The Founder Effect

Robert E. Hampson writes character-driven hard SF where space is messy, unforgiving, and achingly human. His fiction blends medical problem-solving, nuts-and-bolts engineering, and the logistics of living off-Earth-from underground Martian habitats to orbital shipyards-with an eye on plausible technology and the true costs of rescue. By day, he's a professor of regenerative medicine, neuroscience, neurology, and biomedical engineering. By night, he digs into Mars geography, mission architecture, and bionics research so the science on the page feels lived-in and true. He is the author of The Moon and the Desert and Across an Ocean of Stars.

Sandra L. Medlock started her career as an editor and writer by reviewing environmental impact studies for the U.S. Air Force. She transitioned to editing for a private publisher and over time worked in the legal department for an oil company reviewing briefs and filings. Sandra moved to corporate writing and editing procedural and policy manuals. Her interest in computers and software led to a shift in her career as director and corporate trainer for two independent training companies and the IT department of a global manufacturer, where she wrote training curricula as well as company newsletters.

As a freelance journalist, Sandra wrote a weekly music column, a weekly technology column, and a monthly lifestyles column for three regional newspapers, including the San Antonio Express-News. She wrote freelance computer technology magazine articles, created and edited newsletters for several organizations, and was the producer of two computer shows on local radio.

Currently, Sandra tutors in math and English to students, provides an editing service, teaches music, and writes fiction. She lives outside San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two very demanding small dogs, and a senior cat who has perfected Chewbacca's wail. You can find her on social media and blogging at sandramedlock.com.