Our event on Thursday, July 24 is a different format than usual so we can bring you maximum awesomeness during San Diego Comic-Con. More background on the featured scientists coming soon, all are part of AAAS’s IF/THEN ambassador program!
First up – flash talks! Four 5-minute talks from extraordinary scientists, plus time for Q&A. We’ll hear from Lataisia Jones, Wendy Bohon, Ana Porras, and Tammy Goulet. More info about them and their talks below.
After our first break, we’ll delve into pop culture science with a panel discussion about “The Evolution of Sci-Fi.” Moderated by Kay Savage and featuring Gracie Ermi, Sam Porter, and Afua Bruce. Sci-Fi has always reflected our hopes, fears, and wildest dreams—but how has it changed in the age of AI, quantum computing, and social media? This panel dives into how science fiction has evolved from retrofuturism to algorithmic dystopias, and how today’s emerging technologies are shaping the next wave of storytelling. We’ll explore what’s grounded in science, what remains speculative, and how to stay hopeful when the future feels too real.
And to wrap up the evening, we’re trying our hand at trivia! All of the ambassadors submitted questions based on their talks and we’ll have great prizes for the winners.
Flash Talks:
Wendy Bohon
Title: Disaster Movies Debunked: the science behind the cinema
Description: Do you love movies like San Andreas, The Core, and Dante’s Peak? Let’s delve into the science behind the science fiction and explore the real risks facing California and other geologically active regions, and understand what science actually tells us about the natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes.
Bio: Dr. Wendy Bohon is a geologist who studies earthquakes and works to improve the communication of science.
Lataisia Jones
Title: Your Brain on Stress: Why Kendrick Lamar Was Right
Description: Ready to unlock the secrets of your brain’s emotional battleground in our hyper-connected world? Neuroscientist, Dr. Tay will reveal how modern political stress impacts your mind and why Kendrick Lamar’s iconic lyrics offer a surprising path to inner calm and resilience.
Bio: Dr. Lataisia Jones is a Program Director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She brings thirteen years of research laboratory experience with expertise in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, and neuroscience, along with more than a decade of experience in STEM outreach, education, and advocacy for diversity in STEM. In her previous role as the Senior Ethics Specialist at the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Dr. Jones led efforts to address and update ethical policies to eliminate misconduct within ASM publications. She played a key role in resolving ethical concerns and advancing impactful initiatives that strengthened integrity across the scientific community.
Dr. Jones is also an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, dedicated to inspiring millions of girls to pursue STEM careers through outreach, education, media appearances, and advocacy. She has been featured on Great Day Washington, CBS Mission Unstoppable, and several other platforms. A 3D printed statue of Dr. Jones is included in the IF/THEN Traveling Exhibit alongside 120+ other remarkable women in STEM. The exhibit has been displayed at NorthPark Center in Dallas, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, the NIH, and MIT.
In 2017, Dr. Lataisia Jones made history as the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Florida State University—a milestone that underscores her trailblazing journey in science and education. She also holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Biology from Virginia State University, where her passion for research and science communication first began to take root.
Ana Maria Porras
Title: Shit Happens: And It’s Full of Microbes
Description: You’ve heard the hype: “your gut controls your brain,” “probiotics fix everything,” “poop transplants are magic.” Let’s break down what’s real, what’s nonsense, and why your shit matters.
Bio: Dr. Ana Maria Porras is an engineering professor and gut microbiome scientist with strong opinions about bacteria, poop, and bad health advice. Her research explores how gut microbes shape health and how microbiome science is communicated, and misunderstood, around the world. She’s here to separate the science from the shit, and maybe ruin a wellness myth or two along the way.
Tamar Goulet
Title: If you thought Sex in the City was steamy, wait until you hear about Sex in the Sea. The love life of fishes revealed.
Bio:
Venom, where an alien creature lives within a human, is but a version of symbiosis, the living together of a minimum of two living beings. I study symbioses on coral reefs. I am a Professor of Biology at the University of Mississippi (UM). I investigate how environmental problems affect coral reefs and the creatures who live there.
I am also an IF/THEN ® Ambassador. We serve as role models to inspire young women to pursue a career they want. The idea is not so much to change peoples’ minds or make people want to be scientists. But, many girls, because they don’t see role models, think that they can’t do it. I love talking about science with non-scientists, from the popular press to giving talks. My goal is to make science accessible to all. I am also proud to serve as the academic advisor for the UM Chapter of the Gamma Beta Phi Honors society.
Can’t wait to see you at our Comic-Con Special!