Are we ever likely to meet any Klingons, or qualify to join the Federation?

 Or are we the only intelligent species within millions of light years?  We discuss a mathematical framework for estimating the number of Intelligent Alien species that humankind might encounter as we explore and colonize the Milky Way galaxy.  Previous attempts to make this estimate have been colored by political pressure to raise funds for research projects, in particular the SETI effort.

Consequently, those estimates have lacked mathematical rigor and been generally too optimistic.

David Eagle has Bachelors degrees in Math and Physics from New Mexico State University.  He holds the first degree ever awarded in Nanotechnology, a Masters from Greenwich University.  After a career in computer programming and consulting, he is now semi-retired, teaching Math at Navarro College in Corsicana.  His hobbies include disc golf, Dallas Mavericks basketball, home repair and attending Mensa games nights.

Abstract of talk:

Are we ever likely to meet any Klingons, or qualify to join the Federation?

Or are we the only intelligent species within millions of light years?  We discuss a mathematical framework for estimating the number of Intelligent Alien species that humankind might encounter as we explore and colonize the Milky Way galaxy.  Previous attempts to make this estimate have been colored by political pressure to raise funds for research projects, in particular the SETI effort.

Consequently, those estimates have lacked mathematical rigor and been generally too optimistic.