Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall

Academia / Panelist Guest

Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall is a faculty member in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department at the University of Oklahoma. She holds Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) degrees from McGill University, and pursued postdoctoral training at the University of California San Francisco and the University of California San Diego. Her research focuses on parasitism and human-microbe communication, with the goal of finding new ways to treat neglected diseases. In her teaching and public lectures, she explores the real-life parasites that inspired many famous sci-fi creatures.

Website: http://mccall-lab.oucreate.com/

Friday, June 7, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner A

Science: The Core of Sci-Fi's Sense of Wonder

Many readers come to sci-fi for the wonder of imagining fantastic new worlds. They want their breath taken away by the long scope of time, of evolution and geology and the stars. What is that sense of wonder in new experiences and how do people feel it differently? What science in science fiction most succeeds at getting to those feelings?

Panelists: Adrian Simmons, Tyrell Gephardt, William Leaf, Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall, Joey "Okie Space Queen" Rodman

Tracks: Writing & Publication, Science Fiction, STEM

Tags: Panel

Saturday, June 8, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Boomer A

Science in Star Trek?

We like to think that Trek is fairly accurate science-wise. But don't look too close. Let's discuss the plausible science behind wormholes, transporters, and more.

Panelists: Michael Cross, Dara Fogel, Ph.D., Tim Frayser, William Leaf, Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall, Ted Pennella

Tracks: Fandoms, STEM, Film & TV

Tags: Panel

Saturday, June 8, 2019 7:00 p.m. | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium