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About SciTrek

About the SciTrek Program

SciTrek History

First a few facts about scitrek:.

• Dr. Norbert Reich and Dr. Darby Feldwinn, professors at UCSB, co-founded SciTrek in 2011.
• The initial program grew from it's initial size to programs supporting both elementary and secondary school outreach in the Santa Barbara and surrounding areas. 
• In 2021, SciTrek was awarded a $3 million grant which is specifically earmarked for expanding the SciTrek program into Cal State Channel Islands, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara City College. 
• SciTrek - SBCC initially began implementation in 2022, but is doing a full launch this Fall 2023 semester with elementary school modules supported by SBCC student volunteers.

Why did the founders start SciTrek?

• Students of all ages struggle with critical thinking skills.
• Even college students struggle with experimental design.
• Lack of understanding of how science operates in the mass public. (ex. Global Warming).
• Many publications about the benefits of science inquiry in the classroom but very little inquiry activities going on in schools.
• Desire to boost elementary teachers  confidence in teaching science

SciTrek Goals

• Allow elementary students first-hand experience with scientific practices.
• Provide in-class professional development for teachers helping them develop confidence in running student centered inquiry activities.
• Help undergraduates have a better understanding of scientific practices and effective science teaching.

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• Science & Tech

SciTrek, More Than Just an Experiment

Science & Technology Editor

Elementary level science experiments often bear clear-cut, step-by-step processes that offer little room for personal flair or deeper levels of understanding — the exact type of norm in scientific education that SciTrek aims to revolutionize. With volunteers and educators situated in classrooms from second grade all the way to high school, the organization educates students on the scientific process in an active, educational setting with an immersive, curriculum-based program. 

With a $2 million grant from the Department of Defense (DoD), SciTrek was and is able to continue its mission in confidence through engaging in more diverse curriculums and expanding opportunities for students and educators alike. 

It was not always this way though. SciTrek started with just two people: Darby Feldwinn, a faculty member in the chemistry department and the education department at UC Santa Barbara, and Norbert Reich, a faculty member in the chemistry department as well. In an interview with The Bottom Line, co-founder Feldwinn discusses her experience navigating the program and also about the recent, large DoD grant given to SciTrek. 

As educators on a college campus, they noticed that college students came not knowing how to design scientific experiments. They believed it was in part due to a failure of the school system to provide opportunities to design these experiments. 

“There’s just one teacher and 30 students,” Feldwinn says. “That’s really hard to allow them to go in different directions.” Feldwinn wanted students, even at the elementary level, to be able to envision experiments beyond knowing its surface contents. It was important to know the why and the how behind them. 

Ultimately, students and teachers are able to benefit from these efforts in a systematic way. “If we can come in there and help them learn these processes with their students and how to lead these open-ended, inquiry activities, then that will not only help their students, but it’ll help future students because then they can continue with the process with those students.”

This is a glimpse of how SciTrek operates differently from other scientific outreach programs. Fusing education and inquiry, an initial phenomenon is presented. Like a typical experiment, different variables that are able to be adjusted are presented, in which the phenomenon would change accordingly. With a class of around 30, the data from different variables would be able to be charted, and thus the trends of the entire class would be able to be examined. 

With the DoD grant, it would allow SciTrek to do certain things. First, it would allow the homegrown project to expand to three other schools, though COVID-19 and the subsequent closing of schools has proved to be an obstacle. The grant would also allow the development of bio-modules predominantly for the high school and middle school level, though the elementary schools will be exposed to this as well. This would mean more experiments. Lastly, it would create a fund aimed for the teachers in these facilitated classrooms. For instance, if a teacher attended a SciTrek orientation, they would be able to be compensated accordingly. 

In contrast to Reich, who supports the high schoolers in the program, Feldwinn oversees the elementary school kids and middle schoolers. In the beginning, there was no deliberacy in expanding to other grades, but they slowly expanded as teachers from other grades became interested in becoming involved with the program. “It started getting a little bit more organized as we started developing up.” 

With these types of program experiences, students are able to have more programs that meaningfully immerse them in sciences, which may subsequently be able to transform a simple spark of interest into a career in the field. Unlike showy, one-time science days, SciTrek has a focus on curriculum education, meaning hours-long modules with reading and writing.

A major reason why SciTrek is so successful is because of its array of ways that help its constituents. It helps students obviously, but it also has led to the creation of a special joint master program with Education + a science degree (chemistry, biology, etc.). SciTrek’s volunteers are also able to gain tangible, meaningful experience under their belt, leaving them more prepared as educators in the future. 

SciTrek has come a long way from its grassroots origins, and the organization is constantly finding new ways to expand and enrich the people it comes into contact with. The DoD grant allowed SciTrek to branch out more effectively, and students will be able to feel the impacts of it, engage in science better, and perhaps even inspire a path towards science in the future. It will be interesting to see where SciTrek will be led next and what the types of educational trends it may forge for the future.

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Not Your Ordinary Science Education

Science is everywhere, if you think about it. From the food we eat to the cellphones we all carry, to the changing climate and the phenomena it brings, all it takes is a curious mind and the means to investigate, and you’ve got fertile grounds for inquiry, discovery and engagement with the world around us.

That’s the inspiration behind UC Santa Barbara’s SciTrek Biotech , a science-based educational outreach and discovery program for schoolkids designed to capitalize on the natural curiosity of young, K-12 minds and guide them in scientific thinking and experimentation. Now, with approximately $3 million in funding over three years from the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Defense Educational Program (NDEP), and a focus on biotechnology outreach and workforce development, the program aims to help create the next generation of scientists and technologists — people the country will need to solve emerging problems and stay competitive in an increasingly technological society.

“I’m pretty proud of our SciTrek team and I think we’re having a huge impact,” said the program’s cofounder Norbert Reich , Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC Santa Barbara. “Three million dollars is just going to blow it away for us. My goal is really to do such good work that they’ll want to continue supporting the program.”

“I congratulate Norbert Reich and the SciTrek team on receiving this transformational grant from the Department of Defense," said Pierre Wiltzius, dean of mathematical, life and physical sciences at UCSB. "With a program that engages K-12 students in the scientific process while also giving UC Santa Barbara undergraduates valuable experience teaching and mentoring, SciTrek fulfills every tenet of our university's mission to teach, do research and provide public service. I can't wait to see how the program will grow and expand with this new funding.”

Teaching and Learning Science For all the growing recognition of the importance of scientific, critical thinking in our society, conventional science education still leans toward rote memorization of facts and formulas that may or may not be relevant to potential future scientists. Students in large part are missing out on what makes science important and exciting.

Reich sensed this disconnect years ago.

“There’s a lot that has been written about how kids and university students are just really good at regurgitation of facts that they’re given, and that’s how they move on to the next grade,” he said. “That’s how they get into college. But there’s not a lot of original thinking, critical thinking and problem solving that you would like them to get good at.”

That’s when Reich decided to do something about it. The result was SciTrek , an experience-based science education program that pairs UC Santa Barbara science majors with groups of schoolkids and their teachers to “do” science, rather than just hear about it. In addition to learning basic scientific principles, the students, with the guidance of the participating UCSB undergrads, learn how to follow their natural curiosity and formalize an inquiry, get comfortable with experiments, discern relevant information and gain confidence in presenting their results.

UCSB's SciTrek Program from UC Santa Barbara on Vimeo .

Over the years, the program has become UC Santa Barbara’s largest science education outreach program, with an ever-growing number of students, teachers and community partners. Its ongoing success has gained the attention of funders such as the U.S. Department of Defense, whose current priorities include “activities related to STEM, including specific efforts geared toward biotechnology, a DoD modernization priority area.”

“The Department of Defense is not only developing emerging technologies but also investing in the STEM workforce pipeline, which is critical to the department and our nation’s security,” said Heidi Shyu, the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering at the DoD, in a statement announcing $47 million in grants for STEM education program, of which SciTrek Biotech is one.

The DoD’s emphasis on biotechnology was a natural direction for the decade-old SciTrek program, according to Reich, who pointed out that half of the program’s modules (there are two modules for every grade level) deal with biological concepts. The other half incorporates other scientific disciplines such as physics or chemistry.

“SciTrek Biotech is sort of a biotech version of SciTrek, meaning the content is going to be slightly skewed toward biotechnology,” Reich said. This shift in content will be geared toward high school students, with seven of the eight high school modules to concentrate on biotech-centric studies. The goal is for the students to get a taste of and experience in biotechnology as a science and as a potential professional direction.

Everyone Wins The funding, according to Reich, will allow the program to expand beyond UCSB through partnerships with other colleges and universities, create a seminar series that features industry and DoD speakers and procure the supplies and equipment needed to spread this hands-on educational model to the rest of the country.

K- 12 students aren’t the only ones to benefit from SciTrek Biotech . While the active learning environment is geared toward tomorrow’s scientists and science-literate people — particularly underrepresented minorities and women, who tend to abandon STEM majors at higher rates — the program also gives teachers the latest in science education techniques, and it offers the university student volunteers an opportunity for professional and career development and to develop their leadership and communication skills. In the end, according to Reich, a science-literate society is a more empowered society.

“I want to improve societal understanding of how science actually works,” Reich said. “That was the driver to begin with and it still is.”

Reich acknowledges the help of Vanessa Woods (Psychological & Brain Sciences), Maria Napoli (Office of Research), and Olivia Hwang in writing the grant proposal, and Darby Feldwinn (cofounder, SciTrek).

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Boldly going where no science series has gone before, ‘Sci-Trek’ will take viewers to worlds they have only imagined.  From the threats of microbes to mining colonies on the Moon, this series will unravel scientific mysteries and provide a glimpse into the hi-tech future. Find out if ancient fault lines could really bring a major earthquake to New York City and the unexpected traits we share with Neanderthal Man. ‘Sci-Trek’ is a series that reveals how the stunning beauty and complexity of science takes place, where technology is headed in the future and why each topic is of vital interest to viewers seeking knowledge and adventure.

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Boldly going where no science series has gone before, SCI TREK will take viewers to world’s they’ve only imagined.  From the infinitesimal threats of microbes to mining colonies on the Moon, this series will unravel scientific mysteries and provide glimpses into our hi-tech future.

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Gone But Not Forgotten: SciTrek

May 8, 2023

By Tiffany Harte Digital Storytelling Content Manager

SciTrek directors with donors from Ford outside the museum, circa 1980s. AJCP299-029b, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

Mention SciTrek to an Atlantan of a certain age, and their inner child is sure to activate. Their faces will light up as they reminisce about school field trips to Atlanta’s now-closed science and technology museum, designed specifically for kids. Officially named the Science & Technology Museum of Atlanta, this beloved institution served as an interactive playground for the curious from 1988 to 2004. Sure, today’s kids have the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Tellus Science Museum, but none of them (on their own at least) quite captures the awesomeness of SciTrek. Now, years after its closure, let us embark on a nostalgic journey through SciTrek’s history, delving into its origins, exhibits, and influence on Atlanta’s community. 

A news clipping about the origins of SciTrek . The Atlanta Constitution, 4 Feb 2001, Sun, Page 44

SciTrek’s Beginnings 

SciTrek was the brainchild of Mary O’Connor and Sue Trotter, who decided to pursue a science museum for Atlanta in 1982. The museum was incorporated that same year, thanks to funding from the Metropolitan Foundation. With support from the city of Atlanta and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the museum opened its doors on Oct. 29, 1988, in a 96,000-square-foot facility next to the Atlanta Civic Center.

SciTrek began its journey as Atlanta’s premier hands-on science museum for kids, operating on an annual budget of $2.5 million. With a dedicated team of 34 staff members and the support of 150 enthusiastic volunteers, it quickly became a beloved institution for young, curious minds.  

During its three-day grand opening, SciTrek welcomed an impressive 11,000 visitors. By the end of its first full year, the museum had drawn in a total of 350,000 guests. Based on the strength of early attendance numbers, the museum’s organizers had high hopes for the future, estimating that attendance would ultimately reach 1 million. 

In 1991, SciTrek saw more than 750,000 visitors, with the majority being schoolchildren.

SciTrek was recognized as one of the country’s 10 best science museums in the October 2001 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine.

Frame of an electric car on display at the SciTrek museum, 1993. AJCP299-029g, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

Iconic Exhibits and Experiences

At its peak, SciTrek featured over 140 exhibits designed for all ages, providing guests with the chance to delve into the wonders of science and make fascinating discoveries. 

SciTrek’s exhibits and experiences captured the essence of STEM fields, making complex concepts accessible, engaging, and fun for visitors of all ages. Memorable exhibits included the Weather Machine, which simulated extreme weather conditions like thunderstorms and tornadoes; the Electrostatic Generator, where visitors could feel their hair stand on end from static electricity; and the Shadow Wall, where children could “freeze” their shadows on a phosphorescent wall. The Kids’ Space Place catered to preschoolers, introducing them to the wonders of science in a playful environment.

Students at the SciTrek Mission to Mars exhibit, 1992. AJCP299-029f, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

The museum also featured the Challenger Learning Center, a $1.7 million model of a NASA space shuttle mission, which opened its doors to the public in January 2003. 

The Closure and Aftermath 

Despite its popularity, SciTrek faced financial difficulties throughout its existence. By January 2001, SciTrek faced a financial crisis. The museum had run a deficit for the previous three years, reaching $700,000 for fiscal 2000. Instead of shutting down immediately, the museum’s board granted a 90-day reprieve. In June 2001, the State of Georgia, which had been providing an annual grant of $175,000, contributed an additional $300,000 to help keep the museum operational. In August 2002, the Georgia Assembly allocated $425,000 to SciTrek and started a capital fundraising campaign aiming to raise $5 million. However, in June 2003, the Georgia Department of Education’s budget for the 2004 fiscal year reduced funding for SciTrek by 10 percent. 

The entrance to SciTrek , November 18, 2005, Wikimedia Commons/Scott Ehardt

The museum ultimately closed its doors on Aug. 27, 2004. 

On January 15, 2005, all of SciTrek’s exhibits were either sold or auctioned off. Some assets, including the Challenger Learning Center, found a new home at the Fernbank Science Center. In the years following its closure, the SciTrek facility was repurposed, with portions of the building eventually being converted into other uses, such as a charter school called Tech High. 

The Impact of SciTrek 

SciTrek’s unique approach to science education left a lasting impact on the Atlanta community. Many visitors credited their experiences at SciTrek for sparking their lifelong passion for science and curiosity about the world. The museum played a vital role in inspiring a generation of scientists, engineers, and inventors who would shape the future of technology and innovation. 

Resources 

• SciTrek Unlimited Capacity commercial promoting the opening of the museum. 
• 1996 Kids Witness News Clip featuring an in-depth look inside SciTrek from 7:16-13:45.  
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SciTrek Cal Poly

Teach multi-week STEM lessons that inspire wonder and curiosity to elementary students in local classrooms

Apply to be a scitrek learning facilitator    , why participate.

Do you want to make a fundamental difference in the lives of children? Do you want to earn money while learning if a future career in education is right for you? If so, consider becoming part of the SciTrek Learning Facilitators team!

Earn 17+/hour, 4-5 hours/week

Participants are eligible for a $250 try teaching stem scholarship, what is scitrek.

SciTrek is paid, early-field experience offered each quarter for undergrad students who want to work with kids or seek an experience to "try teaching."  

SciTrek offers a unique opportunity to try teaching in a local classroom. 

Learning Facilitators plan, prepare, and present science lessons in local elementary classrooms. Lessons take place twice per week for roughly three weeks. The facilitators reflect on the implementation, and then the cycle is repeated with a new lesson in the same class or the same lesson in a different class. 

SciTrek Requirements 

• Available Tuesdays & Thursdays 1PM - 3PM (seminar on campus)
• Hiring process and Live Scan fingerprinting completed

SciTrek Includes: 

• $17.50/hour (or additional units) for teaching at a local school site

Registration

To become a Learning Facilitator, students must:

• Complete a brief application .  
• Upon acceptance, complete hiring paperwork  and sign up for and complete a  Live Scan  

If you have any questions about SciTrek, please contact Christine Haas at [email protected] or (805) 756-2859

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The 20 best sci-fi TV series

Posted: March 9, 2024 | Last updated: March 9, 2024

As a genre, science fiction has the power to force audiences to think outside the realms of what they believe is possible — to imagine worlds that do not yet exist but might in the future. While some of the most successful and well-known screen examples of sci-fi are movies, over the decades, television has also used the genre to push the boundaries of the medium. Indeed, the very best sci-fi television series are those that ask the audience to think about not just the possibilities of the future but also of what television can accomplish as a method of storytelling. 

'Star Trek'

If there’s one sci-fi series that looms above all others, it would have to be Star Trek .  Whether it’s the original series or its various successors, such as The Next Generation ,  the series has always pushed the boundaries of what could be shown on television, particularly racial representation. What’s more, the series has always tried to envision a more positive and benevolent future, which is in marked contrast to the pessimism so often on offer in the sci-fi genre. In the world of Star Trek ,  there is always hope, and this helps to explain why it remains so beloved.

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Frank Herbert's 'Dune'

Frank Herbert’s sprawling novel Dune   has proved notoriously difficult to faithfully adapt to the screen, but one of the most notable efforts was made by Syfy, transforming it into a miniseries. Though it might lack the operatic grandeur of some other versions of the tale, there is still much to enjoy about this offering. It’s a remarkably faithful rendition of the tale, and several members of the cast deliver outstanding performances as their characters, with Ian McNeice turning Baron Harkonnen into a figure of camp menace and villainy, while Alec Newman brings a remarkable maturity to Paul Atreides. 

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'Andor'

Andor is like almost nothing else from the  Star Wars universe. Though, in essence, a prequel to  Rogue One  —  focusing, as its title implies, on Cassian Andor — it is also so much more than that. Its deliberately paced story focuses on several key characters, including Mon Mothma, as they lay the groundwork for the Rebel Alliance that will ultimately bring about the downfall of the Galactic Empire. There’s a richness and depth to the storytelling in this series, which goes beyond almost anything else  Star Wars has ever attempted, and it is, in its own way, as devastating as the film, which succeeds it in the chronology.  

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'The Mandalorian'

Few franchises are as venerable or as popular as Star Wars ,  and The Mandalorian demonstrated that it was more than capable of leaping television. Focusing on the title character — played by Pedro Pascal — it follows his efforts to keep the tiny being known as Grogu safe from those who would use him for their own evil schemes. Part western, part space opera, and part buddy movie, there’s something for everyone in The Mandalorian . While its second and third seasons moved away from the popular episodic nature of the first season, there’s always a unique pleasure in seeing these two beloved characters share their adventures.  

'The X-Files'

If there’s one show that embodies the 1990s fascination with aliens and the supernatural, it would be The X-Files .  In part, the series’ enduring appeal stems from the chemistry between Gillian Anderson’s Dana Scully and David Duchovny’s Fox Mulder, who make one of the most dynamic duos in TV history. However, it was also a show that excelled at exploring the darker corners of the human psyche and the ever-present fear of the unknown and the unexplained. Ultimately, the series poses the uncomfortable idea that there might really be things out there that defy rational explanation, making it so pleasurable and unsettling.

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'Black Mirror'

Some science fiction series really excels at plunging into the deepest, darkest parts of the present to make compelling and darkly disturbing futures, and Black Mirror   is one of the best. As an anthology series, every episode tells a self-contained story, and many of them are focused on the dangers posed by technology, whether streaming or artificial intelligence. Though the episodes can sometimes vary in quality, at best, the series shows the audience the perils of the future and how the things one takes for granted in the present can become a dangerous and terrifying threat in the future. 

'Man in the High Castle'

The latter half of the 2010s was certainly a period of turbulence and turmoil, so it makes sense that TV would reflect the concerns and anxieties percolating in society’s subconscious. In this alternative history, the Axis Powers actually won World War II, and the series follows several characters in the 1960s as they navigate this fraught and dangerous reality. The series cuts very close to the bone, given the resurgence of fascism in many parts of the West (including the US). For this reason, it remains gripping and often deeply disturbing science fiction television. 

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'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters'

Few monsters are as well-known as Godzilla, but the downside is that he tends to obliterate the human characters who appear in his films (often quite literally). In the Apple TV series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters ,  however, the focus is very much on a set of human characters as they try to unravel the history and mysteries of the central organization of the title, even as they also have to contend with various monsters (including Godzilla). The series exemplifies how a franchise can expand its cinematic universe using the serialized nature of TV storytelling.

'Planet of the Apes'

Though the TV series Planet of the Apes   might not be quite as famous as the 1968 film, it is still a remarkable piece of television history. Like the film, it focuses on a pair of human astronauts who crash-land on a planet ruled by apes. Given its serial nature, the series is a bit more expansive in scope, and it follows the two astronauts, Colonel Alan Virdon and Major Peter J. Burke, who join up with the renegade chimpanzee doctor, Galen. Though it only lasted one season, it nevertheless gives more depth and complexity to the world hinted at in the film, and it’s a pleasure to see Roddy McDowall return to the franchise where he's so beloved.

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'Battlestar Galactica'

The second iteration of Battlestar Galactica   has come to be regarded as a true masterpiece of science fiction television. It’s easy to see why, engaging with the sorts of heavy philosophical and political questions that are the bread and butter of the best of sci-fi. Helmed by Ronald D. Moore, the series focuses on a group of humans who attempt to find Earth while also fending off the attacks of the android Cylons. There’s a rich darkness to the series that makes for particularly compelling viewing, and its narrative and philosophical complexity is precisely what makes it such a compelling piece of sci-fi television. 

'Futurama'

Futurama is arguably the series that just won’t quit, having been canceled and revived several times. Despite its reversals of fortune, it has never lost its unique and quirky sense of humor, nor its ability to spoof some of the most common tropes in science fiction. However, the characters allow this show to continue year after year, whether it’s the lovable doofus Fry, the competent and no-nonsense Leela, or the irascible Bender. No matter how many years go by, rejoining these characters and seeing what adventure they will get into next is always a pleasure.

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'The Twilight Zone'

Few television series have had quite as much of a cultural impact as The Twilight Zone .  Created and hosted by Rod Serling, each episode was designed to be thought-provoking and terrifying. The series’ brilliance lay in its ability to draw on the contemporary anxieties of Cold War America, forcing the viewer to confront many of their assumptions and beliefs about the world and how it works. Like the best of science fiction, it managed to keep the viewer riveted throughout the episode, and the sting that often came at the end was like a bolt of lightning, shocking the audience out of its complacency. It’s easy to see why the show continues to have such a lasting legacy.

'Doctor Who'

Few sci-fi series have had as much longevity as Doctor Who ,  which is still going strong after several decades. The series succeeds for several reasons, but it certainly helps that it can cast different actors in the central role of the Doctor (with Ncuti Gatwa poised to take over the role). The series thrives on both change and continuity, and it’s one of those series that combines thought-provoking drama with genuine human warmth, pathos, and narrative stakes. More than that, it’s the kind of series that genuinely loves its characters and invites the viewer to lose themselves in its sprawling fictional universe.

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'Orphan Black'

Tatiana Maslany is nothing short of brilliant in Orphan Black ,  in which she plays several clones, including the main character, Sarah Manning. The series asks some tough questions about the nature of identity and the ethical questions of cloning, but the real highlight is Maslany’s varied and textured performances. It would be remarkable enough if she could create just one character with Manning's emotional depth. Still, she plays several individuals, teasing out their personalities and foibles. It’s the kind of science fiction series that forces the viewer to sit with some uncomfortable questions.

'Fringe'

Even though TV networks tend to be more risk-averse than their cable cousins, every so often, they are willing to take a gamble and produce something extraordinary. One notable example of this phenomenon is Fringe ,  which lasted for five seasons on Fox. After a bit of a rocky start, it soon grew into its own, and there was something remarkably addictive about its story focusing on a group of FBI agents studying a parallel universe. It certainly helps that it was anchored by a terrific cast, and John Noble is particularly extraordinary as the mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop.

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'The Expanse'

The Expanse is arguably one of the best series to have appeared on the network Syfy. Based on James S.A. Corey’s series of novels, the show is very much invested in examining technology, politics, and personal agency. It’s a sprawling story, but it remains anchored by the characters at the story’s heart. Unlike some adaptations, it remains largely faithful to its source material, even as it also embarks on its own path, with cinematography almost unlike anything else seen either on Syfy or television more generally. It’s a testament to what science fiction can look like when it takes big and bold risks. 

'For All Mankind'

Apple TV has proved quite willing to be adventurous in its choices for series, leading to a flowering of thoughtful science fiction on the streamer. For All Mankind   is a fascinating alternative history series where the space race never ended, leading to numerous changes in American society and culture that did not happen in the real world. While the series is obviously very invested in building up this fascinating and wonderful new world, it also pays meticulous attention to its characters, allowing the viewer to become invested in this brave new world. 

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'Foundation'

Isaac Asimov’s sprawling and ambitious Foundation   series is the basis for the Apple TV series of the same name, arguably one of the most epic productions currently on American television. Focusing on the efforts of a brave group of researchers to protect the knowledge of civilization before an inevitable collapse, it is a fascinating rumination on the nature of history itself. It also features a truly dynamic and eclectic performance from Lee Pace, who plays a succession of cloned emperors who have to decide what actions to take when faced with the end of an entire way of life. Foundation is the perfect blend of majestic visuals and thought-provoking social commentary. 

'Scavengers Reign'

This is something of a golden age for thought-provoking animated series, and though Scavengers Reign   has somewhat flown under the radar, it is nevertheless worth a watch. It focuses on a group of survivors from a spaceship who struggle to escape the planet on which they have been stranded. The series is filled with exquisite visuals that illustrate how beautiful and deadly the planet is, and it excels at capturing the absolute strangeness of the environment in which humans find themselves. At once thought-provoking and disturbing — there’s more than a little body horror on offer — Scavengers Reign   manages to tell a self-contained story while leaving room for future seasons and stories. 

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'Raised By Wolves'

Raised by Wolves is one of the most compelling and innovative series to have emerged on HBO Max. Focusing on a pair of androids tasked with raising a group of human children on a distant planet, the series asks some fascinating and troubling questions about the nature of human consciousness, the role of science and religion in human societies, and artificial intelligence. The series can sometimes be a bit challenging, particularly once its story takes some unexpected turns in the second season. However, its ambitious scope makes it one of the more exemplary examples of what science fiction TV can accomplish.

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Covering the business and politics of space

Sci-Fi Showdown at Space Symposium: Complete transcript of the Star Trek vs Star Wars debate

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COLORADO SPRINGS — Aside from the usual closing festivities, one final-day highlight of the 39th Space Symposium was a heated debate of sci-fi fandoms.

Moderated by  SpaceNews  Senior Staff Writer Jeff Foust, the April 11 debate saw Team Star Trek , represented by Redwire Chief Growth Officer  Mike Gold  and NASA Chief Technologist  A.C. Charania , go head-to-head with Team Star Wars , consisting of  Jessica Noble , general counsel at iSpace Technologies U.S. and Camille Bergin, better known as  The Galactic Gal . 

In a contentious decision , former NASA administrator and debate judge Jim Bridenstine awarded the victory to Team Star Wars, despite the audience demonstrating an audible preference for Team Star Trek (well, except for that Leonard Nimoy vs Harrison Ford applause poll).

SpaceNews readers had the chance to weigh in on social media. In a recent poll on X, 58.6% of voters favored Team Star Trek’s, mirroring the crowd at Space Symposium.

Who won the Star Trek vs Star Wars debate? — SpaceNews (@SpaceNews_Inc) April 12, 2024

Do you agree with the verdict? You can watch the video and follow a full transcript below.

Complete Transcript

Jeff Foust: So let’s introduce the two teams here. So we have over here, on Team Star Trek, Mike Gold. He is the chief growth officer at Redwire, although for the next 45 minutes he’s the chief Starfleet officer of Redwire. I think most people in the industry know that he is one of the biggest Star Trek fans around the industry. His Star Trek fandom is equal almost to his fandom for the Red Sox. One causes more agony than the other though, I think. Mike Gold:  Star Trek has just as much chance of winning the World Series as the Red Sox this year.

Jeff Foust: And then joining Mike is A.C. Charania. He is the chief technologist at NASA. He’s been in various roles in industry in the past. It is not true,though, that you took the oath of office for NASA on the Starfleet technical manual.

A.C. Charania : That is not correct.

Jeff Foust : I heard a rumor about that, but that was apparently not true. So we have Camille Berg representing Team Star Wars. She is better known as the Galactic Gal. She is an engineer who has worked in a number of companies. She is now a STEM advocate and educator. And joining Camille is Jessica Noble. Jessica is chief counsel at ispace technologies U.S. Their company is developing spacecraft to land on the moon. Of course, that’s no moon..

Jessica Noble : …It’s a space station.

Jeff Foust : And serving as judge is someone who needs no introduction, but is getting one anyway. It’s Jim Bridenstine. Former NASA administrator and, of course, I think as many people know, a big fan of Spaceballs . But this is Star Trek versus Star Wars, so you can’t pick Spaceballs. That’s completely out.

Jim Bridenstine : Everybody loves Spaceballs.

A.C. Charania : Just let you know, when I joined NASA we had a Spaceballs movie night.

Jessica Noble : Way to butter the judge up

Mike Gold : When we were at NASA, every night was Spaceballs.

Jim Bridenstine : One point for Star Trek.

Camille Bergin : You know Spaceballs wouldn’t exist without Star Wars.

Jim Bridenstine : One point to Star Wars.

Jeff Foust : All right. Okay, so with the points now even, here’s how it’s gonna work. This is going to be sort of like a typical debate. Remember that back in high school. Each side is going to give opening statements, then each side will provide a rebuttal. And then Judge Bridenstine will question both sides. At the end of that, each side will give a brief closing statement, and then the judge will render his decision. So with that, Mike, Team Star Trek, you’ve got your five minutes. And I’m going to keep time because I’ve heard people have been trying to play fast and loose on that. That’s not going to happen. So, Mike, your five minutes starts now.

Jim Bridenstine : Wait, hold on, before we get started, as a judge, I’ve got to know is the time like standard time on Earth or standard time on Alderaan? Because a couple minutes here is very different than a couple of minutes there. 

Jeff Foust : We’re not including any relativistic effects for this. So we’re going to use standard Earth time for this, at least the standard Earth time that my iPhone keeps, hopefully, pretty close.

Jessica Noble : Also, those Alderaan references are a little too soon. Some of us are still hurting.

Jeff Foust : All right, ready, Mike?

Mike Gold : I am ready to go. I’ve been ready for 50 years to do this. I’ve been prepared. There it is.

Jim Bridenstine : All right, stop. Point to Star Wars because you guys are cheating with visual aids, which nobody told the Star Wars team about.

A.C. Charania : We just have more advanced technology, that’s all.

Camille Bergin : You just really need extra things to help your point. 

Mike Gold : No, we have actual evidence to support our point.

Jim Bridenstine : We will not allow these proceedings to be rigged, which is what you are doing at this moment. Team Star Wars, two points.

Mike Gold : I have to counter in the words of Captain Kirk, “I don’t like to lose.”

A.C. Charania : We never believe in a no-win scenario.

Jim Bridenstine : You’re down, so… 

Mike Gold : But not out, as always, with Star Trek. And I’ve been a fan for quite a while, you know. I’m not new to this. My parents put me in a red shirt , so that tells you all you need to know about my childhood. Here at Redwire, we’ve done amazing things in terms of rolling out solar arrays powering the International Space Station. We conducted humanity’s first planetary defense missions to hit an asteroid with the same arrays and a guidance system, took incredible imagery, when we were back at NASA, the camera was the mission, the Redwire cameras, amazing pictures of the moon on the journey of Artemis 1. 

But all of these operations began with a dream. The dream is what comes first and is the fuel for all of our ambitions and everything that we’ve created in the space world. And for myself, and I think so many others in this audience and the gentleman sitting next to me, our dream is Star Trek. 

At a time in the Cold War when we didn’t even know if there was going to be a future, where we all lived in fear the end of the world would be a nuclear disaster, Star Trek not only said that there’s going to be a future, but that the future will be glorious . That we will find a way to heal the sick, to feed the poor; we will find a way to come together in a federation that celebrates diversity and differences. And Star Trek drove that optimism at a time when it was so needed. And I believe that now we need Star Trek more than ever. 

And a great example of that was even [at] a time we were in the Cold War with Russians, in the first season of Star Trek, there was no Russian on Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry was criticized; next thing you know, we got Chekov. So it’s a vision of a better future that I’ve gotten to live. So when I was with Bigelow Aerospace, we launched inflatable spacecraft using converted Russian nuclear missiles, literally swords into plowshares. We were reducing the world’s nuclear arsenal, one rocket at a time. And while in Star Trek, the launch took place from Montana — I said we launched the converted nuclear missile — but I was at least from Montana, so art was imitating life there. And again, while we’re in a very difficult time, war and strife, Star Trek says that we’ll have a better future, and I believe that we can come together as humanity again. This is just an example of that launch taking place. These, again, were weapons of war that we feared as children and then turned into peaceful tools for commerce, exploration and development. 

And that’s how Star Trek influences reality. It resulted in inflatable spacecraft that laid the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, the BEAM, which is still on the International Space Station today. I made good friends with the Russians. And when my son was born, the Russians photoshopped the picture that I had sent them and they sent me this [an image of a newborn in a cosmonaut suit] I then had to explain to the Russians that, you know, this is beautiful. Thank you. I sent it to my friends at Johnson Space Center. They said, ‘how come the Russians have baby spacesuits? What kind of animals are they that they’re putting children in space suits?’ 

“As opposed to Star Wars, Star Trek has inspired so many things in reality…the Artemis Accords came from the Khitomer Accords in Star Trek, and inspired it. Also the Space Shuttle Enterprise came from Star Trek.”

As opposed to Star Wars, Star Trek has inspired so many things in reality, the Artemis Accords comes from the vision of Star Trek. The idea that we can all come together, that space will unify us as a people, as humanity, that we’ll be able to get by our petty differences or bigotries to build something bigger, something more beautiful. Additionally, the Artemis Accords came from the Khitomer Accords in Star Trek, and inspired it. Also the Space Shuttle Enterprise came from Star Trek.

Star Trek has been such an important part of NASA. The first minority astronauts were recruited by Nichelle Nichols , who was at a Star Trek convention and said, ‘Why does the astronaut corps not look like me?’ to NASA people who were there. The NASA folks said, ‘you think you can get qualified candidates, go out and do it,’ and she did do that. So again, Star Trek: The Next Generation has inspired NASA to be better, to do better because we want a future that our children can be proud of living in. That’s peace, because we want ultimately more Star Trek and less Star Wars.

Jeff Foust : Right, Team Star Wars, you’re up for five minutes.

Jessica Noble : Alright. There was a lot of talk about the wars aspect of Star Wars and while I can certainly appreciate the points regarding the peaceful outlook, or utopian vision of Star Trek, what we see in Star Wars is the human experience. What we see in Star Wars is a story that meets us where we are. And it shows us that no matter what the circumstances are that we find ourselves in, that there is always an option for better.

“What we see in Star Wars is a story that meets us where we are. And it shows us that no matter what the circumstances are that we find ourselves in, that there is always an option for better.”

We look at the original movies and the characters of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, R2D2, C-3PO, individuals from across many different sectors of life, who don’t have anything in common — well, except for Luke and Leia, but we’ll figure that out later — but who find each other, who find a common cause together and who decide that they are not going to accept the situation that they find themselves in. It’s being subjected to a tyrannical regime that they will bind together along with others who are willing to fight for the right thing, and that they are going to prevail over evil.

This found family concept is found throughout Star Wars. We see it first in the originals, in the prequels. We see how that found family can come together. We see what happens when that found family is destroyed. And then we see in the end, in the sequels, how it can come back together. And we see this in the animated series. 

I know a lot of folks don’t look out into the rest of the Star Wars content. But if you take a look at the Clone Wars, I submit that this is content that is similar in depth and scope to Band of Brothers in showing the relationships and the bonds that those who work together and suffer through conflict together forge in those times.

In Star Wars Rebels , we see that sound family concept again, of those that who have been left adrift and who find themselves in difficult circumstances and who lead the way for our heroes of the original Star Wars. Who laid the foundation and the groundwork for them to be able to take up that baton and continue the fight for what is right. So while we don’t have the utopian future, in Star Wars, we have the notion that we can persevere and that good will persevere and that the Force will be with us. Always. That’s pretty good.

“So while we don’t have the utopian future, in Star Wars, we have the notion that we can persevere and that good will persevere and that the Force will be with us. Always. That’s pretty good.”

Jeff Foust : Another minute and a half if you really want it. 

Camille Bergin : We don’t need it all.

Mike Gold : I’ll take it.

Jeff Foust : All right, tough act to follow there, A.C. You’ve got a five-minute rebuttal. 

A.C. Charania : All right. Here’s my rebuttal on some of those points. It is about a family, you’re correct… It’s about the Skywalker family. All those shows, all those movies, many of those movies are about the Skywalker family. Not your family, not my family, not his family. Star Trek is about the human family, all of us, you know. So yes, there are differences in their families and our families. One point. The other point about conflict, fighting an empire in terms of a rebellion. That’s what you’re all about. We are about the more difficult fight internally. If you recall Captain Kirk, in a particular Classic Series episode: we’re humans; we come from a line of barbarians; we can make a decision today; we will not kill today. And that’s the tougher challenge: the internal challenge, to be better, to be bolder. And to make a better future. Fighting rebellion that’s out there in your face — Yes, that’s a tough challenge. But the internal challenge to make yourself a better human, to evolve yourself into the future; that’s an even tougher challenge. That’s what Star Trek is about.

Jeff Foust : All right, Camille. Five minutes starting now.

Camille Bergin : Five minutes. Well, I cannot top what Jessica said. But there is so much else to Star Wars, and we might use the full five minutes for this one. First of all, I think it’s really important that Star Wars is cool. Like, the technology. We’re all engineers – sorry, we’re not all engineers. Some of us are lawyers, some of us are content creators. But we’re all here in the aerospace industry, right? We’re all here for technology, whatever format you engage with that in, and I think that Star Wars has the coolest technology. Lightsabers. Where are the kids with the lightsabers? They were around here somewhere. They were just here. Yeah. See, they’re not walking around with whatever Star Trek has over there. Oh, yeah, we got the lightsaber right there. See? Okay. Even the audience agrees.

Mike Gold : Phaser vs lightsaber is a fast fight.

“Phaser vs lightsaber is a fast fight.”

Camille Bergin : And podracers, and even the Death Star is pretty cool, okay. It’s pretty cool. We even have a moon that looks like one. I think that that is the universe telling us that Star Wars is better. And the Force is always with us. And I think that goes back to the human experience. Whatever spirituality, whatever you believe in. It’s all connected by the Force. We’re all connected however that may be because we’re all humans. And I think that that is really beautiful. 

Jeff Foust : All right. No one used all their five minutes. Remarkable.

Camille Bergin : Mike did because he had an unfair PowerPoint.

Jeff Foust : Okay. Both sides have now presented their arguments. And now we hear from Judge Bridenstine. He’s going to ask questions of both sides. And after that, we’ll do some closing remarks. Judge Bridenstine.

Jim Bridenstine : All right to start, I heard a lot from this team about good overcoming evil, about good prospering and moving forward. In Star Trek, are there elements where it is good defeating evil and can you share some of those, either A.C. or Mike?

Mike Gold : I think fundamentally, every episode of Star Trek is about good defeating evil, not only in terms of beating your enemies, but bringing them together with you. So for example, in Star Trek, it wasn’t only a matter of defeating the Klingons but defeating negative beliefs, of defeating poverty, of defeating bigotry and convincing the other side that your way is the correct way. There’s an episode in Deep Space Nine I often talk about where there’s a Ferengi and he’s giving another alien some root beer and he says,’you have to try it.’ And the alien said, ‘Oh, this is so sweet, and sugary and cloying it’s terrible,’ but he’s like, ‘it’s just like the Federation.’ If you drink enough of it, it’s just like the Federation, you begin to like it. The United Federation of Planets is an analogue to the United States of America. It is a diverse polyglot of different people, different ideas that come together for the shared values of good; freedom; of liberty. That’s how Star Trek conquers. That’s in every episode of Star Trek, and how they come out. And let’s talk about technology for a second. Star Trek has inspired technology…

“The United Federation of Planets is an analog to the United States of America. It is a diverse polyglot of different people, different ideas that come together for the shared values of good; freedom; of liberty. That’s how Star Trek conquers.”

Jim Bridenstine : That was not the question. So okay, but an example of a time in Star Trek when it was necessary to kill Klingons. Did that ever happen?

Mike Gold : It has been necessary to kill.

Jim Bridenstine : So would you argue that Star Trek is maybe more based on realism than this utopian society than you’re leading on?

Mike Gold : Star Trek is not about utopia. It’s about striving for utopia . 

Jim Bridenstine : By killing Klingons. 

Mike Gold : You served . Sometimes force is necessary, but like it’s an unfortunate fact that even in Star Trek while we explore, we have to be able to defend…

Jim Bridenstine : I want it to be clear. It’s very important to me that you recognize that as a fact. 

Mike Gold : Yes. Part of Star Trek’s mission is to create friendships, create diplomacy where we can but defend when we have to, but only as a last resort. But when we were pushed, there is no one tougher than Starfleet to defend you and the values of the United Federation of Planets and before us, the United States of America.

Jim Bridenstine : A.C., do you have anything to add to this?

A.C. Charania : Yeah, I think it goes once again to the point of [how] we’re striving to be better. We do encounter in this universe, different beings and creatures, some of which we have to negotiate with, communicate with. Some we have to be tough with. It’s a very tough universe. Star Trek makes that point. It is not an easy universe to go out there and explore, and encounter these beings. That’s why Captain Kirk had to be so bold and, in some sense, very, very confident of the enterprise’s abilities because you don’t know what’s out there. But you have to negotiate from strength and peace and logic. I would hearken to the precepts, the approaches of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, one of our top negotiators within the United Federation of Planets, and the way he would negotiate with Romulans, Klingons and sometimes even the Borg.

Jim Bridenstine : So, thank you for those responses. Mike, your time is done. Okay. So, on this side. It is absolutely true that there’s a lot more realism in Star Wars. There’s more things blowing up. Entire planets get destroyed and billions of people get killed. And yet, Star Wars is also striving for a better end state where everybody can live peacefully. Can you guys share some of those types of examples there?

Jessica Noble : Sure, and I’ll go back to you know, maybe some of the history and lore from the timeline of Star Wars. Before the events that we see in A New Hope, there had been [millennia] of a peaceful Republic that was guided by an elected Senate and that had Jedi as the protectors of peace. This had existed for thousands of years prior to the rise of Palpatine, Darth Sidious and the machinations that he engaged in and the Clone Wars to secure power. So there had always been an idea of what a free and representative democracy could look like within the galaxy that was dependent upon interplanetary relations, that was represented by a diverse body of different species in the Galactic Senate. And that supported free trade and economic prosperity. And so there was always this memory in the minds of those that then had to continue that fight on, in the original Star Wars series, of what could be and what they could return to. And you see, they take these steps after the destruction of the second Death Star to set up a new Republic. And I think it’s also something that we should take into account here as Americans that, you know, freedom is…a tree that needs to be watered, lest there are those who come and uproot it. And that is, I think, one of the lessons that we see in Star Wars.

Camille Bergin : And how did they do that? They do that through love and through family and community. As you said at the beginning, it’s the ultimate love story. It’s an opera. It’s a space opera, for crying out loud, like, that’s just really cool. And I think that it just brings people together and everyone is just like ‘yes, if we love each other, and we have family — and they might be distant, they might be across planets, they might be different species they might be robots, it could be anything — but they’re going back to that Republic that they want to get back to. 

Jessica Noble : Robots are people. R2-D2, C-3PO, BB-8, also Chopper .

Jim Bridenstine : Okay, all right. So let’s, let’s take a second. I know Mike was interested in the technology here. I need your side to explain to me. Why is the Starship Enterprise superior to the Millennium Falcon?

Mike Gold : Star Wars is a fantasy. It’s fun.

Jim Bridenstine : Again, you’re not answering the question.

Mike Gold: Your honor, I’m getting to the answer, I’m getting the question. It’s a fantasy, but it’s not based in fact. The Starship Enterprise, like Star Trek itself, is about us. It’s aspirational. It’s about what we can achieve in reality. So medical devices…

Jim Bridenstine : So I’ll repeat the question, how is the Starship Enterprise superior to the Millennium Falcon? 

A.C. Charania : Here’s one way for me. For me, Star Trek was always about the team, you know, on the bridge, on the ship. Star Wars is very much about the individual. Han and Chewbacca, a rebel and a rogue and his pet dog, basically.

Jessica Noble : Sir, sir, those are fighting words.

A.C. Charania : But for me, Star Trek was about the diversity of people on the bridge; the team and engineering. You know, a lot of us are engineers. We remember Scotty, we remember Jordi LaForge. That inspired us to be engineers, because on that ship … there’s no engineer on the Millenium Falcon. It was Chewbacca, who knew what that was? But these archetypes and prototypes of engineering leaders who were respected officers in the ship — that was inspirational to us, as we grew up and wanted to see reflections of our own technical interests on screen.

Mike Gold : And the Enterprise is superior because it’s something that we can achieve. It’s something that we can do. These are all technologies that we want to go forward with.  Warp drive, with phasers and medical equipment that you see in hospitals today, inspired by Star Trek. The flip phone inspired by Star Trek. So these are all things that are influencing us today versus fantasy and Star Trek.,

Jim Bridenstine : Okay, so I’m gonna ask the Star Wars team: How was the Millennium Falcon superior to the Starship Enterprise?

Camille Bergin : Well, first of all I do want to say there might be somebody out there who looks like Chewbacca and needs to see that representation.

Jessica Noble: I don’t know that that’s really encouraging of diversity. I don’t like those comments about Chewbacca.

Jim Bridenstine : Brian Berger, Brian Berger is right here. He is represented by Chewbacca.

Mike Gold : Brian Berger and Chewbacca deserve a medal.

Jim Bridenstine : And Pete Canito , I don’t know where he is, he’s the CEO of Redwire. He’s represented by Wolverine. Go ahead and continue your line of reasoning.

Jessica Noble : So I do want to rebut a few points about the crew portion of the Millennium Falcon. I mean, the Starship Enterprise. It’s like comparing a naval battleship to a Ford Explorer.

A.C. Charania : Point taken. I’ll agree.

Jessica Noble : You’re looking at a governmental, quasi military space vehicle versus a personal spacecraft. They’re just looking at the speed capabilities, the durability, the stealth of this personal spacecraft. I think, all things considered, that we’re looking at an incredible technical achievement from the Millennium Falcon, as well as you do need a team of pilot and a copilot, and Chewbacca was an incredibly capable copilot. So laugh it up, fuzzball.

Mike Gold : The Millennium Falcon.

Jim Bridenstine : Again, it is not your turn. We’re gonna go to Camille.

Camille Bergin : Hmm, man, I just can’t keep following her. She’s so good at this. But also, from that perspective, a personal spacecraft. We’re all about commercialization right now, aren’t we? Yeah, not government owned and operated. 

Jim Bridenstine : So what she’s saying is that Redwire as an institution is really leaning towards Star Wars. Is that correct?

Jessica Noble : I mean, are they a commercial organization?

Mike Gold : Who supports the International Space Station and the Gateway. Those are very much in the vision of Star Trek.

Camille Bergin : Oh, time is running out.

Jim Bridenstine : All right. We’re gonna go to a final question. I know we’re getting short on time. But there’s so many to pick from here. Let’s go with this. And I’m going to turn to the audience for this one. Leonard Nimoy or Harrison Ford, let’s start with that. You’re in the audience, you’re in the audience. And I’m gonna give the audience a chance…

[Audience member answers off-mic]

Jessica Noble : I don’t know, I’m going to agree with her. That’s a better comparison, of Shatner versus Ford, that’s a better comparison.

Jim Bridenstine : Disregard, it’s gotta be Leonard Nimoy. Okay, from the audience, just by voice votes, Leonard Nimoy? 

[AUDIENCE CHEERS] 

From the audience, voice vote, Harrison Ford? 

[LOUDER CHEERS].

I mean, that’s not even close. All right, from the audience, we’re gonna go William Shatner and Mark Hamill. From the audience, William Shatner?

From the audience, Mark Hamill?

Would you like to respond to the audience’s favoritism? Based on the cast?

Mike Gold : William Shatner has actually been to space. Again, Star Trek, seeing reality rather than fantasy, science versus science fiction, hope versus despair. Peace versus war.

Camille Bergin : Harrison Ford is a pilot

Mike Gold : William Shatner is an astronaut .

Camille Bergin : Barely .

Jim Bridenstine : Okay, I think I have heard enough. And it’s time for me to render a decision. What is the next step in this process?

Jeff Foust : I think we should give each side two minutes to make final closing arguments. Maybe they’ll sway you. Okay, who do we start with? Star Trek.

Mike Gold : Again, Star Wars is a lot of fun. I loved Star Wars as a child. John Williams is a genius, but it’s fun. The dessert. Star Trek is something to strive for. Star Trek is something that the Artemis program takes inspiration from. It’s something that NASA has taken inspiration from. It’s something that we aspire to be. We ask the question about what’s better, the Enterprise or the Millennium Falcon. In a fight, the Enterprise would probably take out the Millennium Falcon in seconds. But you know who wouldn’t do that? Captain Kirk, because we’re always trying to make friends first and use violence as a last option. Star Trek is about becoming better than who we are, about building a better future. And while Star Trek is fun, you know, I’ve dedicated my life to implementing the vision of Star Trek. I think it’s more inspirational than any fantasy.

“In a fight, the Enterprise would probably take out the Millennium Falcon in seconds. But you know who wouldn’t do that? Captain Kirk, because we’re always trying to make friends first and use violence as a last option.”

Jim Bridenstine : Real quick, there needs to be some level of balance here, would you argue that Yoda would want to make a fight before making peace? That’s what he’s insinuating. If you’re gonna make these types of accusations…

Mike Gold : I would say that wars is in the name. It is pretty explicit.

A.C. Charania : I think for me, Star Trek is really based upon the world we want to create in our lives:  infrastructure, transportation and the evolution of the human condition. And I think we’ll end on our side with a quote from the final episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. When Q talked to Captain Jean-Luc Picard after this journey through multiple time periods, and he said the following: ‘For that fraction of a second you’re open to options you never considered. That is the exploration that awaits you, and awaits all of us. Not mapping stars and studying nebulae, but charting the unknowable possibilities of existence.’ And that to me, is fundamentally why Star Trek resonates with me, resonates with you and resonates with our future. Thank you.

Jeff Foust : Alright, closing argument, Team Star Wars.

Camille Bergin : We gotta get some fun in here, guys. It’s all so serious about humanity’s future and how bad things are and wars and oh my goodness. Okay. Lightsabers: superior. Podracers: superior. Also Star Wars has way more cute little things in it. BB8. R2D2. Um, let’s see. You can also experience it yourself. You can go to Tunisia and go to Tatooine. That’s pretty cool. There’s also the Star Wars Canyon in Death Valley. It’s pretty cool. So I feel like it’s a lot more immersive. I feel like the whole franchise is bringing us into the fold, bringing us into the sci-fi, into this fantasy, if you will — but that’s how dreams start, is the fantasy.

“We’ve talked a lot about striving for that world that we want to live in. Well, it’s the same thing with this concept of the Force. This is an energy; a field that binds us all. It is the reminder that all of us, no matter who we are, where we are from, we are all connected.”

Jessica Noble : I’m gonna pick up on that, on that aspect of it being science fantasy, it kind of seemed like that was being bandied about as you know, derogative. But there’s something to science fantasy that also inspires all of us, that makes us lay awake at night and wonder what if I could be the pilot of a spaceship? What if one day I can be a Jedi Master? And on that vein, let me talk a little bit about the Force and that aspect of Star Wars, because we’ve talked a lot about striving for that world that we want to live in. Well, it’s the same thing with this concept of the Force. This is an energy; a field that binds us all. It is the reminder that all of us, no matter who we are, where we are from, we are all connected. There were some quotes brought up from Star Trek. I do want to reference —  it’s not one of the original characters from Star Wars, but one of the newest ones who has become near and dear to my heart, the character of Ahsoka Tano. A character who shows us that you can be confronted with difficult situations, that you can be confronted with choices and that there are paths you can choose and you can choose the correct path. But as Ahsoka Tana would say, ‘if I see someone in need, someone who needs help, I’m going to do whatever I can to help them no matter what.’ And to me that is part of the ethos of Star Wars.

Jeff Foust : All right. That concludes the arguments and now it is up to Judge Bridenstine to render a final decision, which will be the final word on the argument, at least within the jurisdiction of the Redwire booth, which closes in about 50 minutes so…whenever you’re ready, Judge Bridenstine.

Jim Bridenstine : Star Wars.

Jessica Noble : I do want to say thank you so much to our colleagues for their arguments on Star Trek because all of them are valid. Star Trek is aspirational. It does inspire us and there’s a lot of greatness to Star Trek. So thank you both.

Mike Gold : We can all agree as long as there’s star in it  — Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Stargate…

Jeff Foust : And Spaceballs, And so I’m expecting next year we will have Spaceballs vs. Galaxy Quest. Someone take a note of that, Pete. All right. Well, thank you very much. Hope you enjoyed it.

This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Brian Berger

Brian Berger is editor in chief of SpaceNews.com and the SpaceNews magazine. He joined SpaceNews.com in 1998, spending his first decade with the publication covering NASA. His reporting on the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia accident was... More by Brian Berger

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SciTrek - UC Santa Barbara

Elementary program schedule.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MODULE TIMES LISTED BELOW INCLUDE TRAVEL TIMES TO AND FROM UCSB.

30 minutes are allotted for transportation before and after each module time, therefore, if the "in-class" module time was from 10-11 then the times listed would be 9:30-11:30.

To sign-up for modules, e-mail [email protected] and include the teacher and school of the module that you would like to volunteer for. We prefer volunteers that can attend ALL days of the module as well as the orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, an online version of the orientation is available. If you must complete the online orientation please indicate this in your e-mail.

In addition, UCSB is collaborating with SBCC to start their own SciTrek program. If you are interested in helping them out with their modules, click here: SBCC SciTrek .

Spring Quarter

Monday / Wednesday / Friday Schedules:

Session  A :  April 3 rd  - April 23 rd     |   Session B :   April 24 th  - May 10 th    |    Session C :   May 10 th  - June 5 th

Tuesday / Thursday Schedules:

Session D :   April 4 th  - May 7 th    |    Session E :    May 9 th  - June 6 th

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Spring Quarter Module Schedules

April 3 rd  - april 23 rd, april 24 th  - may 10 th, may 10 th  - june 5 th, april 4 th  - may 7 th, may 9 th  - june 6 th, sbcc scitrek collaboration.

If none of the above schedules match with your schedule, there is still a way that you might be able to participate in SciTrek, because in addition to our normal program, UCSB is collaborating with SBCC to start their own SciTrek program. While they are getting started they would appreciate any UCSB or SBCC volunteers that would like to participate in their modules. If you would like to volunteer with them click here to access their website:  SBCC SciTrek . 

SciTrek Office

Room 1103, 1204 Chemistry Building

SciTrek Lab

Room 1009 Chemistry Building

To sign up for a module time or for more information,

Elementary Modules email us at  [email protected]

Secondary Modules email us at  [email protected]

SciTrek Staff

Darby Feldwinn - Co-Founder/Elementary Director

Norbert Reich - Co - Founder/Secondary Director

Vanessa Woods - Research Director

Zack May - Elementary Coordinator

Charlotte Zeamer - Senior Manager

Gulistan Tansik - Academic Coordinator

SciTrek Mailing Address

SciTrek Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510

Like us on Facebook: @UCSBSciTrek

Follow us on Instagram: @southcoastscienceproject

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Screen Rant

Wilson cruz killed it playing star trek: discovery's trill.

Wilson Cruz got to play a different character in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, and he absolutely nailed the performance as an 800-year-old Trill.

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 3 - "Jinaal"

• Wilson Cruz shines as Dr. Culber possessed by Trill host Jinaal in Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 3.
• Burnham and crew hunt for the Progenitors' treasure in an intergalactic adventure, following clues in the latest episode.
• Cruz based his performance as Jinaal on Jack Palance in City Slickers.

Wilson Cruz's Dr. Hugh Culber gets temporarily possessed by an 800-year-old Trill in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3, "Jinaal", and Cruz absolutely kills it with his performance. In its fifth and final season, Discovery sends Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the crew of the USS Discovery on an intergalactic treasure hunt to find the ancient and powerful treasure of the Progenitors. In a story that began in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Chase," Burnham and her crew must follow a series of clues that lead to the technology the mysterious Progenitors used to create all humanoid life.

In Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3 , "Jinaal," written by Kyle Jarrow and Lauren Wilkinson and directed by Andi Armaganian, the USS Discovery travels to Trill to find an 800-year-old symbiote whose original host helped hide the Progenitors' technology. In a variation of the Trill ceremony known as zhian'tara (first introduced in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) , Dr. Hugh Culber allows his body to be inhabited by the consciousness of a Trill host named Jinaal. Written by Kyle Jarrow and Lauren Wilkinson and directed by Andi Armaganian, the third episode of Discovery season 5 reveals more information about the Progentiors' treasure and the six scientists sent to find it.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Returning Cast & New Character Guide

Wilson cruz was great as dr. culber posseed by a trill in star trek: discovery, cruz makes jinaal truly feel like an entirely new character..

In the Star Trek aftershow, The Ready Room , hosted by Wil Wheaton, Wilson Cruz said he was "extremely excited" when he learned he would get to play a character other than Dr. Culber. Cruz revealed a little bit about how he imagined the character of Jinaal, saying:

Now that everybody's seen it, I will let you know that in my head, I had like a Jack Palance in City Slickers. You know, this person who was clearly there, having a great time being in the world again, but also knew that he had a mission.

Cruz went on to say that he wanted to make sure Jinaal was "distinct from Culber," and the actor certainly accomplished this. Because Dr. Culber has been struggling with his traumatic experiences, it was great to see Wilson Cruz express real joy as Jinaal. In only a few scenes, Cruz made Jamaal feel like a completely realized character, who was entirely separate from Hugh. From the way he talked and moved to the way he interacted with the world around him, Jinaal felt like someone who was savoring every second he had in this temporary body. From the moment Jinaal opened Culber's eyes, it was clear he was his own character with a big personality.

Star Trek Characters Inhabited By Aliens Is A Star Trek Tradition

It seems like every main star trek character gets possessed at some point..

Dr. Culber is far from the only Star Trek character to be inhabited by another consciousness , as the practice has become something of a Star Trek tradition. From Star Trek: The Original Series through the modern day, nearly every Star Trek show has featured one of the main cast members being possessed or inhabited by an alien presence. The word possession has a negative connotation, and this holds true for many of the possessions in Star Trek, while others are merely alien beings seeking to learn. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, for example, had Trill transfers using the same zhian'tara ceremony used on Dr. Culber, and the villainous Pah-wraiths, whose possessions were much more destructive.

In the most devastating Star Trek possession, a Pah-wraith-possessed Dukat (Marc Alaimo) killed Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Ferrell) just after she had decided to have children with her husband, Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn).

Storylines involving alien possession also allow actors to play different characters, which, with Star Trek's talented crop of actors, is always fun to see. On Star Trek: The Next Generation , Brent Spiner got to play numerous characters, as Lt. Commander Data seemed to get possessed or otherwise inhabited more often than most. From dead ancestors to parasites to ancient gods and every kind of non-corporeal alien in between, Star Trek has dipped into the possession well many times, for both good and ill. Thankfully, Jinaal causes no harm to Culber, although the experience does seem to have a profound effect on Star Trek: Discovery's doctor, the full repercussions of which remain to be seen.

New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery stream Thursdays on Paramount+.

SCIFI for your WIFI

John Trimble, Star Trek Fan, Visionary and Husband to Bjo, Passes Away

Obituary by Susan Macdonald

John Trimble, widely hailed together with his wife BJo Trimble as creators of the write-in campaign that saved the original series Star Trek from oblivion, has passed away. He was 87.

John Trimble was a BNF: a Big Name Fan, which means in certain quarters he was widely renowned and in others it was John Who? Rather like Jack Benny’s character Joseph Tura in To Be or Not to Be (1942) who was “world famous in Poland.” If you asked the average sci-fi fan who John Trimble was, they’d probably reply, “oh, he’s Bjo Trimble’s husband.

John Trimble just died at the age of 87. He deserves to be remembered in his own right, not just as Bjo’s husband. He was a husband and a father. He and Bjo were married over sixty years. He was an Air Force veteran : thank you for your service, sir. He helped Bjo Trimble save Star Trek during the now famous letter-writing campaign of the late ’60s, without which the series would never have had a third season and would never have been syndicated subsequently. Thanks to John, there is Star Trek today.

John Trimble had been ill for some time. His death, while greatly lamented, did not come as a surprise.

John Trimble’s Role in Saving Star Trek

While Bjo gets most of the credit for the Campaign to Save Star Trek, it was really a team effort between the Trimbles. In fact, she gives him credit for sparking the idea during their drive back to Oakland after a meeting with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry near the end of TOS season 1.

In an interview with SCIFI.radio, Mrs. Trimble credited her husband with saving Star Trek from cancellation.

“The whole Save  Star Trek  campaign was John’s fault. We had visited the  Trek  set, about when word sifted down that the show would be canceled at the end of the second season. So we watched actors do their stuff beautifully in front of the camera, then slump off looking depressed. On our way home, John said, “There ought to be something we could do about this!” Now, he’d been married to me long enough to know better. By the time we got back home, we’d mapped out a basic plan of action. So we called Gene Roddenberry to see if he was OK with this idea. Gene had just told his staff that it would be wonderful if there was just some way to reach to fans and get their support. So things began to happen. But all the news at that time was about Women’s Lib and “the little housewife speaking up,” so the news media had little interest in a businessman. Reporters focused on me instead of John. To my sorrow, John has seldom gotten even the fan credit he so well deserves for his part in making the  Star Trek  we know now a reality for all of fandom.”

Memory Alpha Lists John Trimble as a Canonical Character in Star Trek

According to Memory Alpha, John Trimble  was a  Starfleet   officer  in the  24th century . He was a  commander  in  2364 . Before  stardate  41547.3, according to an order sent by  Admiral   Kathryn Trimble  of  Starfleet Operational Support Services , he was to be transferred from the  USS  Equicon . ( TNG : “ Conspiracy “,  okudagram )

From Family

Daughter Lara Boehm posted a farewell to her father on Facebook:

April 19th, 2024 at 5:17 am my father John G Trimble passed away. John G Trimble US Air Force – PFC – Korean War John was born in the late 1930’s and grew up in Devils Lake, ND. He graduated from Poly High School in Long Beach, CA, and enlisted in the US Air Force on 5 April 1955. John attended Basic Training at Parks Air Force Base Pleasanton, CA. He reported to Edward Gary Air Force Base in San Marcos, TX, for eight weeks of helicopter mechanic school on the Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaws. John was assigned to the 2157th Air Rescue Squadron, stationed at Kempo Airfield K-14 Korea for six months until the squadron was transferred to the 39th Air Rescue Squadron, Ashia Japan, for 18 months. John deployed to many locations during this assignment, including a long visit to Tainan, Taiwan. One of his best memories was when the squadron rescued visiting US Boy Scouts stranded on a mountain in Taiwan. It took multiple trips to get all hands safely home. John returned to the US to serve at Williams AFB in Chandler, AZ. He was retrained to be an Air Operations Specialist, maintaining flight records and dispatching aircraft. John met his wife, Betty Jo (Bjo) under a piano at Forrest J Ackerman’s mansion, a friend they met thru Science Fiction fandom. They were married in July and would have celebrated 64 years of marriage. Their 3 children, Kathryn, Lora and Jenn have been a constant joy and the addition of husband to Lora, Jason and Jenn’s husband Chris have completed the family. In 1966 they found a group of people interested in mediaeval combat and arts. They joined the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) . John served 2 terms as a member of it’s board of directors, was a landed Baron of the first Barony. His arms were the very first to be registered with the college of Heralds and both John and Bjo have been members ever since. Later that year he said to his wife, “Gee it’s a shame a good science fiction show like Star Trek is going to be canceled. We should do something about that!” And the same Star Trek campaign was born. For over 58 years John and Bjo Trimble have been ambassadors for science fiction, the space program and the SCA. Meeting and hosting people from all walks of life, all over the world. John has touched thousands of lives in a way that positive and full of joy. He will be greatly missed.

John and I organized and directed the World Science Fiction Art Show at Worldcons for many years. That show is still going strong. If not for the Trimbles, art shows might not be a staple at the average SF con. Both John and Bjo have been active in West Coast SF conventions as organizers and guests for decades. He was a Pelican in the Society for Creative Anachronism and served for years as the Baron of Los Angeles for the SCA.

John Trimble was born 17 November 1936. He passed away April 19th, 2024 at 5:19 am in hospice care in Los Angeles. He was 87 years old.

In so many aspects of popular culture and in his “regular” life, John was beloved by all who knew him as well as many who just knew of him.

Please join us in extending our comfort and condolences to the Trimble damily.

As they say on the planet Vulcan, we grieve with thee.

Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress #30 ”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions,  Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.

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About the author.

Susan Macdonald

Susan Macdonald is the author of the children's book "R is for Renaissance Faire", as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in "Alternative Truths", "Swords and Sorceress #30", Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, "Cat Tails" "Under Western Stars", and "Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid". Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio's web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions,  Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.

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