Laura Wiebe recently completed her PhD in English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University, where she is currently teaching courses in women's studies and science fiction. Her doctoral thesis is an examination of contemporary science fiction and fantasy featuring women protagonists, with a particular focus on series also authored by women. Dr. Wiebe's other academic interests include contemporary literature, media and culture, more generally, as well as popular music studies; her MA thesis looked at the intersections between science fiction and metal music. Her involvement with metal music and culture goes beyond academia, evidence of which can be found in the print and online pages of publications such as Exclaim magazine.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)