CALIFORNIA—Can a fungal pestilence evolve to turn humans into zombie-like monsters? That’s the subject of “The Last of Us,” a video game and television series, and it was also the focus of a recent comic convention panel.

Every year, San Diego Comic-Con, the premier comic convention in the United States, celebrates superheroes both fictional and real. And while a comic convention may not be the first place you would expect to encounter a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service research scientist; last month, attendees met USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station research ecologist Dr. Lindsey Rustad.

Dr. Rustad used her expertise within the field of ecology to participate in a comic-con panel focused on the intersection of science and pop culture. Specifically, Dr. Rustad’s panel looked at “The Last of US” and helped audience members ascertain the real-world plausibility of a fungal-induced apocalypse. Panelists tied the discussion to current real-world topics, such as climate change and its possible correlation with increased likelihood of diseases and infections.

“Sharing the excitement, joy and gravity of science with the public, especially young people, is something I cherish most about my work,” explained Dr. Rustad, “And what better place to do this than Comic-Con International in San Diego!”

Additionally, Dr. Rustad was one of 17 female innovators to serve as Comic-Con STEAM Squad ambassadors as part of the second annual IF/THEN STEAM Fair that ran concurrently with comic-con. An initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, IF/THEN brought these innovators together to share the unique and unconventional methods they are incorporating into teaching and communicating science.

During the event, Dr. Rustad also staffed a STEAM Fair Forest Service booth, where she engaged with visitors of all ages, answering questions and sharing information about WaterViz—a web-based water cycle visualization tool that combines science, art and music into a new way of viewing and listening to water data from forests.

Dr. Rustad said of the event, “It was truly an honor to represent the Forest Service at this high-profile event while sharing my passion for the integration of art and science at the STEAM Fair at the Comic-Con Museum.”

Additional employees attended from Cleveland National Forest, providing support by covering shifts at the booth and Smokey Bear to greet visitors, share his wildfire prevention message and, of course, sign his comic book.  

“Many thanks to my new friends at the Cleveland National Forest for supporting the STEAM Fair tables and bringing Smokey Bear to the show!” Dr. Rustad said. “It was a great example of Forest Service camaraderie and collaboration.”