July 6-8, 2018
Turning Fantasy Into Reality Introducing Students to Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University Porter Engineering Hall 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Today was made possible BY:
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WELCOME! I would like to personally welcome each of you to the 2018 Turning Fantasy Into Reality conference at Carnegie Mellon University. It’s hard to believe that this will be our 10th annual conference dedicated to introducing you, a brilliant group of students from across the country, to the engineering field. As we continue to educate you about the creativity and innovation that goes into being an engineer, our goal is to provide opportunities and help pave the way for your future success in the field. Over the next few days, I hope you are able to explore your interest in the engineering field through the creativity, inspiration, and innovation that comes from the fantasy genre. This year we believe we have lined up some of the best, thought-provoking speakers and cutting edge workshops led by people such as Bill Nye, Adam Savage, George R. R. Martin, Steve Wozniak, and many more. Throughout the Friday and Saturday sessions, these inspirational leaders will discuss and teach the ins and outs of the engineering field through a variety of areas such as writing, illustration, entrepreneurship, technology, design, and more. We are honored and delighted to have J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, as the keynote speaker during the last session on Saturday. There is no doubt she will leave you all inspired and ready to embark on the challenges of the last day. As always, Turning Fantasy Into Reality will conclude with the big competition on Sunday, led and judged by Bill Nye, with the help of
J. K. Rowling. This competition is the perfect opportunity to take what you learn on Friday and Saturday and turn it into remarkable ideas. As we continue to transform and improve Turning Fantasy Into Reality, I would love and appreciate any feedback and suggestions to make the future of this conference even better. I’d also like to thank each and every one of you for attending our conference and bringing your own unique ideas with you each year. You, as aspiring engineers, have the leadership, vision, knowledge, and creativity that we need for the future. Throughout the conference, I challenge you all to learn as much as you can, use your imagination, and of course, HAVE FUN! Thank you again for participating in this year’s Turning Fantasy Into Reality conference. This conference would not be the same without you!
Kara Schutte Director of Programming
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SCHEDULE FRI 9:00-9:30 A.M.
Check-In | Room A Take this time to check in at the front table and get ready to start the day!
9:30-10:00 A.M.
Introductions and Announcements | Room A Kara Schutte, Director of Programming, will introduce and welcome everyone to the conference.
10:00-11:00 A.M.
Speaker Session 1 | Rooms C and D The speakers are an hour each, so you can pick 1 to attend during this time.
11:00-12:30 P.M.
Workshop Session 1 | Rooms B, D, and E The workshops are 45 minutes each, so you can pick up to 2 to attend during this time.
12:30-1:30 P.M.
Lunch | Room F Lunch will be provided and served.
1:30-2:30 P.M.
Speaker Session 2 | Room C and D The speakers are an hour each, so you can pick 1 to attend during this time.
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2:30-4:00 P.M.
Panel Session 1 | Room A
4:00-4:30 P.M.
Day 1 Closing Announcements | Room A
This three person panel gives you the opportunity to ask questions to some of the speakers and workshop leaders you saw throughout day 1.
Kara Schutte, Director of Programming, will conclude day 1 and make any announcements.
SAT 9:00-9:30 A.M.
Check-In | Room A Take this time to check in at the front table and get ready to start the day!
9:30-10:00 A.M.
Introductions and Announcements | Room A Kara Schutte, Director of Programming, will introduce and welcome everyone to day 2 of the conference.
10:00-11:00 A.M.
Speaker Session 3 | Rooms C and D
11:00-12:30 P.M.
Workshop Session 2 | Rooms B, D, and E
The speakers are an hour each, so you can pick 1 to attend during this time.
The workshops are 45 minutes each, so you can pick up to 2 to attend during this time.
12:30-1:30 P.M.
Lunch | Room F Lunch will be provided.
1:30-2:30 P.M.
Panel Session 2 | Room A This three person panel gives you the opportunity to ask questions to some of the speakers and workshop leaders you saw throughout day 2.
2:30-4:00 P.M.
Keynote Speaker | Room A J.K. Rowling will be giving her speech followed by a short Q and A. The last half hour will be dedicated to meet and greets with Rowling.
4:00-4:30 P.M.
Day 2 Closing Announcements | Room A Kara Schutte, Director of Programming, will conclude day 2 and make relevant announcements.
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SCHEDULE SUN 9:00-9:30 A.M.
Check-In | Room A Take this time to check in at the front table and get ready to start the day!
9:30-10:00 A.M.
Introductions and Announcements | Room A Kara Schutte, Director of Programming, will introduce and welcome everyone to the final day of the conference.
10:00-10:30 A.M.
Final Contest Reveal and Instructions | Room A Bill Nye will give a brief inspirational speech leading up to the reveal of the competition. He will explain all instructions.
10:30-12:00 P.M.
Contest Work Time | Room A, B, C, D, or E This time is meant for you to start the final contest project. You may work in any of the spaces previously used throughout the conference.
12:00-1:00 P.M.
Lunch | Room F Lunch will be provided.
1:00-3:00 P.M.
Contest Work Time | Room A, B, C, D, or E This time is meant for you to finish the final project. You may work in any of the spaces previously used throughout the conference.
3:00-3:30 P.M.
Present Projects | Room A All projects must be presented to the judges during this time in order to be considered for an award.
3:30-4:00 P.M.
Final Awards | Room A Bill Nye and J. K. Rowling will announce the final competition awards.
4:00-4:30 P.M.
Conference Closing Statements | Room A Kara Schutte, Director of Programming, will conclude day 3 and make closing statements
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SpeakerS SESSION 1 How to Become an Engineer Aliette de Bodard Room C
The 21st century requires a new kind of learner—not someone who can simply churn out answers by rote, as has been done in the past, but a student who can think expansively and solve problems resourcefully. The traditional academic skills of reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic must be replaced with creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative and communication skills in order to solve the complex problems of tomorrow. Listen as Bodard walks you through her thoughts on how to become a successful engineer using creativity, curiosity, and a critical mind.
Mixing Science and Technology Steven Johnson Room D
Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Well, not always. Steven Johnson will talk about how some of the most transformative ideas and technologies, like the computer, didn’t emerge out of necessity at all but instead from the strange delight of play. This captivating, illustrated exploration of the history of invention will examine the intersection of science, technology and personal experience. Turns out, you’ll find the future wherever people are having the most fun and using their imagination.
Workshop Session 1 Science in Fantasy: Myth or Not? Adam Savage Room B
In this workshop you will have the experience of working side by side with Mythbusters host, Adam Savage. Together, you will work hands on and test out different inventions and experiments from various fantasy movies, books, and shows. He will come prepared with some of the examples, but you are also welcome to challenge him with inventions from your own favorite fantasy media. Then, you will decide whether the invention is busted, plausible, or confirmed.
How to Illustrate Fantasies Tom Kidd Room D
In this workshop Tom Kidd, the well-known fantasy illustrator, will walk you through what it takes to illustrate within the fantasy genre. He will push your imagination to whole new realms and get your creative juices flowing. After being walked through the illustration process, he will also reveal his secrets to creating fantasy masterpieces. After this workshop, you will truly know how to relate imagination and creativity to the engineering field.
Creativity in Engineering Fawn Qiu Room E
Fawn Qiu will teach you how to design fun, low-cost projects that use familiar materials like paper and fabric to introduce engineering to students. In this quick, clever talk and workshop, she will share how nontraditional workshops like hers can change the perception of technology and inspire you to participate in creating it. Get hands on with Qiu during this workshop as she walks you through creating your own inventions. She will introduce you to the creative side of engineering through playful projects.
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Speaker Session 2 The Science of Illustration Janny Wurts Room C
Listen as Janny Wurts discusses the ins and outs of illustrating within the fantasy genre. According to Wurts, there is more to illustration than what meets the eye. She will share the impact science has had on her work and how she uses it throughout her illustrating process. Wurts will then relate her work to the field of engineering through showing the positive impacts creativity, imagination, and innovation can have on any career field.
Fantasy and Science Fiction Ursula Kroeber Le Guin Room D
Because Ursula Kroeber Le Guin is a fantasy and science fiction author, she sees the correlation of imagination and science every day. In her experience, the creative and imaginative aspects of the fantasy genre rely heavily on the calculated and innovative aspects of the science world, and vice versa. Together, she believes they are unstoppable. Listen as Le Guin explains what she believes it takes to become a well-balanced person in the workforce. With her advice, you will be unstoppable.
Panel Session 1 Fiction, Technology, and Science Kidd, Johnson, and Savage Room A
Take this opportunity to ask questions to Kidd, Johnson, and Savage, who you had the chance to see during speaker and workshop sessions on day 1. With a wide range of backgrounds, you will be able to hear the overlap between the fiction world, technology, and science. Come with questions because this is a great time to get inside the heads of these influential people.
Speaker Session 3 Becoming an Engineering Pioneer Steve Wozniak Room C
America was built by makers -- curious, enthusiastic amateur inventors whose tinkering habit sparked whole new industries. One of these people was Steve Wozniak. Listen as he explains what it takes to be a successful engineer pioneer. He will share his experiences, good and bad, with Apple and other entrepreneurial ventures throughout his career. You will leave his talk feeling inspired and ready to become the next great engineer.
The Key to Imagination Dennis Lester McKiernan Room D
Imagination is the work which helps to create fantasy which can be expressed by fairytales, superheroes or comic characters. Imagination is the ability to form mental images in your mind and to remember, dream, create and improvise. Dennis Lester McKiernan believes everyone has the ability to use their imagination to create something great. Listen to his talk to find out what he thinks it takes to get this imagination running wild.
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Workshop Session 2 How To Create Your Own Fantasy Rodney Matthews Room B
Rodney Matthews’ career has revolved around thinking outside of the box. This workshop will give you the opportunity to work alongside him as he shares his secrets to forcing the human mind to come up with unique ideas. His tips will help you stand out within the engineering field and will allow you to create work and ideas that may have seemed unimaginable. To prove his theories, Matthew’s will share some of his personal work and the process that he went through to get to the final idea.
Using Science to Write Fantasies George R. R. Martin Room D
When watching or listening to anything within the fantasy genre, it is sometimes hard to believe where the ideas came from and how it could actually work. Through this workshop, George R. R. Martin will push you to take your science and engineering backgrounds into the realm of writing. Martin will provide a template, but you will all be the authors. Use this workshop to combine your love of engineering and your love of fantasy.
Creating Sphere Drones Ainissa Ramirez Room E
How often do you see awesome flying contraptions in the fantasy genre? In this workshop, Ainissa Ramirez will walk you through the basics to build your own sphere drone. Sphere drones are one of the latest innovations and allow some amazing flyability. It is well known for its ability to take damage and still be operable to carry out flight actions. This workshop will help you to understand the innovative technology from the basics and you will practically learn the aeromodelling principles and fabricate your own Sphere Drone.
Panel Session 2 The Inventor, Writer, and Scientist Wozniak, Martin, Ramirez Room A
Take this opportunity to ask questions to Wozniak, Martin, and Ramirez, who you had the chance to see during speaker and workshop sessions on day 2. Coming from many different professions, an inventor, a writer, and a scientist, they can provide insight about how to become a creative, innovative, and successful engineer. Come with questions because this is a great time to get inside the heads of these influential people.
KeyNote Speaker The Benefits of Failure J. K. Rowling Room A
Harry Potter author JK Rowling offers some powerful, heartening advice to dreamers and overachievers, including one hard-won lesson that she deems “worth more than any qualification I ever earned.” As future engineers, Rowling will explain the importance of turning failure into a positive thing. To her, there is a great importance in taking risks. Her wonderful insights will prepare you for the final competition, where you will have to be innovative and take risks.
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KeyNote Speaker
J. K. Rowling British Novelist
Joanne Rowling, born July 31, 1965, writes under the pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith. She is a British novelist and screenwriter who wrote the Harry Potter fantasy series. The books have won multiple awards, and sold more than 400 million copies. They have become the best-selling book series in history and been the basis for a series of films, over which Rowling had overall approval on the scripts and was a producer on the final films in the series. Born in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, Rowling was working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International when she conceived the idea for the Harry Potter series while on a delayed train from Manchester to London in 1990. The seven-year period that followed saw the death of her mother, birth of her first child, divorce from her first husband and relative poverty until the first novel in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997. There were six sequels, of which the last, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released in 2007. Since then, Rowling has written four books for adult readers: The Casual Vacancy (2012) and— under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith—the crime fiction novels The Cuckoo’s Calling (2013), The Silkworm (2014) and Career of Evil (2015).
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Rowling has lived a “rags to riches” life story, in which she progressed from living on state benefits to multi-millionaire status within five years. She is the United Kingdom’s bestselling living author, with sales in excess of £238M. The 2016 Sunday Times Rich List estimated Rowling’s fortune at £600 million, ranking her as the joint 197th richest person in the UK. Time magazine named her as a runner-up for its 2007 Person of the Year, noting the social, moral, and political inspiration she has given her fans. In October 2010, Rowling was named the “Most Influential Woman in Britain” by leading magazine editors. She has supported charities including Comic Relief, One Parent Families, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Lumos.
“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.”
Rowling has been married to Neil Murray (born June 30, 1971), a Scottish doctor, since December 26, 2001. They got married in a private ceremony at her home, Killiechassie House, near Aberfeldy. Their son, David Gordon Rowling Murray, was born on March 24, 2003. Shortly after Rowling began writing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, she ceased working on the novel to care for David in his early infancy. They live in Edinburgh with their son, David and daughter, Mackenzie (born 2005).
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FINAL CONTEST
Bill Nye
Science Communicator, Television Presenter, and Mechanical Engineer
The final contest, led by Bill Nye, will be explained on the last day of the conferece to allow an equal amount of time to all participants. J. K. Rowling will be working with Nye to judge and award the contestants. For now, take a look at the rules of the competition and prepare to have your creative juices flowing! William Sanford Nye, born November 27, 1955, is popularly known as Bill Nye the Science Guy. He is an American science communicator, television presenter, and mechanical engineer. He is best known as the host of the PBS children’s science show Bill Nye the Science Guy (1993–1998), the Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World (2017–present), and for his many subsequent appearances in popular media as a science educator. Bill Nye the Science Guy was critically acclaimed and was nominated for 23 Emmy Awards, winning nineteen. Following the success of his show, Nye continued to advocate for science, becoming the CEO of The Planetary Society and for helping develop sundials for the Mars Exploration Rover missions. Nye has written two bestselling books on science, including Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation in 2014 and Unstoppable: Harnessing Science to Change the World in 2015.
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RULES 1
The invention has to be inspired by a provided list of fantasy books, movies, or stories.
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Your group must have no more than 4 people, or you can work by yourself.
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You may only use the supplies provided for you on the day of the contest.
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You must have a working, physical mock up to present during the allotted time.
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Most importantly, be creative and have FUN!
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Speakers Aliette de Bodard System Engineer and Writer of Speculative Fiction Aliette de Bodard lives and works in Paris, where she has a day job as a System Engineer. She studied Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, but moonlights as a writer of speculative fiction. In what little is left of her spare time, she wrangles a small toddler and cooks Franco-Vietnamese food. Hobbies include board games, tai chi/chi gong, and devouring books. Recent works include the Dominion of the Fallen series, set in a turn-ofthe-century Paris devastated by a magical war, featuring witches, alchemists, Fallen angels, dragons in human shape and magical and political intrigues: it comprises The House of Shattered Wings (Roc/Gollancz, 2015 British Science Fiction Association Award, Locus Award finalist), and its standalone sequel The House of Binding Thorns. Her short stories are frequently set in the Xuya universe, an alternate history continuity where the Mexica (Aztec) and Asian cultures have reached space ahead of the West, and where the familial structures include midships, artificial intelligences incubated in human wombs. Aliette has won two Nebula Awards, a Locus Award and three British Science Fiction Association Awards.
Steven Johnson Bestselling Science and Technology Author Steven Johnson is the best-selling author of four books on the intersection of science, technology and personal experience. His writings have influenced everything from the way political campaigns use the Internet, to cutting-edge ideas in urban planning, to the battle against 21st-century terrorism. His latest work, the national bestseller Everything Bad Is Good For You, was one of the most talked about books of 2005. Steven argues that the popular culture we love to hate—TV, movies, video games—are getting better and are making us (and our children) smarter. In addition to his books, Steven is a contributing editor for Wired magazine, a monthly columnist for Discover magazine, and a distinguished Writer In Residence at the NYU Department of Journalism. He lectures widely on technological, scientific, and cultural issues, both to corporate and education institutions. He was also the cofounder and editor-in-chief of FEED, the revolutionary web magazine blending technology, science and culture with a truly innovative interface. Newsweek named him one of the “Fifty People Who Matter Most on the Internet.”
Janny Wurts American Fantasy Novelist and Illustrator Janny Wurts, an American fantasy novelist and illustrator, was born December 10, 1953 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In the 1980s, she worked as an illustrator for role-playing game supplements for Mayfair Games. Since then, Wurts has written numerous fantasy novels (19 as of 2016). She has written several series, including the Wars of Light and Shadow, The Cycle of Fire trilogy, several stand-alone novels, a short story collection and the internationally best selling Empire Trilogy that she co-authored with Raymond E. Feist. She often illustrates her own work. Beyond writing, Wurts’ award winning paintings have been showcased in exhibitions of imaginative artwork, among them a commemorative exhibition for NASA’s 25th Anniversary; the Art of the Cosmos at Hayden Planetarium in New York; and two exhibits of fantasy art, at both the Delaware Art Museum and Canton Art Museum. Wurts currently resides in Florida with her husband and artist, Don Maitz.
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Ursula Kroeber Le Guin American Author and Illustrator Ursula Kroeber Le Guin, born October 21, 1929, is an American author and illustrator of novels, children’s books, short stories, poetry, and essays mainly in the genres of fantasy and science fiction. First published in the 1960s, her work has often depicted futuristic or imaginary alternative worlds in politics, the natural environment, gender, religion, sexuality and ethnography. In 2016, The New York Times described her as “America’s greatest living science fiction writer”, although she has said she would prefer to be known as an “American novelist.” She has won the Hugo Award, Nebula Award, Locus Award, and World Fantasy Award, each more than once. In 2014, she was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. In 2003, she was made a Grandmaster of Science Fiction, one of only a handful of women writers to take the top honour in a genre that has come to be dominated by male writers. Le Guin has resided in Portland, Oregon since 1959.
Steve Wozniak Inventor, Electronics Engineer, Programmer, and Technology Entrepreneur Stephen Gary “Steve” Wozniak, born on August 11, 1950, is an American inventor, electronics engineer, programmer, philanthropist, and technology entrepreneur who co-founded Apple Inc. He is known as a pioneer of the personal computer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, along with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Wozniak single-handedly developed the 1976 Apple I, which was the computer that launched Apple. He primarily designed the 1977 Apple II, known as one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers, while Jobs oversaw the development of its unusual case and Rod Holt developed the unique power supply. After stepping away from Apple in 1985, Wozniak founded CL 9 and created the first universal remote. He then became involved in several other business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on tech in K–12 schools. Wozniak is currently Chief Scientist at the data virtualization company, Primary Data, and remains an employee of Apple in a ceremonial capacity.
Dennis Lester McKiernan Engineer and American Writer McKiernan, an American writer, was born in Moberly, Missouri in April 4, 1932, where he lived until he served the U.S. Air Force for four years. After military service, he attended the University of Missouri and received a BS in electrical engineering in 1958 and an MS in the same field from Duke University in 1964. In 1989, after retirement from engineering, McKiernan began writing on a full-time basis. In 1977, McKiernan got in a motorcycle accident and was confined to a bed for many months. During his recuperation, he began a sequel to J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The publisher Doubleday showed an interest then asked McKiernan to rewrite his story, placing the characters in a different fictitious world, and also to write a prequel supporting it. He is best known for his high fantasy The Iron Tower. His genres include high fantasy (set in various fictitious worlds), science fiction, horror fiction, and crime fiction. McKiernan currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
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Workshops Adam Savage Co-Host, “MythBusters” on Discovery Channel Adam Whitney Savage, born July 15, 1967, is an American industrial designer and special effects designer/fabricator, actor, and educator. However, Adam is best known for his work in Sci-Fi movies and of course, as the former co-host (with Jamie Hyneman) of the Discovery Channel television series MythBusters (2003) and Unchained Reaction. Adam plays around with heavy machinery, indulges in building elaborate rigs, and gets to blow stuff up - always putting his body on the line for the show. He has donated every body fluid imaginable for scientific testing in the course of the show, and has taken many hits for the team. He provides much of the ‘comic relief’ to co-host Hyneman’s ‘straight-man’ persona. His model work has appeared in major films, including Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and The Matrix Reloaded. He is a prominent member of the skeptic community. He lives in San Francisco with his twin sons and his wife, Julia.
Tom Kidd American Science Fiction and Fantasy Illustrator Tom Kidd, born in 1955, was a magic copying machine. Once he looked at something he could draw it accurately, but he was quick to notice that machines could do just as good a job as he could. Even though he had offers to do portraits, he set about making things up to draw instead - no camera could do that, and making things up was more fun anyway. This led to a scholarship to Syracuse University, but he dropped out after two years, and moved to NYC. Kidd has worked for a number of publishers: Baen Books, Random House, DAW Books, Warner Books, Doubleday, Ballantine Books, Marvel Comics and Tor Books. He has illustrated The Three Musketeers (1998) and The War of the Worlds (2001), and two books of his art: The Tom Kidd Sketchbook (1990) and Kiddography: The Art & Life of Tom Kidd (2006). Kidd has also done design work for film, theme parks, entertainment products, and all types of conceptual design work for such clients as Walt Disney, Rhythm & Hues and Universal Studios. Kidd is currently living in in New Milford, Connecticut.
Fawn Qiu Multi-Disciplinary Technologist Fawn Qiu is a multi-disciplinary technologist who introduces the creative side of engineering through playful projects.When Qiu managed product development in the technology industry, she noticed a significant lack of women and minorities in her company, so she began to experiment with introducing engineering to people in a more creative and accessible way. From costumes that blink to robots that move to a physical version of the popular app Flappy Bird, these projects engaged people from diverse backgrounds, especially women and minorities. As a result, she founded Make Anything, an organization that empowers people from all technological backgrounds through creative technology workshops. Qiu was a former research assistant at the MIT Media Lab. She has also developed and launched several mobile applications at major technology companies. Her interactive art installations have been featured in festivals and galleries around the world. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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Rodney Matthews Fantasy Illustrator and Conceptual Designer Rodney Matthews is a British illustrator and conceptual designer of fantasy and science fiction. Trained at the West of England College of Art, Matthews worked in advertising before turning freelance in 1970. Matthews has painted over 130 subjects for record album covers. More than 90 of his pictures have been published worldwide, selling in poster format, as well as many international editions of calendars, jigsaw puzzles, postcards, notecards, snowboards and T-shirts. Matthews has illustrated numerous books, including those by English fantasy and science fiction author Michael Moorcock. Their collaboration in the 1970s resulted in a series of 12 large posters, depicting scenes from Moorcock’s Eternal Champion series, and were used for a 1978 calendar entitled Wizardry and Wild Romance. In 1998, Matthews and the late Gerry Anderson completed Lavender Castle, a children’s animation series. He supplied conceptual designs for computer games such as the Sony/Psygnosis game Shadow Master and Haven: Call of the King, published by Midway.
George R. R. Martin American Novelist and Short-Story Writer George Raymond Richard Martin, born September 20, 1948 in Bayonne, New Jersey, is an American novelist and short-story writer in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres, screenwriter, and television producer. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies. Later, he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for amateur comic fan magazines. Martin’s first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: “The Hero,” sold to Galaxy, published in 1971. In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, and he went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern. He is best known for his series of epic fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, which was later adapted into the HBO series Game of Thrones (2011–present). Martin serves as the series’ co-executive producer, and also scripted four episodes of the series. In 2005, Lev Grossman of Time called Martin “the American Tolkien”, and in 2011, he was included on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
Ainissa Ramirez Materials Scientist and Science Communicator Ainissa G. Ramirez, Ph.D. is a science evangelist who is passionate about getting the general public excited about science. Before taking on the call to improve the public’s understanding of science, she was an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science at Yale University. At Yale, she was the director of the award-winning science lecture series for children called Science Saturdays and hosted two popular-science video series called Material Marvels and Science Xplained. Technology Review, the magazine of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), named her as one of the world’s 100 Top Young Innovators for her contributions to transforming technology. Dr. Ramirez received her training in materials science and engineering from Brown University (Sc.B.) and Stanford University (Ph.D.). Prior to working at Yale, she was a research scientist at Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, in Murray Hill, New Jersey where she did award-winning research. She has authored more than 50 technical papers, holds six patents, and has presented her work worldwide.
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