to see you there! (Ask for a signed copy of the USB edition of Red Soil Through Our Fingers!)
Edit 1/4/16: I was recently added to one more panel in the Literature strand, as well as a reading. These updates are now included below.
Why Human Spaceflight? – Faneuil – Science – Fri 7:00 PM
In a time when there are so many legitimate, pressing concerns for humanity here on Earth, we often hear the question: “Why spend so much money sending humans into space?” Let’s go beyond the stock philosophical answers and get practical: energy, food, water, climate, technology, and even socioeconomic concerns such as wealth disparity, all improved by space programs.
Panelists: Tom Wysmuller (mod), Nalin Ratnayake, Terry Franklin, Jeff Hecht, Ken Kingsgrave-Ernstein.
Added: The Future of Mars – Faneuil – Literature – Fri 8:30 PM
We grew up reading about Barsoom and the Mars of Wells and Bradbury. Today, we’re finally exploring the reality of the red planet. Where does our fictional treatment of Mars go from here? Do we concentrate on the real possibilities opening up? Or are there exciting and odd treatments we can imagine?
Panelists: Ken Schneyer (mod), Nalin Ratnayake, John Scalzi, Jeff Hecht, Morgan Crooks
The Challenger Disaster: 30 Years Ago – Hale – Science – Sat 7:00 PM
In January 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded off the coast of Cape Canaveral seventy-three seconds into flight. Witnessed live by millions of Americans in part because of the presence of a teacher on board, the disaster represented a major setback in the United States space program, and deeply affected the entire country. Come remember the seven astronauts lost during the tragedy, and discuss the impact it had on the American space program even to this day.
Panelists: Christopher Davis (mod), Nalin Ratnayake, Dr. Pamela L. Gay, Jeff Hecht, Joe Ross
Science Year in Review – Marina 2 – Science – Sun 2:30 PM
Come learn about the greatest happenings in science in 2015 and discuss the ramifications for the future.
Panelists: Mark L. Amidon, Nalin Ratnayake, Dr. Pamela L. Gay, Brian Gray, John Voisey
How We Learn – Marina 1 – Science – Sun 8:30 PM
How does the human mind absorb, retain, and recall information? What psychological and biological processes are involved? Does one learning method work for all, or do some learning styles suit certain types of people better?
Panelists: Suan Weiner, Nalin Ratnayake, Paul Estin, Carl Fink, Sharone Horowitz-Hendler
Added: Science Fiction Reading – Hale – Writing – Mon 10:00 AM
Come listen to our panelists read a selection from their original science fiction works.
Panelists: N.A. Ratnayake, Lawrence M. Schoen, John Chu, Ken Schneyer
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