Johanna Varner, PhD, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Colorado Mesa University
Dr. Johanna Varner is an ecologist, educator, and science communicator in Grand Junction, CO. Although she has past lives as a molecular biologist, an engineer, and a blueberry farmer, she found her true calling studying potato-sized alpine mammals called pikas. These animals are not only important indicator species in mountain ecosystems, but they are also an ideal platform for public engagement in science. Her science communication initiatives have included developing citizen/community science initiatives, collaborating with K-12 classrooms and museums, and working in a newsroom producing digital media content. Her efforts to promote dialogue and to reach undeserved audiences were recently recognized with the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement in Science and a national Ambassadorship through IF/THEN. David Kristopher, Illusionist
David Kristopher is an American born Illusionist. David has been performing magic since the age of 7 after seeing his next-door neighbor vanish a coin and had it reappear on the front porch of his home! From there his fascination with the art of magic grew quickly performing his first professional strolling show in Orange County, California for a crowd of over 300 people at an age of only 12! At the age of 21, David moved to Las Vegas to study with some of the biggest names in magic including Paul Vigil, Johnny Thompson, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger & Paul Harris to name a few... see him in action.