Seven Rasmussen: Blending Science and Fiction to Explore Humanity’s Future

The year is two thousand twenty-four. The world feels like it’s perpetually teetering on the precipice of… well, a lot of things. But amidst the chaos, there are those who find solace and inspiration in gazing beyond our pale blue dot. This is where we find Seven Rasmussen, a woman who embodies a captivating duality – astrobiologist and science fiction author. Day by day, she navigates the fascinating realms of both science and imagination, all while inspiring the next generation of thinkers at Tacoma Community College.

From Astrophysics to Storytelling

Seven’s journey into the cosmos of storytelling began, perhaps unsurprisingly, while she was deep in the throes of her PhD at the University of Notre Dame back in two thousand eighteen. Surrounded by equations and scientific papers, she felt a pull towards a different kind of exploration – one that allowed her to grapple with the big, existential questions that science alone couldn’t quite answer.

And so, she wrote. Her short stories, often set against the backdrop of the cosmos and infused with futuristic technology, became a reflection of her own fascination with the great unknown. Think shimmering space stations orbiting distant planets, AI pushing the boundaries of consciousness, and humanity grappling with the implications of technological advancements. Yeah, that kind of vibe.

Literary Influences and Recurring Themes

If you were to peek at Seven’s bookshelf (or, let’s be real, her e-reader), you’d find a treasure trove of literary giants. Ray Bradbury’s lyrical prose, Dan Simmons’ sprawling space operas, and Seth Dickinson’s sharp, thought-provoking narratives – these are just a few of the voices that have shaped her own writing style.

But it’s not just about the “how” of storytelling for Seven; it’s also about the “what.” Thematically, she finds herself drawn to authors like N.K. Jemisin, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Becky Chambers – writers who aren’t afraid to tackle social commentary within their speculative fiction. Their influence is evident in Seven’s own work, where she weaves in critiques of capitalism and explores its potential impact on the future of humanity. Because let’s be honest, the fate of humanity is kinda her jam.