About Me

Evelyn – The Comic Canary

Hi, I’m a lifelong nerd, science communicator, cosplayer, photographer, gamer, and fandom educator passionate about building welcoming, creative, and inclusive spaces for fellow fans. As a queer, plus-size, and disabled creator, accessibility, diversity, and representation are deeply important to both my personal and professional work within fandom spaces.

Whether I’m running a D&D campaign, teaching trading card games, photographing cosplayers, leading convention panels, hosting podcasts, or discussing the speculative biology of dragons and sea monsters, my goal is always the same: to celebrate fandom, creativity, and community while encouraging respect, positivity, and inclusivity in geek culture.

A Nerdy Upbringing

I was practically raised at the Dungeons & Dragons table. My dad is a massive comic, fantasy, and sci-fi nerd as well as a Tolkien scholar, so discussions about Middle-earth, superheroes, and speculative worlds were just part of everyday life growing up.

On my mom’s side, I’m a proud third-generation nerd. My mom, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are all huge fans of Star Trek and Superman, so fandom has always been deeply woven into my family culture. The running family joke is that my big teenage rebellion was preferring Marvel over DC Comics — though as an adult, I’ve happily embraced loving all of it.

For me, fandom was never “just a hobby.” It was how I learned storytelling, creativity, community, and imagination from the very beginning.

Gaming & Community Leadership

My love of gaming eventually became part of my professional life as well. I have worked as both a gaming manager and general manager for several comic and game shops, helping build welcoming spaces for players of all experience levels.

During that time, I ran a successful Magic: The Gathering Commander League and regularly taught games including Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon TCG, and a wide variety of board games. One of my favorite things has always been helping new players feel comfortable entering fandom and gaming spaces for the first time.

I also run D&D campaigns and create custom homebrew content tailored to individual players and groups. More information about campaigns, homebrew design, and other gaming services can be found under the Professional Services section of the site.

Professional Fandom Work & Convention Paneling

Since 2016, I’ve been a convention panelist at events across the East Coast, combining my real-world science background with my love of fandom to explore geek culture through an academic lens.

My panels cover a wide range of topics including:

  • Diversity and inclusion in fandom
  • The history and evolution of fanfiction
  • Mythology and speculative biology
  • The science behind fantasy creatures
  • Cosplay accessibility and budgeting
  • Fandom history and community culture

My mission is to promote diversity, respect, positivity, and accessibility within fandom spaces while encouraging thoughtful discussions about the media and communities we love.

I’ve had the honor of appearing at conventions including Awesome Con, Katsucon main stage programming, New York Comic Con, along with many beloved local conventions and community events.

I am also proud to currently serve as an Outside Program Coordinator for Geeks OUT, helping support inclusive geek programming and community outreach.

Photography

My photography journey began with prom, graduation, and portfolio photography for friends and classmates before expanding into fashion and cosplay photography.

Over time, I developed a strong passion for capturing the creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind cosplay and fandom culture. My work has received recognition within the cosplay community, including earning second place in the 2025 Baltimore Comic-Con Cosplay Photography Competition.

For photography bookings, portfolio information, and collaboration inquiries, please visit the Professional Services section of the site.

Podcasting & Media

In addition to photography and convention work, I also produce, host, and guest host podcasts focused on fandom, storytelling, and geek culture.

I currently co-host and produce Tolkien About It alongside my dad, a Tolkien scholar, where we take a multigenerational look at the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, exploring everything from Middle-earth lore and adaptations to themes, history, and fandom culture surrounding his legendarium.

Podcasting has become another way for me to connect with fandom communities, share discussions I’m passionate about, and create welcoming spaces for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

I also have several additional podcast projects currently in development that I’m incredibly excited to share in the future.

Cosplay

I have been cosplaying since I was 12 years old and won my first major cosplay award at 19. Somehow, after years of hard work, creativity, and community support, I reached the Masters level in 2025.

As a plus-size and disabled cosplayer and model, I’m deeply passionate about promoting diversity, accessibility, and positivity within cosplay spaces. I frequently speak on topics including:

  • Budget cosplay
  • Beginner-friendly resources
  • Accessibility in cosplay
  • Body positivity in fandom
  • Crafting and sourcing tips
  • Encouraging new cosplayers

I firmly believe cosplay should be accessible to everyone. Whether your cosplay is handmade, thrifted, closet-built, commissioned, or store-bought, what matters most is that you’re having fun and expressing your love for the characters and stories that inspire you.

Because at the end of the day, cosplay is first and foremost: play.

Science & Speculative Biology

My academic background plays a huge role in my fandom work and creative interests. I hold a double major in Marine Biology and Documentary Film with minors in Oceanography, Chemistry, and Statistics.

I’ve interned in multiple research labs working with sponges, squids, and lobsters, and I’ve also worked in coastline health, habitat restoration, and oyster bed restoration projects.

Beyond marine science, I was also a zoo intern where I worked with a wide variety of animals while assisting with research related to:

  • Animal behavior
  • Mating and breeding behaviors
  • Gestation
  • Juvenile development
  • Endangered species care and observation

I currently volunteer with a bird of prey rescue and rehabilitation center, continuing my lifelong passion for animal care and conservation.

My background in biology naturally feeds into one of my favorite fandom interests: speculative anatomy and ecology for fantasy and mythical creatures. I love exploring questions like how dragons would fly, what ecosystems sea serpents might inhabit, or how magical creatures could realistically evolve and survive within their environments.