By Denise Kaisler

 

Black Rock Observatory is a functional astronomical facility designed to attract both seasoned and potential nerds. Our domes are made of wood. They're modular. They assemble in a day and can be set up anyplace there's a road in. Find out about the geometry and design of these unique structures as well as the artistic wrappers BRO uses to showcase the tasty science of astronomy.

 

Bio: Denise Kaisler piled it higher at UCLA, looking for extrasolar planets with some of the baddest telescopes in the world. She teaches astronomy at Citrus College, in the Black Rock Desert, and anyplace else you'd care to invite her.

 

PRESENTATION #2: Taxidermy

By Allis Markham

 

Allis will be discussing the art of death- taxidermy; and prove to you this craft is very much alive. She will review the history, process and relevancy of taxidermy today through behind-the-scenes photos from the Natural History Museum, her private studio and the World Taxidermy Championships. 

 

Bio: On a whim in 2009, Allis attended the Advanced Taxidermy Training Center in Montana. Upon her return to Los Angeles, she began volunteering at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where she earned a staff position in taxidermy in 2011-- leaving her computer behind for good and picking up a scalpel. In 2014, Allis opened Prey Taxidermy in downtown Los Angeles while also continuing her work at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles on a volunteer basis. At the 2015 World Taxidermy Championship, Allis received two First Place ribbons and two Second Place ribbons for her four entries in the Professional Division. She also received a 4th place overall Competitor's Award in the Professional Division.

 

 

PRESENTATION #3: The Science of Explosions: Blowing shit up for fun and profit.

By Thomas Seymour

 

For all you film nerds and pyromaniacs, this presentation will explore the physics and chemistry behind what makes things blow upa as well as illustrate how these concepts apply to the Special Effects industry.

 

Bio: Thomas has been a Special FX pyrotechnician for the last 18 years and has blown up a wide variety of things, buildings, cars, boats, trucks, and small appliances. A huge nerd all his life, Thomas met most of his close friends at science fiction conventions and spent Senior Prom night putting lights in his Millennium Falcon model.