Hi Karim! It's amazing to have you here answering our questions! You interact so much with the fans, and it's amazing to see a community be created in real time through your interactions with us. I'm loving your preformance as Jay-Den, cementing him as one of my favorite Trek characters of all time. I've got a serious and a silly question!

• Jay-Den breaks some serious barriers in his character arc. How similar are you to Jay-Den at the core, and is there anything from your own life that you translated into Jay-Den?
• If you were in the Star Trek universe, what would your position in Starfleet be? Would you choose to be in Starfleet, or pick to explore something else? Basically, tell us about your Star Trek self-insert character, if you've thought of one! Thanks so much for reading and answering our questions! Can't wait for next week's episode too!! LLAP!

Hi Karim!

I'm liking Starfleet Academy. It's hard to pick a favourite character though ^_^'

How did you prepare for your role as Jay Den?

(more questions might come up if I think of them before you answer)

What previous trek cast member do you want to do a cameo on Academy, just so you can share the set with them?

I don't know if it's expired already, but what drew you into acting and the Starfleet Academy role? Were you into the series before hand?

Did you have any expectations that changed before and after taking the role on?

Is there something that surprised you in the role/show?

How di Jay-Den voice came to be? di you pull from any specific reference? also, is his voice modified in post? it has a very unique feeling

Hey! It's awesome to have you here. I've been really enjoying the show so far, and your performance has been one of my favourite parts. You bring such nuance and depth to the character, and I can't imagine it is easy to give such a compelling performance when you're playing a character as reserved as Jay-Den.

In preparation for this role, how much (if at all) did you study mannerisms of past actors who played Klingon characters? Were there any particular aspects that served as inspiration for how you want to play Jay-Den? Or perhaps things that you strove to avoid, due to wanting to bring something distinct to this character?

(Or inspirations for your performance beyond Star Trek)

How did your understanding of the character (and how you played him) develop once you were on set? Were there any particular interactions with members of the cast/crew that shaped how you portrayed Jay-Den?

Smaller question: Favourite episode of Starfleet Academy?

Super cool to have you here! Love Academy so far!

My question is, how to does Jay-Den like his raktajino?

Well now we've got at least two Star Trek stars on the fediverse! @georgetakei@universeodon.com

wow. this is beyond exciting.

I've loved your interpretation of a Klingon. What informs how to bring such an odd alien and culture to life? What new things are you trying to introduce and what things are you trying to pay homage too?

In episode '2F09', when Itchy plays Scratchy's skeleton like a xylophone, he strikes the same rib twice in succession, yet he produces two clearly different tones. I mean, what are we to believe, that this is some sort of a magic xylophone or something?

yoooo, a celebrity on the fediverse? let's goooooo

Do you think Starfleet Academy is reaching younger audiences? What do you think about Strange New Worlds as far as that demographic? I ask as a 50 year old who grew up on TOS and TNG and everything since. (I've actually more or less liked every instance of Star Trek, but I really do like where SNW and SA are going recently!)

Hey! I think your acting is one of the best parts of the show. Thank you for sharing your talent!

what does it feel like to play the first autistic and queer Klingon? (AFAIK)

Is it hard to do that voice? Do ya drink a lot of tea on set or are ya naturally baritone.

Hi Karim! Great job playing Jay-Den!

If you were a cadet at Starfleet Academy, which electives would you pick?

Whoa, Lemmy is going places! I never expected to see a Reddit-style AMA to appear here. I don't have any questions for you, Mr. Karim but I do wish you the best!

Hey Karim, super cool to have you here. I love what you've done with your character so far and I'm hoping for continued success on SFA.

1. What's the energy like on set? Are there any particularly strong jokesters? Tim Russ on Voyager was noted for cracking a lot of jokes, for example, and I think Michael Dorn and Brent Spiner had a similar reputation on the set of TNG.
2. Are you into science fiction generally? If so, what's your favorite book, movie, or tv series?
3. What do you wish people knew about SFA (or you!) that they don't seem to?

Star Trek has always been a show using sci-fi elements to draw parallels to our own culture. What mirror do you feel Jay-Den holds up to people in the real world?

Who is your favorite captain?

Wildly unexpected. Thank you for doing this! 💜

I'm a huge Star Trek as well as lover of Birds. imagine my surprise to see a Klingon carrying binos and then saying, "I watch birds." My family started laughing because I wear a t-shirt often that simply says, "I like birds" and they were really really hoping that you would say that. Haha. Close enough!

I have a very serious two part question:

1. What is Jay-Den's favorite bird? And...
2. What is Karim's favorite bird?

🐦 🖖🏽

Thanks for the AMA!

How did you find the Fediverse? Have you found it enjoyable?

Qapla! Do you speak any Klingon besides the lines you had to memorize? Did you study the history/lore of the Klingons? Btw, I love how you are bringing Jay-Den to life.

Hello Karim, what are you most recommended/most stay-away-from-this experiences in Toronto (and area) so far?

Star Trek has pushed progressive ideas throughout the years, from your experience on set, how do the people making the show, actors included, still try to carry that banner with the mounting political landscape?

The Next Generation episode “Thine Own Self” has an A-plot that sees Data having to go retrieve radioactive metal. He gets into a shuttle accident, landing on a planet where he loses his memory. The inhabitants of the planet give him the name Jayden. Is Jay-Den named after this episode?