The first-of-its-kind Evolution Expo 2014 is coming to the Oakland Marriott City Center this June 27-29 for a three-day event full of science and science fiction-related exhibits, workshops and presentations, it was announced today by Science Fiction Entertainment, Inc. (SFE). Keynote speaker Mayim Bialik, a neuroscientist and star of the hit show “The Big Bang Theory,” and U.S. Astronauts Joe Edwards (pilot, Space Shuttle Endeavour) and Wendy Lawrence (mission specialist, Space Shuttle Endeavour, Atlantis and Discovery) headline the star-studded list of celebrities, astronauts, engineers and the next generation of space exploration innovators who will be on hand to discuss “putting the Science back into Science Fiction.” The program schedule and tickets are available now at www.EvolutionExpo.net.
Joining Bialik and astronauts Edwards and Lawrence at the event for onstage panels, autograph signings, photo opportunities and more are such stars as: Katee Sackhoff (“Longmire,” “Battlestar Galactica”), Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones,” “Conan,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), Amanda Tapping (“Stargate SG-1,” “Sanctuary,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings,”, “Indiana Jones,” “Sliders”), Tim Russ (“Star Trek: Voyager”), Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” “Andromeda”), Tom Skerritt (“Alien,” “Top Gun,” “MASH”), Veronica Cartwright (“Alien,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Garrett Wang (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Star Trek: Of Gods and Men,” “Star Trek: Renegades”).
Also confirmed to participate in workshops and onstage presentations to date are: Dr. Pascal Lee, planetary scientist and founder of the Mars Institute; Dr. Chris McKay, planetary scientist; Dr. John Jaquish, bio-medical engineer; Dr. Jenn Fletcher, molecular biologist; Celeste Yarnall, Ph.D.: and Blaze Sanders, engineer.
“Evolution Expo is the next generation of events, bringing our audience a chance to learn about the real science behind the science fiction they love,” observes Julie Caitlin Brown, CEO of Science Fiction Entertainment (SFE). “We are committed to inspiring our attendees to know more about STEM outreach, (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and to create opportunities for greater learning in the Bay Area.”
Evolution Expo 2014 began development in 2011 by SFE founders mother and son, Julie and Dustin Brown, who then brought Oakland’s famed Chabot Space and Science Center, on board as a strategic partner. Chabot, which will be a direct beneficiary of the inaugural SFE Charity Gala on Saturday, June 28, also will host the Gala at the Center. A 30 person stand-up planetarium and other interactive exhibits also will be provided by the Center for the three-day Evolution Expo event.
As a result of their commitment to education, Evolution Expo has garnered the support of Tony Leavitt, Educational Specialist for NASA Ames and will feature a specific educational program named Evo-Kids. Evo-Kids is open to general attendees all three days, and also will welcome 900 fourth- and fifth-grade students from the Oakland Unified School District, who are sponsored guests of the Expo.
Evo-Kids participants will be able to hear directly from the event’s planetary scientists on Mars exploration, what it is really like to be in space from the astronauts and can take part in a variety of hands-on activities at the Expo. Those activities include a Think Tank focused on solving the challenges facing human flights to Mars; a Brainstorm Room where kids collaborate with each other, guided by real scientists; a Build Your Own Gravity Data Board workshop which controls robots; and visits to the Chabot Space and Science Center’s planetarium exhibit at the event. Evo-Kids also will have opportunities to take photos with astronauts and/or meet the celebrities who work in science fiction.
In addition to collaborations with the Chabot Space and Science Center, Evolution Expo 2014 is being made possible by the strategic alliance of Fleeting States Studios, Starbase Atlanta, Visit Oakland, TriStar Travel, Craig Damon Photography and Marriott. Proceeds from the Charity Gala are being provided to the following charities: Chabot Space and Science Center, Sanctuary for Kids, Shine on Sierra Leone, Acting Outlaws and World Fit for Kids.
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About Science Fiction Entertainment, Inc.
Science Fiction Entertainment, Inc., (SFE) is a Los Angeles-based events company established as one of California’s newest Certified Benefit Corporations. As a B Corp, SFE joins an emerging global business community; one that is dedicated to using the power of business and events to find solutions for social and environmental issues. For more information, visit www.sciencefictionentertainment.com.
About Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, and Bay Area Certified Green Business, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit interactive science center whose mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages about Planet Earth and the Universe. Founded in 1883, the Center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd. just off Highway 13 in the Oakland hills. For more information, visit www.chabotspace.org.