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Stephanie Osborn

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STEM / Author

Few can claim the varied background of award-winning author Stephanie Osborn, the Interstellar Woman of Mystery. Veteran of more than 20 years in the civilian space program, as well as various military space defense programs, she worked on numerous space shuttle flights and the International Space Station, and counts the training of astronauts on her resume. Her space experience also includes Spacelab and ISS operations, variable star astrophysics, Martian aeolian geophysics, radiation physics, and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons effects. Stephanie holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in four sciences: astronomy, physics, chemistry and mathematics, and she is "fluent" in several more, including geology and anatomy. In addition she possesses a license of ministry, has been a duly sworn, certified police officer, and is a National Weather Service certified storm spotter. Her travels have taken her to the top of Pikes Peak, across the world's highest suspension bridge, down gold mines, in the footsteps of dinosaurs, through groves of giant Sequoias, and even to the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest, where she was present for several phreatic eruptions of Mount St. Helens. Now retired from space work, Stephanie has trained her sights on writing. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to some 40 books, including the celebrated science-fiction mystery, Burnout: The mystery of Space Shuttle STS-281. She is the co-author of the Cresperian Saga book series, and has written the critically acclaimed Displaced Detective Series, described as "Sherlock Holmes meets The X-Files," and its pulp-bestselling prequel series, Gentleman Aegis, the very first book of which won a Silver Falchion award. She has dabbled in paranormal/horror as well, releasing the ebook novella El Vengador, based on a true story. Her recent popular science book, Rock and Roll, a discussion of the New Madrid fault and its historic quakes, was a multiple-genre bestseller! It will soon be followed with Kiss Your Ash Goodbye, an explanation of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Currently she's launching into the unknown with the Division One series, her take on the urban legend of the people who show up at UFO sightings, alien abductions, etc. to make things...disappear. In addition to her writing work, the Interstellar Woman of Mystery now happily "pays it forward," teaching math and science through numerous media including radio, podcasting and public speaking, as well as working with SIGMA, the science-fiction think tank. The Mystery continues.

Day
Start
Rooms
Name of Event
Description Small Text
Fri
2:00 PM
CC - Mtg Rm 6 (Science Track)
The Fermi Paradox - The Rare Earth Hypothesis

The Fermi paradox is the conflict between the lack of clear, obvious evidence for extraterrestrial life and various high estimates for their existence. Maybe because we are alone and if they exist at all are so far distant as to be unapproachable. 


This is often called the Great Filter theory. It suggests that all life must overcome certain challenges, and at least one hurdle is nearly impossible to clear. 


This discussion will be lightly structured with ample time for open discussion. We will discuss planetary and astronomical conditions which filter the development of life. What are the geological and biotic filters for the abiogenesis of life and the evolution of complex life forms? Finally, what are the potential cultural filters associated with advanced civilizations capable of developing their solar resources and exploring the galaxy?

Fri
5:00 PM
CC - Ballroom E (Main Event Programming)
Opening Ceremonies

Come one, come all to Opening Ceremonies!

Fri
6:00 PM
CC - Mtg Room 2 (Kids Programming/Readings)
Reading: Stephanie Osborn and A.G. Thompson

Come out and listen to Past STEM GOH Stephanie Osborn and A.G. Thompson read from their works!

Sat
11:00 AM
CC - Mtg Rm 6 (Science Track)
The Space Elevator - Is it Doable?

Les Johnson moderates this discussion on the feasibility of building a working Space Elevator. 

Sat
10:00 PM
M - Plaza Ballroom A/B
Mad Scientist Guest of Honor Edition Roundtable

Roundtable discussion of various and timely science topics moderated by Les Johnson. This is a remarkable panel dating back to the earliest LibertyCons. Everyone gets a say but no one gets to say too much. This year the participants will be the current STEM GOH and 4 Past Science Guests of Honor.

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Alpha and Omega

Book 1 of 14: Division One

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The Ross 248 Project

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Meetings

Book 1 of 1: Blood Brothers

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EMPIRE: Section Six

Book 10 of 16: EMPIRE

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The Bounty Game

Book 14 of 14: Division One

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We Shall Rise

Black Tide Rising series

®

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