Triangle SkeptiCamp 2024 Speakers
The following speakers are confirmed for Triangle SkeptiCamp 2024. We’re grateful to each of them for helping us make this event possible.
Kenny Biddle
Kenny Biddle is a renowned skeptic, investigator, and science enthusiast known for his relentless pursuit of uncovering the truth behind paranormal and supernatural claims. Born and raised in the United States, Kenny developed a deep curiosity about the unexplained from a young age, which eventually led him to become a prominent figure in the field of skeptical inquiry.
With an analytical mind and a commitment to critical thinking, Kenny has dedicated himself to investigating a wide range of paranormal phenomena, including ghostly encounters, psychic abilities, UFO sightings, and more. He employs a scientific approach, carefully examining the evidence and employing rigorous methodologies to separate fact from fiction.
Kenny’s work extends beyond investigations. He is also a skilled writer and communicator, sharing his findings through various mediums. His writing has been featured in popular publications such as Skeptical Inquirer, and he has made numerous appearances on radio shows, podcasts, and television programs to discuss his research and skepticism. He produces the video series, Ghosts in the Machine, for the Center for Inquiry YouTube channel and hosts the weekly livestream show, The Skeptical Help Bar.
As an advocate for scientific literacy and skepticism, Kenny strives to educate the public about the importance of critical thinking and empirical evidence. He is a sought-after speaker, delivering engaging presentations that debunk myths and encourage rational thinking. In 2020, he was elected as a Fellow for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. In 2022, he accepted the position of Chief Investigator for CSI, becoming the world’s only full-time skeptical paranormal investigator.
Known for his affable demeanor and genuine curiosity, Kenny approaches his investigations with an open mind, always seeking to understand the perspectives of those who claim to have had paranormal experiences. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to applying scientific principles and rigorous investigation techniques to evaluate the validity of these claims.
Erika Engelhaupt
Erika Engelhaupt is a freelance science journalist, editor, and author. Her book GORY DETAILS: Adventures on the Dark Side of Science explores the truth behind many strange science stories. She has written for and edited top science magazines, newspapers, and websites including National Geographic, NPR, Science News, and Popular Mechanics. She holds M.S. degrees in biology and environmental science, and is now working on her next book for National Geographic, called SUPERPOWERED, which will delve into the science behind real (not mythical) human superabilities. She lives in Washington, DC, and Knoxville, Tennessee.
Susan Gerbic
Affectionately called the Wikipediatrician, Susan Gerbic is the founder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW), Monterey County Skeptics and is a self-proclaimed skeptical junkie. A Skeptical Inquirer contributor Gerbic is a fellow of CSI and of GWUP and winner of the 2012 In the Trenches award from the Skeptic’s Toolbox and the James Randi Foundation award for 2017. In 2019, the Center for Inquiry awarded her the Balles Award for Critical Thinking and the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) in 2022 awarded her the Philip J. Klass award.
In 2018, Susan founded and manages About Time a non-profit organization focusing on scientific skepticism and activism. While her particular focus has been “Grief Vampires” (psychics), her activism encompasses all areas of skepticism. In 2019 the New York Times featured Gerbic and her Guerilla Skeptics involvement in two psychic stings, one of which captured the psychic reading Facebook pages who was claiming that he was getting the information from the dead. Her stings have rememberable names starting with Operation Bumblebee in 2014 and the most recent Operation Onion Ring. Information about her investigations into Grief Vampires can be found here.
She has published over 170 articles for Skeptical Inquirer which can be accessed on the magazine’s web site.
In 2022 Gerbic became the CFI Ambassador with the goal of growing the community.
You can find out more at AboutTimeProject.org.
Eric Harris
Eric Harris is a founding member of Triangle Skeptics. Prior to his retirement he worked as a neuroscientist with academic and industrial experience in research (drug discovery), development (clinical and regulatory) and cutting-edge so-called “alternative medicine” (neurofeedback, “brain training”). His work included experience with FDA interactions, integrated drug development (the interdependence of regulatory, clinical, nonclinical and CMC activities) and clinical trial conduct. Eric’s current interest is in neurofeedback (aka “neurotherapy”) for neurological and psychiatric conditions and meditation.
His professional specialties have included Neuronal plasticity, Drug development, FDA Interactions, Development Plans / Gap Analyses, The “Animal Rule”, Ion channels, Glutamate receptors, Electrophysiology, Hippocampal anatomy and physiology, QEEG, and meditation.
Photo and full bio coming soon.
Rob Palmer
Rob Palmer is a retired aerospace engineer turned skeptical and atheist activist. He has had over 90 articles published by Skeptical Inquirer as well as in other skeptical and humanist media in several countries. He writes about contemporary skeptical issues and has interviewed individuals as diverse as Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Richard Dawkins, Penn & Teller, Seth Andrews, John de Lancie, and Mr. Deity. Rob has given presentations for various skeptic and humanist groups and conventions, including Dragon Con 2021 and four times at CSICon (the annual science and skepticism conference in Las Vegas). He has been interviewed about his work on various podcasts and YouTube shows, including The Skeptic Zone, Big Picture Science, Point of Inquiry, The Thinking Atheist, and by RecoveringfromReligion.org, for which he volunteers.
Coleman Watts
Coleman Watts is the host of Think This Through, a fast-growing YouTube show that debunks cons, cults and conspiracies, with a humorous flair. He has been speaking in front of audiences since the age of 10. He’s performed on stage, taught classes, given presentations, and of course performed on YouTube.