Sol Speaker Series
Welcome to the Sol Speaker Series sponsored by STARFLEET Sciences, a monthly online event free to SFI members! We provide interesting and inspiring presentations on a variety of science topics and you have an opportunity to ask questions of our guests at the end of their talks. All events are posted on SFI’s YouTube Channel.
Next Event
August 23rd, 11am EDT
“Crocodiles: the Horse-Hunter and the Balrog”
Speaker: Dr Alexander Hastings, Fitzpatrick Chair of Paleontology, Science Museum of Minnesota
Crocodilians have had a wide diversity of forms and ecological roles over time. Tune in for a deep dive into two amazing extinct crocs that pushed the bar for what a croc can do!
Alex is the Fitzpatrick Chair of Paleontology at the Science Museum of Minnesota working across the great state of Minnesota and the world beyond. Much of his work, including his PhD, centered on the fascinating evolution of crocodilians. Alongside crocs, he has worked on everything from whales to dinosaurs to tiny oysters.
SOL SPEAKER LIASIONS
SOL Speaker Liaisons will be assisting in bringing in speakers from their Regions and helping us bridge the time zone gap.
CAPT Pam Kingsley – USS Mercia, Region 20. Europe, Ireland and Great Britain
CMDR Ronel du Preez – USS Dauntless, Region 8. Bloemfontein; Free State; South Africa
LT Gábor Nagy – USS Versailles, Region 9. Europe, France
Call out: Looking for Regional Sol Liaisons worldwide. Regional Sol Speaker Series Liaisons – STARFLEET (sfi.org)
We are seeking Regional Sol Liaisons to assist with bringing speakers in from around the world and making our events more accessible to everyone regardless of the time zone differences. Contact sfsci-director@sfi.org if you are interested or would like more information!
Upcoming Events
September 20th, 11am EDT
“Above the Clouds: A Science Educator’s Journey with NASA’s Flying Observatory”
Speaker: Diane Ripollone
Diane Ripollone will present her experience flying aboard NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), located in Palmdale, California. She will discuss the scientific research carried out during her missions and explain SOFIA’s role in advancing astronomical discovery. To help the audience better understand the observatory’s work, she will provide a brief overview of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The talk will include vivid photos and videos from her time on the aircraft. It will conclude with an interactive Kahoot quiz for attendees.
Past Events
Flagship Species: How Cheetah Conservation Drives Biodiversity
Jul 19, 2025
By: Owen Swart
The James Webb Space Telescope
Jun 21, 2025
By: Arjun Ayyangar
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Humpbacks: The Star Trek Whales
Apr 26, 2025
By: Mark Palmer
From the Depths of the Ocean to the Edges of the Cosmic Shore
Mar 8, 2025
By: Sarah Treadwell
Power generation and warp drive
Feb 20, 2025
By: Douglas Johnston
The Universe Through Geordi’s VISOR
Jan 16, 2025
By: Dr. Alfredo Carpineti
Protecting the Final Frontier
Nov 22, 2024
By: Major Sam McEvoy
UK Space Command
Black Holes
Oct 17, 2024
By: Arjun Ayyangar
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Artemis: From the Earth to the Moon
Sep 19, 2024
By: Sharife Gacel
Analog Astronaut
Physiology and Space Exploration
Aug 15, 2024
By: Phyllis Friello
Johnson Space Center
Models for How Space/Time Travel Could Work
Jul 18, 2024
By: Matthew Szydagis
UAlbany SUNY
We are not alone. The quest to search for life from Socrates to Webb and Beyond
Jun 20, 2024
By: Salem Emara
NASA JPL Space Ambassador
The History of Astro-Imaging
May 16, 2024
By: Dr. Ron Brecher
Astrophotographer
Astrophotography: Yes, You Can!
Apr 18, 2024
By: Commodore Mike Calhoun
Director of STARFLEET Sciences
Bound for Space! We Are Go for Grow!
Mar 21, 2024
By: Dianea Phillips
Aerospace Educator
Astronomical Highlights 2024 and Beyond
Feb 15, 2024
By: John French
Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University
Star Trek Star Charting: It All Fits Now!
Jan 18, 2024
By: Larry Nemecek
Author of Star Trek: Stellar Cartography