If you think about it, many of our favorite Star Wars characters have a scientific background or technological skills. And the Empire would have been nowhere without the engineering feats of Star Destroyers and superweapons galore. Fangirl Going Rogue’s Tricia Barr proposed a panel to discuss how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) ties into the Star Wars universe and how Star Wars in turn inspires careers and hobbies with a STEM slant.

The panelists are a fantastic group, including Lucasfilm’s Hannah Gillis, who produced ILMxLAB’s video teaser, which you can check out below. The ILMxLab is bringing their innovative virtual reality experiment, Trials on Tatooine, to Celebration Europe.

STEM Heroes and Heroines of Star Wars

July 15, 2016, 12:00 – 13:00

Star Wars Fan & Collectors’ Stage (Door S11)

The STEM movement is a global initiative to increase and diversify interest in critical areas of study: science, technology, engineering, and math. From droid-building Anakin Skywalker and pilot/mechanic Han Solo to artistic demolitionist Sabine Wren and scavenger Rey, Star Wars is filled with STEM heroes and heroines. We will explore how Star Wars characters and technology can inspire STEM careers and hobbies in the next generation. Panelists Hannah Gillis, Cole Horton, James Floyd, and Kevin Beentjes.

Hall S22, with entrance through door S11