Escape Velocity 2017: Full Schedule

8:45pm PDT

Tales from the Strange Planet Earth

Presented by Washington Improv Theater.

Welcome to Tales from the Strange Planet Earth! Each month the moons align here in the Trazar system and for an hour we receive a clear signal of television and film transmissions from a planet known as earth. Join your host, Bik Bak, as he leads a discussion of the broadcasts with the Theta Quadrant's foremost experts on humans. As always, we've captured two human guests to help us better understand the strange alien customs of the inhabitants of earth. Don't miss out on the hottest show critics are calling, "Informative and disturbing!"

Speakers

Caroline Chen

Washington Improv Theater

Caroline is grateful she talked herself into giving improv a try. She remembers once shrinking in her audience seat and praying not to be selected to join performers onstage at an improv show she attended. The weird ways of life have since propelled her through WIT’s curriculum... Read More →

Nina Hsu

National Institutes of Health

Alex Kazanas

Washington Improv Theater

Alex has been improvising since 2014, and he's finally gotten himself out of that paper bag. He performs with the WIT Harold team Richie, seasonal WIT productions Die! Die! Die! and Citizens' Watch, indie team The Female Accent (of which he's a founding member), and the duo Pillow... Read More →

Ryan Krull

Washington Improv Theater

Ryan was literally given the gift of improv for his birthday in January of 2013, and he has been addicted ever since. He performs with Going To The Movies Alone (a trio of experimental longform performers based of made up movies), Commonwealth (WIT house ensemble) and Ugh (an all-gay... Read More →

Virginia Lyon

Virginia's entrance into this world was unscripted and she's been improvising ever since. Like many, Virginia leaned into comedy as a method for making friends, getting out of self-dug holes, and not having to pay for therapy.

Zach Mason

Washington Improv Theater

Zach Mason has been praised for his character work. Usually like, “A lot of interesting characters... a lot of sad characters.” Since starting in 2014, Zach has studied improv and sketch at WIT and Dojo Comedy. He is also a founding member of the indie troupes Helper Pony and... Read More →

Molly Murchie

Washington Improv Theater

Molly Murchie has been improvising since 2001 when she began training with Washington Improv Theater. It changed her life, and she has the husband and two kids to prove it. Since then, she has performed as a founding member of WIT ensemble Jackie, as co-creator and director of Washington... Read More →

Colin Murchie

Jonathan Murphy

Washington Improv Theater

In 2011, Jonathan thought he was just 'doing improv for fun'. Someone pointed out he was in four groups, doing it six nights a week, and obsessively talking about every show he saw. In that moment he realized he was all in for the rest of his life.

Ceci De Robertis

Washington Improv Theater

Ceci De Robertis was so terrified when she first started improv in 2012 that she threw up before her 1A showcase. Before long, she realized the stage was fun and fell in love with the art! A graduate of Washington Improv Theater’s training program, Ceci currently performs with the... Read More →

Volunteers

Bjorn Munson

Programming Coordinator, Museum of Science Fiction

A lifelong fan of science fiction in all media, Bjorn currently feeds his need to tell SF and other stories as artistic director of Jabberwocky Audio Theater and through independent film work. He currently feeds his family by being a technology program manager. He tries not to feed... Read More →

Friday September 1, 2017 8:45pm - 10:00pm PDT
Harding (100)

Pop Culture, Evening

Logistics audio link to computer, house sound, microphone x6, Projector, projector screen, projector table, theatre, theatre seating, theatre set up

2:30pm PDT

The Journal of Science Fiction/CESK Anthology

Did you know that the Museum of Science Fiction sponsors a JOSF (Journal of Science Fiction)? Join us for a discussion with some of the contributors to learn about the Journal, what the process for contributing an academic article is like, and to learn a bit more about up and coming science fiction writers.

Moderators

Jandy Hanna

Jandy Hanna, PhD, MSB, is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Biomedical Sciences Division at WVSOM. Her PhD is in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy and she currently teaches medical gross anatomy and studies the biomechanics of locomotion. Her Masters is in bioethics, in which... Read More →

Speakers

Catherine Asaro

Two-time Nebula ® award winner Catherine Asaro writes science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, and has over twenty-seven novels, as well as many novellas, short stories and non-fiction. Her acclaimed “Ruby Dynasty series,” also known as “The Skolian Saga,” combines adventure, hard... Read More →

Joseph Hurtgen

Joseph Hurtgen has a PhD in English Literature from Ball State University and teaches at Young Harris College. He has had journal articles published in Text in Context, Margaret Atwood Studies, The Quint, and JOSF. A book with McFarland, Archival Embodiment in Science Fiction, is... Read More →

Kiini Ibura

Kiini Ibura Salaam is a writer, painter, and traveler from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work is rooted in speculative events, women's perspectives, and artistic freedom. Her fiction has been published in such anthologies as Dark Matter, Mojo: Conjure Stories, Black Silk, and Dark Eros... Read More →

Melanie Marotta

Melanie A. Marotta received her PhD in English from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. She is a Lecturer in the Department of English and Language Arts. Marotta is an editor for the Museum of Science Fiction’s Journal of Science Fiction and has been a member of the SFRA... Read More →

Moira O’Keeffe

Moira O’Keeffe received her Ph.D. in Communication from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. Her contribution to the Journal of Science Fiction explores how informal science education can be tied to science fiction media. She is an Associate... Read More →

Saturday September 2, 2017 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Harding (100)

Lit

Logistics head table, house sound, microphone x6, Podium, power, theatre set up, 6 chairs

3:45pm PDT

How did they Make That? 'Costume Edition'

Professional and hobbyist crafters and cosplayers discuss their construction methods and tricks they use to get their costumes finished.

Moderators

Barbara Mabie-McClain

Manager, Pop Culture Programs, The Museum of Science Fiction

Barbara, Is a Master Class costumer that has been sewing small things, crafting, and beading for over 20 years. In 2013 Barb discovered the convention scene while attending her first convention, PaxEast, and fell in love with costuming and cosplay since. She has her Cosmetology license... Read More →

Speakers

Lindsay Bartleson

Geek Diva Cosplay

Lindsay Bartleson started cosplaying just three years ago, at her first convention, which was the first ReGeneration Who. She has gone on to win several craftsmanship, performance, and Best In Show awards. She is now a master level costumer. She also has been a performance judge... Read More →

Brandon Bloodworth

Brandon Bloodworth is a graphic designer with a love of science fiction and fantasy, and has turned that into a passion for costuming and props, especially for Star Wars. He is a proud member of The Rebel Legion (Terrapin Base) as well as The Mandalorian Mercs (Kyrimorut Clan). He... Read More →

Katie Brenholtz

Kate Monster Cosplay

Kate Monster is an avid cosplayer right out of high school and has been doing it ever since. Playing Video games is her passion and creating costumes from them is just the extra fun thing to do. She has well over 50 costumes under her belt and is still making and wearing more.

Cody Irvine

Captain Cody Cosplay

About Me:My name is Cody and I'm one of the biggest dorks you'd ever meet. I enjoy making things and dressing up as superheroes and different characters that I like, so when I learned there was a name for that and places to do it where it's socially acceptable as an adult, I fell... Read More →

Tarisa Walker

Fire Lily Cosplay

Fire Lily has been cosplaying since 2004. She has won numerous awards such as Best In Show and Best Overall for her costume craftsmanship and presentation skills since 2006. Fire Lily has served as the Head Judge and Judge wrangler for Katsucon's Masquerade Dept. for the last... Read More →

Saturday September 2, 2017 3:45pm - 5:00pm PDT
Hoover (100)

Costuming, Pop Culture, Q&A

Logistics chairs, head table, house sound, microphone x6, power, Projector, projector screen, projector table, theatre set up

7:45pm PDT

Can you brew beer in space? And other critical concerns

Join professional brewers, scientists, and sci-fi enthusiasts for an evening of rampant speculation on what may be the most crucial question of the coming age of space travel and off-world colonization. Audience participation encouraged.

Moderators

Phil Frana

Associate Dean and Associate Professor, James Madison University

Philip Frana is an Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and Associate Dean of the Honors College at James Madison University (Harrisonburg VA). He is currently writing a book on the history of artificial intelligence, The Past, Present, and Future of Artificial... Read More →

Speakers

Leon Harris

Head Brewer, Heroic Aleworks (Woodbridge, VA)

I've been the Head Brewer at Heroic Aleworks since June of 2016. So far, Heroic has won a gold medal for our Max Nix English Porter. This is my first head brewers position thus far. My philosophy on craft beer is to be as different and unique as possible.

John Paul

Founder, Sawbriar Brewery

Founder and Head Brewer of Sawbriar Brewery, John is an avid beer, technology and science fiction enthusiast. In addition to his love of brewing, John has worked in defense, global satellite communications networks, and information technology projects.

Brad Ringeisen

Deputy Director, Biological Technologies Office, DARPA

Dr. Brad Ringeisen joined DARPA as the Deputy Director of BTO in December 2016. Before coming to DARPA, Dr. Ringeisen was the Head of the Bioenergy and Biofabrication Section at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) where he oversaw diverse research programs including the development... Read More →

Volunteers

Stacy Bruss

Director, Event Programming, Museum of Science Fiction

Stacy Bruss, MS, MSIS, is a reference librarian at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). At NIST, she supports all Physical Measurement Laboratory researchers and manages the Innovation Hub, a center with 3-D printers, technology bar, data visualization tools... Read More →

Shauna Fitzgerald

Vice President, Special Events and Planning, Museum of Science Fiction

Science fiction has been a part of Shauna’s life since she was three years old. Her earliest memories include watching reruns of The Twilight Zone and Star Trek. In high school and college, she often convinced her English teachers to let her read and write reports on science fiction... Read More →

Saturday September 2, 2017 7:45pm - 8:45pm PDT
Hoover (100)

Main Events Science

Logistics audio link to computer, HDMI connect to proj, head table, microphone x6, power, Projector, projector screen, projector table, theatre seating

10:00am PDT

Rogue Missions, Millennials and the Falcon 9: Yoda one who can make it happen

Come and hear about exploration of planets, moons and the far reaches of our solar system. This discussion is between scientists from actual missions, past, present and planned! If you ever wanted to ask, “How does a mission come together?” or “Who gets to pick or propose a mission?” or “Where the heck do you get your ideas?” or “What the heck is it like to work on a mission to Saturn?” then this session is for you. With representatives from missions to the Sun, Jupiter’s moons, Pluto and beyond, this panel will lift your eyes to the skies!

Moderators

Michael Paul

Space Exploration Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Michael Paul is a Space Exploration Engineer with over 20 years of experience developing and flying spacecraft. During his first tour at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Paul contributed to NASA’s Contour and Stereo missions, and was instrumental in the successful launch and... Read More →

Speakers

Sonny Harman

Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Columbia University

"Sonny" Chester E. Harman, Jr. is an accomplished jack-of-all-trades, capable of appearing to speak knowledgeably on a wide range of topics. Currently, Sonny (as he is known to his friends) is working with NASA on a post-doctoral fellowship, having recently graduated from Penn State... Read More →

Ralph Lorenz

Planetary Scientist, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

My background includes broad scientific and engineering experience, especially relating to planetary science (with an emphasis on surface/atmosphere interactions on Titan, Venus and Mars), and doing science from small spacecraft and innovative sensor platforms such as probes, landers... Read More →

Dr. Ralph McNutt

Chief Scientist, Space Exploration Sector, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Dr. McNutt is the chief scientist for space science in the Space Exploration Sector at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, which he joined in 1992. As project scientist for the MESSENGER mission, he serves as the principal investigator's "right-hand man" in making... Read More →

Aki Roberge

Research Astrophysicist, NASA

Ask me about exoplanets = planets around other stars. We're planing amazing future space telescopes to study a huge range of exotic exoplanets, find the truly Earth-like worlds in the solar neighborhood, and search them for signs of life!

Dr. Elizabeth (Zibi) Turtle

Planetary Scientist, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

My research focus is using remote sensing observations and numerical geophysical models to study geological structures and their implications for the surfaces and interiors of the planets on which they formed. The processes of interest include impact cratering and tectonics on terrestrial... Read More →

Volunteers

Stacy Bruss

Director, Event Programming, Museum of Science Fiction

Sunday September 3, 2017 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
6 - East (250)

Science

Logistics audience microphone, chairs, head table, house sound, microphone x6, power

1:15pm PDT

Cosplay 201

Step off from the basics of Cosplay 101 to discuss how to take that cosplay you created and make it better. We will discuss what steps to take to make your cosplay more screen accurate. The smallest details can make a huge impact! New cosplayers are also welcome!

Moderators

Lindsay Bartleson

Geek Diva Cosplay

Speakers

Katie Brenholtz

Kate Monster Cosplay

Cody Irvine

Captain Cody Cosplay

Kurenai Kiba

I'm an artist. I paint. I write. I sew. I craft. Whatever it takes to make the idea a reality. Most of the time, it takes cosplay to do that. I love using different mediums to achieve something great. I constantly strive to better my art and I hope you can enjoy the results of my... Read More →

Allen Ryde

Aurora Clothiers by Allen Gale

Allen Ryde is a passionate, long time cosplayer and artist who has served as a judge for costume and cosplay competitions at various conventions such as Raleigh SuperCon, Katsucon and Anime USA. In addition to being a costume competition judge, Allen is also a commissioner, artist... Read More →

Tarisa Walker

Fire Lily Cosplay

Volunteers

Barbara Mabie-McClain

Manager, Pop Culture Programs, The Museum of Science Fiction

Jason McClain

Director, Pop Culture Programs, Museum Of Science Fiction

Jason is one half of Mabieknot Cosplay and Designs. Jason has been running various convention events for the past 13 years, but has been a long time fan of the pop culture convention scene. Jason has been crafting Costumes and props for far longer then that, and has been part of Masquerade... Read More →

Sunday September 3, 2017 1:15pm - 2:30pm PDT
4 - West (250)

Costuming, Pop Culture, Q&A

Logistics audience microphone, chairs, head table, large area sound, microphone x6, power, Projector, projector screen, projector table