Exploring New Suns: A SciFri Book Club Event Series

In Partnership With Brooklyn Public Library

• When: Monday, December 7, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Brooklyn Public Library’s Zoom webinar
• Tickets: Free! 

Register For Dec 7

Science Friday has partnered with Brooklyn Public Library to host a series of virtual events that focus on stories from New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color, edited by Nisi Shawl. Each evening, we will discuss a story from New Suns, and the author will be joined by a scientist who can shed more light on the concepts explored. 

Attendees are encouraged to read the story in advance, as we will include questions and thoughts from audience members! Use your BPL library card or eCard for unlimited access to the ebook version of New Suns, available now through November 30th, 2020.

On November 20th, the discussion will focus on the story of a young woman named Tater living in a world ravaged by climate change. We encourage attendees to read Kathleen Alcalá’s story, Deer Dancer, published as part of New Suns.

Our scientific experts:

• Susan M. Natali is an Arctic ecologist whose work explores permafrost thaw and the global risks it poses. She leads Woodwell Climate’s Arctic Program, which investigates the drivers and consequences of rapid Arctic change. Her research examines the effects of permafrost thaw and fire on the storage or release of carbon, and thus, on global climate. You can find out more about Susan and her work with Woodwell Climate’s Arctic Program on their website.
• Don Hankins is a professor of Geography and Planning and a Plains Miwak cultural practitioner based at California State University-Chico in Chico, California. Drawing from his academic and cultural knowledge he is particularly interested in Indigenous traditional knowledge and policy and their application as a keystone process to aid in conservation and stewardship. You can find out more about Don’s work on the CSU Chico website.

On December 7th, we’ll discuss the story of the struggle of a father dealing with a mysterious entity while the fate of his son hangs in the balance. We encourage attendees to read Chinelo Onwualu’s story, The Fine Print, published as part of New Suns.

• Our scientific expert: Amit Kumar is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Psychology at Cornell University, where he worked on topics related to consumer behavior, well-being, and judgement and decision-making. Much of his work has explored its relationship with money, examining the distinction between money spent on “doing” (e.g. vacations and concerts) versus money spent on “having” (e.g. clothing and gadgets). You can find out more about Amit and his work on his website.

This program will be viewable post-event via SciFri’s YouTube page.

This workshop will take place online via Zoom. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link prior to the event.

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