July 2025 saw the release of a new book of academic essays on Star Trek. Second Star To the Right: Essays in Leadership in Star Trek (Vernon Press), edited by Jason A. Kaufman and Aaron M. Peterson, features 18 chapters reflecting on how Trek teaches us to lead with a strong, guiding vision for the future. My chapter in the book is called “No Room for Bigotry on the Bridge: Star Trek, DEI, and Cultural Competence” and reflects on Star Trek from the vantage point of 10 years teaching about the beauty of religious diversity and the importance of cultural competence to aspiring nursing students. You can check out the volume and pick up a copy here (or request it from your local academic or public library). Many thanks to the editors for including my chapter—and for their own high-minded leadership.
But 2025 was a summer of Trek for Central Ohio more broadly, as it happened, and I was fascinated to be a part of it. Through my excellent 501st Legion friend Tom Betti, I became aware that a new Trek exhibit would be temporarily installed at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (DACO), located in downtown Lancaster at the Reese-Peters House, from May 31-August 31, 2025, titled “Star Trek & Worlds Beyond.” The exhibit of over 150 props, costumes and artifacts from the Trek universe(s) was a collaboration between DACO, the Paramount Archives (curator Randall Thropp), the Trumbull County Historical Society and the Museum of Science Fiction and Fantasy Arts, a new permanent collection planned in Warren, Ohio to house a huge donation from Modern Props’ John Zabrucky, some of which were on display.
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