William Leaf
Fan / Panelist Guest
William Leaf retired from the US Army after 24 years of active and reserve service. During that time he was the Oklahoma National Guard’s resident expert on the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact military. His last unit, the 2nd Simulation Exercise Group, used computer simulations to train large units. He is currently teaching at a charter high school in Ft. Worth, TX. He and Jackie were married at the last original SoonerCon, in 1997. He has been an sf fan since he discovered Robert Heinlein in the library, and remembers watching the original broadcasts of Star Trek. A member of TRMN, David Weber has referred to Bill as “Shipbuilder Extraordinaire.” Bill has designed and printed many 3D warships from the Honorverse for charity auctions and chapter tables.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lone-Star-Shipyards-385982375193662/
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
Friday, June 7, 2019 8:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner A
Veterans Roundtable
The Veterans Roundtable was started at a regional NW convention by a dedicated fan who asked that the tradition be carried into any gathering of nerds whenever possible. SoonerCon welcomes all Military Veterans to a closed space for Veterans only to introduce themselves, talk openly about Life, the Universe, and Everything. All branches are welcome, all are brothers and sisters having served in the capacity we have, or currently are.
Panelists: Capt. Sean MacTaggart, Teddy Harvia, William Leaf, Rook Riley
Tracks: General Interest, History
Tags: Meetup/Networking
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
Sunday, June 9, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Koffeeklatch
Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for intimate conversation. BYO coffee, please.
Panelists: Mark Alfred, Kevin J. Anderson, Julie Barrett, Blair Bartlett, Mitzi Bartlett, Rachel Caine, Peri Charlifu, Michael Cross, Pete Dixon, Dan Erickson, Rhonda Eudaly, Dara Fogel, Ph.D. Tyrell Gephardt, Sally Hamilton, Teddy Harvia, James Hollaman, Phillip Hollecker, Mike Kloepfer, William Leaf, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Lee Moody, Harold Neal, Cary Osborne, Ted Pennella, Matthew Price, Jeff Provine, Marguerite Reed, Rook Riley, Ann Shelby, Bradley H. Sinor, Sue Sinor, Tommy B. Smith, Christina Stiles, Brian Trent, Laura J. Underwood, Melanie Unruh, Craig Wolf
Tracks: General Interest, Food & Drink
Tags: Meetup/Networking
Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma G
Evolving Military SF
Military SF is an ever-evolving genre because the tools of war and social mores change. With the rise of private military companies, and the ability of the extremely wealthy to purchase private armies, it often feels like the real world is coming closer to military SF. But military SF's core is the sense of a team, which has not changed since spears and swords. Our panelists talk about the intersection of technology, fiction, and military culture.
Panelists: Toni Weisskopf, David Carrico, William Leaf, Selina Rosen, Brian Trent
Tracks: Writing & Publication, History, Science Fiction
Tags: Panel