Daniel Loxton
Science Writer & Illustrator
Daniel Loxton is the author and primary illustrator of the 2011 Silver Birch Award-nominated kids' science book Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be. Recommended by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the (US) National Science Teachers Association, and the National Center for Science Education, Evolution is hailed by WIRED's Geekdad as "the best overview of evolution for children of which I'm aware."
Daniel is the editor of Junior Skeptic, the kids' science section of Skeptic magazine. He also writes for adults, contributing regularly to Skeptic magazine, eSkeptic, and the widely respected Skepticblog.
As Canada's only professional skeptical investigator, Daniel spends his days getting to the bottom of strange mysteries and controversies, often with a Canadian twist. He has written on subjects from sea monsters to health fraud to claims of alien visitation.
Before starting his writing career, Daniel worked for ten years as a professional shepherd in the wilderness of northern British Columbia. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia with his wife and young son, where he is hard at work on an upcoming book about monster legends for Columbia University Press (co-authored with bestselling science author Donald Prothero).
Barbara Drescher
Research Methods & Cognitive Psychology
Barbara Drescher teaches research methods, statistics, and cognitive psychology at California State University, Northridge where her research interests include perception, attention and reasoning.
Barbara has developed award-winning material and text for teaching science and critical thinking. At ICBSEverywhere.com and elsewhere, Barbara evaluates claims and research, discusses education, and promotes science and skepticism.
K.O. Myers
Lawyer & Science Advocate
K.O. Myers is the founder of Grassroots Skeptics, a volunteer organization that promotes critical thinking by helping local skeptics groups to share resources and strategies. He is also the Producer and Editor of the science-themed radio show Skeptically Speaking. He is an Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law attorney, practicing in Philadelphia, PA.
Desiree Schell
Radio Show Host
Desiree Schell is the host of the Edmonton radio show, Skeptically Speaking. The show interviews researchers, authors and experts to help listeners understand the arguments and evidence behind what's in the news and on the shelves.
Desiree is also known for delving into the slippery social issues to which one can apply science and critical thinking, including gender, race and public policy development.
Sheldon Casavant
Magician & Illusionist
Passionate about magic from a young age, Sheldon honed his skills at the McBride Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas and graduated from the Chavez Studio of Magic in California. Sheldon is one of Canada's most highly sought after performers, with a repertoire of magic that is contemporary, fun, and highly interactive.
Sheldon was nominated in 2009 and 2010 as Entertainer of the Year by the Canadian Events Industry and was selected to perform at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He wrote the illustrated children's book Morton the Magician and His Magnificent Magic Show.
Ian Pidgeon
Magician
Ian's particular style of magic focuses on a combination of mechanical deception, hypnotic suggestion and psychological subtlety. Fascinated by how the mind chooses and creates it own reality, Ian earned a degree in comparative religious studies from the University of Alberta.
While studying religion from a socio-anthropological perspective, Ian closely examined how mythical world views are cross culturally created and maintained. Through a dissection of belief and how it is created, Ian has been able to create his own unique style of close-up magic that reflects a multidisciplinary approach.
Marie-Claire Shanahan
Assistant Professor of Science Education
Marie-Claire Shanahan is an Assistant Professor of Science Education at the University of Alberta. She studies social interactions in science and science communications with a passion for making science and scientific thinking accessible for everyone.
She is the President of the Canadian Science Education Research Group, an organization that brings together science education researchers, teachers and administrators to discuss current research and outreach activities.
Hayley Dunning
Science Journalist
Hayley Dunning is an Earth and Atmospheric Sciences MSc student at the University of Alberta, studying volcanology and climate. Her science background combined with her interest in journalism gives her a unique understanding of the intersection of science and the media in today's world.
Interested in the deterioration of responsible science journalism and the loss of dedicated science reporters and sections in the media, particularly print media, Hayley is a science and technology writer for both the University student newspaper The Gateway and the Alumni Association's newsletter.
Angela Espejo
Healthcare Professional
A 2010 nursing graduate of the University of Alberta, Angela began her nursing career in Halifax, NS. Currently exploring new directions in health care, Angela looks forward to moving forward in nursing and moving nursing forward. Professional interests include leadership, informatics, transition, and technology.
Angela has been with the Nursing The Future (NTF) Leadership team since 2008 and currently acts as the Social Networking Coordinator for this national not-for-profit organization, which supports transition from student to professional.
Naomi Littlewood
Science Enthusiast, Parent & Photographer
Naomi is an Edmonton native, and when she isn't looking after her three kids, she might be taking pictures of yours. She discovered the field of skepticism relatively recently while in the process of playing educational catch-up on the topic of evolution. She now tries to make her kids watch "Cosmos" every Christmas.
William Rutherford
TWoS Interpreter & Space Enthusiast
William Rutherford is a Science Interpreter at Telus World of Science - Edmonton. He has a BSc in Environmental Earth Science. Fueled by a fascination in space exploration history he is coordinating a space party called Yuri's Night. On April 12th 1961, Yuri Gagarin made his historic flight into earth's orbit and 50 years later we are going to celebrate at Telus World of Science - Edmonton
John Woolley
Research Technologist & Amateur Astronomer
John Woolley is a graduate of the Physics Technology program at Ryerson in Toronto. He has worked for 38 years as a research technologist, first in the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta, then at the Alberta Research Council, and finally at Alberta Innovates Technology Futures. John is an amateur astronomer, long time skeptic, and is currently Treasurer of the Greater Edmonton Skeptics Society.
Marc-Julien Objois
Science Advocate
Marc-Julien Objois is a software developer with a BSc in Computer Engineering from the University of Alberta. His interest in science and problem-solving has driven him towards programming, electronic music making, magic, and photography.
Marc-Julien's enthusiasm for the practical application of critical thinking has culminated in him becoming a founding member of the LogiCON Planning Committee.
Frank Florian
TWoS Science Director
Frank Florian has held a variety of positions in the Telus World of Science's public programs area since 1986. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Alberta with a focus on nuclear and astrophysics and a Bachelor of Education degree specializing in post secondary education, with a major in the physical sciences and mathematics.
A skilled presenter and instructor, Frank has been a regular guest on CFRN's TV noon news show, made many appearances on Global Edmonton TV First News, did a bimonthly radio spot on astronomy and space science on CBC radio and is otherwise the point person for the media in Edmonton when astronomical or space events occur.
Bart Farkas
Writer
Bart G. Farkas is a former Registered Nurse, writer, author, editor, and ardent skeptic. Bart is a Canadian and calls Alberta home when he's not travelling around spreading the word of critical thinking. The author of over 75 books including many computer/video game strategy guides and technology-based books, Bart is an avid podcast enthusiast with three iPods.