Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, author, and former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served onboard the space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on missions STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station. He led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s five-year STEM education plan. After twenty-four years with NASA as a researcher, an astronaut, and a senior executive service leader, he shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer, and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEAM careers.
Joe Caramagna is a veteran writer of comic books, middle grade novels and graphic novels, and more! His notable works include Disney’s Duck Tales and Disney’s Frozen among other books by Disney Comics, Aru Shah & The End of Time graphic novel adaptation by Disney Hyperion, and many, many Marvel super hero stories starring Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. He lives in NJ with his wife and three children, and loves American history, New Jersey Devils hockey and donuts. Lots of donuts.
Alison Acton is a Canadian artist with a background in comics and traditional animation. She’s worked for studios like Spumco, Pocket Gems, Big Jump, and Netflix, and publishers like HarperCollins, Tokyopop, and First Second. She loves creating expressive characters, writing snarky dialogue, jiu-jitsu, and long dog walks away from her three almost teen boys who are perpetually competing to see who can be the loudest.