The Fleet is back at San Diego Comic-Con 2023

The Fleet Science Center is delighted to present not one, but two captivating panels at this year's San Diego Comic-Con that delve into relevant societal topics. Join us for thought-provoking discussions led by ambassadors from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) IF/THEN Initiative, including participants from the Fleet's New Science exhibition. Prepare to gain valuable insights and challenge common perceptions in a friendly and welcoming environment. 

Ms. Marvel and the Power of Representation focuses on the impact of a television series featuring a Muslim-American girl as its protagonist. We'll explore the significance of this representation for Muslim-American girls, touching upon themes of inclusion, intersectionality, and diversity in STEM fields. Our seven panelists bring expertise from data science and aerospace to biophysics and neuroscience, drawing from their experiences seeking and finding representation. Join us on Thursday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 29CD for this enlightening discussion. 

Dr. Evil: Scientists as Villains in Pop Culture is where we'll delve into the reasons behind the typical portrayal of scientists as villains. Our expert panelists will debunk stereotypes and provide insights into the ethics, motivations and the true nature of scientists. They will discuss why this depiction is far more prevalent in fiction than reality. Demonstrating that scientists are not only passionate about their respective fields but also have diverse extracurricular interests, our five panelists will showcase the multifaceted aspects of their lives. Join us on Sunday, July 23, at 2:30 p.m. in Room 29CD for this intriguing exploration. 

That's not all! We're proud to be in collaboration with the STEAMpop Network, which also includes Cosplay for Science and StarWarsologies, for four other panels exploring the intersections of science and pop culture.  

• Fear & Fungi: Science of The Last of Us  
  Thursday, July 20, 11 a.m., Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor   

• Indiana Jones: Archaeology, History & Punching Fascists  
  Thursday, July 20, Noon, Room Grand 10, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina  

• Star Wars Andor—Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion  
  Friday, July 21, 7 p.m., Room 7AB  

• The Science of Superpowers  
  Sunday, July 23, 2 p.m., Room Grand 10, Marriott  

We strive to offer engaging and thought-provoking discussions that spark curiosity and foster dialogue. By attending these panels, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the topics at hand and have the opportunity to connect with experts and like-minded individuals. 

If you're going to San Diego Comic-Con this year, make sure to mark your calendars!