< Back Ann Pollack Science Scientist Ann Pollack, Principal Professional Staff member at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL), brings 35+ years of engineering, supervisory, and project management experience. Her work spans from the Tomahawk missile to ballistic missile defense to the Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon. Ann's passion for both science and speculative fiction has led her to actively engage with the science fiction community. At Balticon, she has presented on topics ranging from utilizing lasers for communications to an exploration of a Century of Missiles. APL sponsored her attendance at Helsinki Worldcon where she spoke on Tomorrow’s Cool SciFi Physics. Furthermore, Ann has been instrumental in fostering connections between science and science fiction. She has spearheaded initiatives to bring SciFi writers into the engineering workplace for tours, colloquiums, and panel discussions, all aimed at bridging the gap between imaginative storytelling and cutting-edge scientific innovation. Other Socials

< Back Carl Cipra Literary Fan Carl started reading F&SF in his pre-teen years and has been hooked ever since. He became involved with Fandom back in the 1970s (by way of the SCA in Southern California) and is one of the founding members of Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians. He really enjoys moderating discussion panels at conventions and is looking forward to participating in Balticon again this year. Mundanely, Carl is the program manager for instructor-training in a much-maligned, three-letter Government agency. Other Socials

< Back J.D. Blackrose Literary Author J.D. Blackrose is the author of the Summoner’s Mark series which includes Demon Kissed, Fae Crossed, Hell Bound, Samhain’s Bargain, Wish Magic, and Pinky Promise, through Bell Bridge Books. She’s published The Soul Wars, The Devil’s Been Busy, and the Zombie Cosmetologist novellas through Falstaff Books and is contracted for a new horror novel through Falstaff’s horror imprint, Falstaff Dread. She’s published short stories such as “The Space Ark,” in HOZ Journal of Speculative Fiction, “Welcome, Death,” in the Jewish Book of Horror, “Don’t Fool an Earth Witch,” in Mother’s Revenge, “The Book Burning,” in Curiosities, and “Poisoned by Sugar,” in Witches, Warriors, and Wise Women. “The Ghost Train,” was published by Third Flatiron in their Spring 2019 Anthology and Best of 2019 Anthology. Her most recent short stories include “A Sure Bet” in The Valkyries Initiative from CPK Publishing, and “It’s My Nature,” in Never Too Old to Save the World from Outland Entertainment. Other Socials

< Back Jessica Moran Literary Author Jessica Morán is a published fantasy author witch, & poet. Being a lover of all thing geeky she combined her passion for food, fantasy, folklore, & mythology into a shop & has not looked back. She hosts a TikTok channel where she teaches metaphysical mini classes, creates fandom inspired goodies on a budget, reviews books & the occasional film. As a History buff she also has experience combining historical, archaeological, and pop culture studies into her craft both in and out of the kitchen in unique ways. As a passionate fan, proud Latina, author, poet, and historian she offers her unique perspectives on how to make fandom inclusive, safe, and appealing to all with humor and just the right amount of sass. Other Socials

< Back LH Moore Literary Author LH Moore’s speculative fiction has been published in all three Dark Dreams anthologies of Black horror writers; Bram Stoker Award Finalist anthology Sycorax's Daughters; Black Magic Women; the collaborative Chiral Mad 4 anthology, as well as in Apex, FIYAH, and Fireside Magazine. A DC native exiled in Maryland, Moore is a historian with an M.A. in historic preservation and loves classical guitar, graphic novels, and video games. She is a member of the Diverse Writers and Artists of Speculative Fiction creatives group. Other Socials

< Back Evelyn Lewis Costuming, Science, Content Creator Cosplay Evelyn Lewis is the producer, editor, and one of the hosts for the podcast Tolkien About It. Evelyn's father, Professor Robert Lewis, has used Tolkien and Lord of the Rings in his masters and doctorate publications, along with now using it in the college courses he teaches. Evelyn, despite reading many fantasy books, never read Lord of the Rings before. Starting as a pandemic project, Evelyn and Robert started the podcast discussing the Lord of the Rings chapter by chapter as Evelyn reads it for the first time and Robert for about the Hundredth. Now, Evelyn has been converted into a Tolkien fan and the Podcast continues talking about all things Tolkien with the aim of having interesting topics for new and seasoned fans from a multi generational perspective. Evelyn is also a comic and fandom historian, as well as part of the LGBT+ community and works for inclusion of everyone in fandom. She also is a multi-award winning cosplayer and an experienced GM for ttrpg. Other Socials

< Back Jack Carroll Literary Author Jack Carroll is a long-time fan and author in the 1632 / Ring of Fire series, with 22 published stories, one published novel, and one freshly completed. His filk songs are in various fan hymnals. Professionally, he is a retired electronics engineer. Jack lives in New Hampshire, accompanied by two ever-inquisitive cats. Other Socials

< Back Diana Raynes Music Filk A DC-area composer and performer who has sold instruments, built instruments, and played many, many instruments. Diana specializes in composing soundtracks, whether for live performances or short films, as well as writing music and lyrics for original songs. She has previously performed at Balticon both as a solo act and as a member of the folk band Thistledown. Other Socials

< Back Swift Crescendo Podcasting Content Creator Hello! I am Swift Crescendo, your friendly neighborhood Silver Dragon VTuber! Over on Twitch I do a variety of games including RPGs, strategy/simulation, city builders, and more. I like to take it easy and hang out with friends, often even featuring them on stream! I otherwise try to keep things comfy and cozy - though I do have a competitive streak too, which often comes out when I'm playing something worth competing in - including mini golf. Offline, I am almost always singing and listening to some form of music, either a local classical station or Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan. Glitch Symphony is my partner and co-conspirator in most things...which I repay by attempting to be some semblance of a manager for her own channel. I am perpetually working on writing somewhere around six ideas for novels and plotting to take over worlds both virtual and physical. That last one's a joke... or is it? Other Socials

< Back Lisa Hodorovych Literary Author Writing has always been a constant for Lisa. Ever since she was little, she knew she was going to be an author and now, she is living her dream. When she is not working on her own writing, she is working with others on their stories through her company, Quoth the Writer. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, John. When she is not working at all, she is either watching her favorite movies or TV shows, reading, or spending time with her family, friends, and husband. Other Socials

< Back Michelle Hymowitz Gaming Staff Michelle is the former president of the Games Club of Maryland. She has been involved in the boardgaming community for over 25 years, been a High School teacher even longer, attended Balticon even longer, and arranged the Gaming Track panels for over five years. Her husband is lying when he says she is forcing him to attend. Other Socials

< Back Beyond the Score When a conductor of the stars tries to enforce order, an innovative star leads him to discover the beauty of creativity within structure. When a conductor of the stars tries to enforce order, an innovative star leads him to discover the beauty of creativity within structure. Previous Next