Science fiction writers have inspired many real-life technological advances including artificial intelligence, bionic limbs, self-driving vehicles, space travel, cell phones and the internet. Join us as we explore the development of innovative technologies and the intersection between STEM and science fiction.
Panelists:
- Moderator - David Hewlett is an actor and STEM advocate. Famous for playing fan-favorite Dr. Rodney McKay in the People’s Choice Award-winning TV series “Stargate Atlantis”, David also created TechBandits.org, a curiosity-driven STEAM club for kids of all ages. He also hosts live sessions on YouTube and Twitch and partners with Google on Gameface, an AI-powered head-tracking mouse released at GoogleIO 2023.
- Speaker - Derek So is a PhD Candidate at McGill University's Department of Human Genetics. His doctoral project examines the bioethical debate around genetically modified humans and how stakeholders' arguments are shaped by the way they imagine hypothetical people. Derek is also interested in the ways that science fiction writers and theologians imagine the creation of future people and what bioethicists can learn from these narratives.
- Speaker - Maria Abou Chakra is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Toronto. She is a theoretical biologist who specializes in studying complex biological phenomena. During her graduate degree, she created a mathematical model that predicted the growth and form of sea urchin skeletons.
- PLUS: students could have the chance to ask their questions to James Hobson, known for his YouTube channel Hacksmith Industries.
Agenda:
- Welcome (5 mins)
- Talks by our panelists, TBA (30-40 mins)
- Our panelists answer YOUR questions! (40-50 mins)
- Closing remarks (5 mins)
Automatically generated closed captioning will be provided for live and recorded webinars.
If you cannot make it to a live session, feel free to register and you will be sent a link to the recording afterward.