Mel. White
Known to her kids as "Indiana Mom," Dr. Mel. is a scientist, writer, artist, lecturer, storyteller, and former computer-systems analyst who hasn't really decided what she wants to be when she grows up. She's had a number of recent short-story sales and did the interior illustrations for a small-press book on cryptids. An adventurer at heart, she's ready to go exploring at the drop of her Indiana Jones fedora.
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2:00 PM | Location: University B
Pirate Sing-Along with Bad Bards & Beyond
Hoist the colors and raise your voice! Join the irreverent musical crew of Bad Bards & Beyond for a rollicking pirate sing-along featuring sea shanties, original tunes, and other salty songs of the high seas. Whether you fancy yourself a scallywag or a siren, you’re welcome to belt it out, clap along, or just enjoy the spectacle. Costumes encouraged, bad accents welcome, and fun guaranteed. Arrr you ready?
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Melinda LaFevers, Mel. White, Libby A. Smith
9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Stellarium: Myths and Legends of the Night Sky
What do the stars say? Across cultures and religions, the night sky has inspired myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs. This panel will uncover the stories behind constellations and their significance in folklore, mythology, and history.
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Laura J. Underwood, Joshua Caudill, Mel. White
11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Thrifty Revisions: Giving Old Art a Space Age Makeover
Transform thrift-store finds into sci-fi masterpieces! In this hands-on panel, artists will take reclaimed paintings and prints, adding sci-fi elements, monsters, and otherworldly touches to create unique, genre-bending works of art. All supplies provided, and final pieces will be up for grabs in the Charity Raffle. Join us for a creative, fun, and impactful way to blend art, sci-fi, and philanthropy!
Moderator: Peri Charlifu
Panelists: Allison Stein, Peri Charlifu, C.C. Caldwell, Mel. White, Sally Hamilton
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Rejected, Revived, Respected: The Life Cycle of Scientific Theories
Not all discredited science stays in the dustbin of history. Some theories are revived with new evidence, while others refuse to die despite being debunked. Join us for a discussion on the messy, evolving nature of scientific progress.
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Tim Frayser, Pigeon, Mel. White, Trina Jacobs, Major Bill Leaf
9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Strum, Sing, & Share: An Open Filk Circle
Join us for a welcoming, all-inclusive filk circle, where music lovers of all skill levels come together to share songs, harmonize, and celebrate the unique tradition of fannish music! Whether you have a song to perform, want to join in on a chorus, or simply enjoy listening, this is a space to sing, strum, and create together. Bring an instrument, your voice, or just your love of music—all are welcome in the circle!
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: A.C. Smart, Melinda LaFevers, Mel. White, The Singing Costumer
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Universal Basic Income
As automation and artificial intelligence continue to transform industries, what happens to the concept of work in the future? Could jobs as we know them become obsolete, and if so, what does that mean for the economy and social structures? This panel will explore the potential for a future society where robots handle the mundane and humans are freed to pursue creative, intellectual, or leisure-based endeavors. Will Universal Basic Income be the solution, or will society find itself in a new kind of class struggle?
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Tim Chessmore, Jeff Provine, Stephen Patrick, Mel. White, Aislinn Burrows