Joanne, Panelist

What’s a fun fact about you?

I collect Barbie dolls.

What’s your favorite Star Trek series?

The Next Generation. I was in college when it aired and some of us would gather in the dorm lounge to watch.I made some lifelong friends because of that time together each week.

Do you have a favorite Star Trek Captain?

My favorite captain is Benjamin Sisko because he's brilliant and gorgeous and fearless. Avery Brooks also attended my Alma mater so he means a lot to Obies everywhere.

How about a favorite character who isn’t a Captain?

My favorite non captain is Deanna Troi. She embodies everything I am not but aspire to be: patient, trusting, empathetic.

What is your comfort episode?

TNG’s “Darmok” because it's about trust and the sacrifice it takes to find consensus through communication. As someone who talks for a living, these concepts are deeply meaningful to me.

What episode would you show someone to get them into Trek?

The Defector (TNG) is my introduction episode as it showcases all of the best things about Trek to me. The crew works together to gather information, they utilize the strengths of their collaborative partners  and they face an enemy with conviction and resolve.

What was your first contact with Star Trek?

I watched TOS in syndication because my parents were very proud of Nichelle Nichols as Uhura and thought it was important for me to see.

What's your favorite Trek-spiracy? (head canon or fan theory, etc)

Klingons are Black.

What’s your favorite Trek “Beta Canon”? Books, Games, etc.

Imzadi. My obsession with Troi continues in book form.

If you were in the Trek universe, what era, and what would your role be (in or out of Starfleet)?

DS9/TNG era and I would be a communications person or cultural attaché.

What class of ship would you want to serve on?

Defiant Class

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