Presenters

Click on the Names below to see a detailed biography and photos.

  • Dr. Ronald Held

    Dr. Ronald Held

    Ronald Held has a Ph. D in astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As a fan since TOS, Star Tek has inspired his research and presentation topics.

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  • Andrew Liptak

    Andrew Liptak

    Andrew Liptak is a writer and historian from Vermont. He is the Public Relation and Guest Services Coordinator for the Vermont Historical Society, and is the author Cosplay: A History (Saga Press, June, 2022). Liptak has worked as a journalist for more than a decade, appearing in places such as Clarkesworld Magazine, Gizmodo, Grist, io9,…

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  • Professor Matthew Szydagis

    Professor Matthew Szydagis

    Dr. Matthew Szydagis grew up with Star Trek: The Next Generation and after watching Lt. Cmdr. Data he realized that science officer was the position for him. He received his B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2005, 2006, and 2011 respectively, then continued his work in physics as a postdoctoral scholar…

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  • Kent Schmidt

    Kent Schmidt

    Kent Schmidt was born in South Carolina, but was relocated to Upstate NY when he was a teenager. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science. He began working in retail environments until he started a 22-year career selling and leasing automobiles. A lifelong computer and electronic enthusiast, he transitioned into an IT management…

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  • Peter Wolchak

    Peter Wolchak

    I have been a Star Trek fan for life and a collector for almost as long. James was good enough to invite me to Trekonderoga to talk about all the stuff I’ve collected over the decades and to share some of the stories behind those collectibles. I have two Star Trek Web sites: CollectingTrek.ca tells…

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  • Dr. David Alexander

    Dr. David Alexander

    Dr David Alexander, MD, is a NASA Flight Surgeon and the Principle Medical Officer (PMO) for the Moon to Mars/Gateway program. He has supported 23 ISS and shuttle missions and Lead Crew Surgeon for 8 missions. He developed the Direct Return of Astronauts Program and recovered 38 crews. His expertise and research is in Spaceflight…

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