Archive for the ‘Nerd Nite Events’ Category
Nerd Nite #27 – SOLD OUT
Our last Nerd Nite Calgary event of the season happens on Thursday, June 8 at Wild Rose Brewery:
When: Thursday, June 8, 2017 (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: Wild Rose Brewery
Tickets: $10 online + fees (waitlist option available)
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Lending a Hand with the Calgary Arm
Joel Neumann & Peter Hillman, undergraduate researchers, University of Calgary
Dr. Mark Ungrin, Tyler Anker, Shalese Baxandall, Peter Hillman, Amanda Mackey, Joel Neumann, and Rohan Antony
The Calgary Arm is a low cost prosthetic hand targeting arm amputees in developing countries who don’t have access to complex and expensive prosthetic hands. The main components of the arm are a reversed bike pump, pop bottles, tubing, a balloon, and some sugar or salt. It functions on the principle of a universal jamming gripper, where the gripper can be deformed around an object when the vacuum pump is not engaged, and then grasped when the vacuum is applied. This type of gripper allows the user to pick up a wide range of objects with relative ease.
Evolution Can Be Faster Than You (or Darwin) Thought
Jonathan Mee, PhD, Mount Royal University
Jon Mee
Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species in 1859. Biologists continue to be amazed by how many of his insights still hold true in the light of ongoing scientific discoveries. But, there’s (at least) one thing Darwin got wrong in a big way. He thought that evolutionary change is, and always has been, imperceptibly slow. We now know that evolutionary change can happen within our lifetimes (or even faster). I will talk about how contemporary evolutionary change has important implications (good and bad) for human health and biodiversity conservation.
Plus:
There will be delicious mini cupcakes and a game to celebrate the end of our season!
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Nerd Nite #26 – SOLD OUT
Nerd Nite Calgary event #25 happens on Thursday, May 18 at Wild Rose Brewery:
When: Thursday, May 18, 2017 (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: Wild Rose Brewery
Tickets: $10 online + fees (SOLD OUT)
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Milk of the Poppy and the New Breaking Bad
Dr. Peter J. Facchini, Professor and Canada Research Chair, University of Calgary
Dr. Peter Facchini
Opium poppy has long been a subject for elegant scientific enquiry, including a quarter-century of groundbreaking research at the University of Calgary. Recently, genes encoding all known pathway enzymes involved in the formation of the narcotic analgesic morphine and the cough suppressant and potential anticancer drug noscapine have been isolated. The availability of these genes has led to well-publicized efforts at leading universities to reconstitute morphine and noscapine biosynthetic pathways in yeast. However, the standard approaches used to engineer microorganisms, sometimes called synthetic biology, have resulted in low product yields far inferior to the remarkable metabolic capacity of the plant. The detection of metabolic bottlenecks suggests that additional parts and an understanding of unknown biological processes are still required to establish fermentation as a viable alternative to the agricultural cultivation of opium poppy as a source of legal opiates and other pharmaceuticals. Dr. Facchini will present a snapshot of his 25-year odyssey as one of the world’s foremost opium poppy researchers and discuss the prospects for home-brewed pain relief.
Human-wildlife collisions:
What happens when people and wildlife share the same landscape?
Dr. Michael S. Quinn, Associate VP Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement, Mount Royal University
Dr. Michael S. Quinn
In a rapidly changing environment like the Calgary region, new roads and trails intersect with wildlife corridors and pathways for a wide variety of animals. The presentation will provide some insight into the challenges and opportunities for managing to keep people and wildlife moving on the landscape. Images from remote cameras provide a look into a world we seldom see.
Cancer vs the Nanobots…
Dr. David Cramb, Professor, University of Calgary
Dr. David Cramb
Regular cancer treatment focuses on killing the cancer cells through large doses of medicine, but it also kills other cells in the body and causes significant side-effects and potential long-term effects. We are developing nanoparticles to deliver the drugs and diagnostic agents solely to the tumor in much smaller, more effective quantities, leading to more targeted treatments that are easier on the body.
The Nerd Nite that must not be named (Sold out)
The Nerd Nite that must not be named happens on Thursday, April 20th!
When: Thursday, April 20th, 2017 (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: Wild Rose Brewery
Tickets: $10 online + fees (SOLD OUT)
Wait list at: https://thenerdnitethatmustnotbenamed.eventbrite.com
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
You only use 10% of your brain, and other alternative brain facts
Dr. Catherine Lebel, University of Calgary
Dr. Catherine Lebel
Many “alternative facts” about the brain abound, despite overwhelming evidence from neuroscience otherwise. With neuroimaging as a platform, I’ll go through some popular brain myths, discussing evidence for or against them (mostly against), and highlight some recent exciting neuroscience research.
Mystery of Leonardo’s Last Supper
Marina Fischer, University of Calgary
Marina Fisher (top) and Leonardo’s Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the most famous art works in the world. Despite its deteriorating state, the painting has always overwhelmed viewers by its emotional power and mystery. Join Marina Fischer as she explains symbols and meanings of this enigmatic masterpiece.
Deep Nets and Dark Nets and Dark Webs! Oh my!
Mike Hracs, Cyber-security expert
Mike Hracs
Delve into the underbelly of the Internet by learning about Deep Nets, Dark Nets, and Dark Webs, discovering their legitimate and illegitimate uses, and discussing how they are used by cybercriminals, journalists, military operatives, and cybersecurity professionals.
Nerd Nite Omega – SOLD OUT
Nerd Nite Omega happens on Thursday, March 16!
When: Thursday, March 16th, 2017 (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: Wild Rose Brewery
Tickets: $10 online + fees SOLD OUT
Wait list at: http://nerdniteomega.eventbrite.ca
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Adventures in science – What you learn when you leave behind what you know
Dr. Sarah Hewitt, Mount Royal University
Dr. Sarah Hewitt
I remember the moment sitting in my neuroscience lab in front of my microscope and computer when I thought to myself, “I love this – but I will die if I do this for the rest of my life.” And in that moment, I came up with the idea of being an adventure travel scientist instead. I didn’t know what that meant but I’ve since tried to sort it out. This is the story of my adventures and misadventures in learning how to communicate science in fields that aren’t my own. I’ve learned how to get up to speed quickly whether I’m tracking spider monkeys in Belize, measuring permafrost temperatures in Alaska, taking leaf samples in the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica, or measuring de-forestation in Ethiopia. And most importantly, I’ve realized that science is science and there are surprising commonalities everywhere.
The human-component in Artificial Intelligence: Answering the age-old question “can my child learn to swear like an angry chatbot?”
Lindsay Hracs, PhD student, University of Calgary
Linsday Hracs
There are many parallels between humans and AI in terms of language learning. For example, both humans and machines require language input to solve a language learning problem, and linguistic knowledge in both humans and machines can be evaluated by the accuracy of the output (speech or text). So, what are the implications as computer programs start to display more human-like linguistic behaviour and increased intelligence?
Green beer and other myths attributed to St Patrick’s Day
Joseph W. Windsor, PhD Candidate, University of Calgary
Joseph W. Windsor
St. Patrick wore blue, he purposefully disrupted Easter traditions causing a military response, and he wasn’t even Irish. So how did the poor slave, Patrick become the patron saint of Ireland and have everything from beer to rivers dyed green in his honour?
Nerd Nite Psi Feb 16 – SOLD OUT
Nerd Nite Psi happens on Thursday, Feb 16!
When: Thursday, Feb. 16th, 2017 (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: Wild Rose Brewery
Tickets: $10 online + fees SOLD OUT
http://nerdnitepsi.eventbrite.ca
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Quantum Teleportation – What it is, What it’s not, and What it’s good for!
Raju Valivarthi – PhD student, Marcel.li Grimau Puigibert – PhD student, Qiang Zhou – Post Doc, and Daniel Oblak – Research Coordinator, Quantum Communication and Cryptography lab, University of Calgary
Roberta Lexier, PhD, Mount Royal University
I am an activist. And I study social movements. But for years I have been feeling powerless, overwhelmed, cynical, and paralyzed. Everything happening was too big. I couldn’t change the world. Yet, in these dark times, I have again found my strength, my courage, and my power. I found comfort in the knowledge that the people united will never be defeated. And I found that fighting feels better than resigning to the apocalypse! The world seems overwhelming, but together we can explore ways that individuals can participate in social movements and how we might, together, change the world.
Nerd Nite Chi – SOLD OUT
Nerd Nite Calgary Chi happens on Thursday, January 19th, 2017!
When: Thursday, January 19, 2017 – Doors open @ 6:30 – Event starts around 7pm
Where: The Wild Rose Brewery Taproom
Tickets: $10 online SOLD OUT
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Space Voyeurs: What Can We Really See From Space?
Dr. Lynn Moorman, Mount Royal University
Dr. Lynn Moorman
Satellite and sensors constantly map and monitor the Earth. Ever wonder what those eyes in the sky are really seeing? Join Lynn Moorman as she delves into the science and art of understanding the Earth and ourselves through geographic technologies and remote sensing.
Is climate change going to create a zombie apocalypse?
Bringing ancient viruses back to life
Dr. Bryan Moorman, University of Calgary
Dr. Brian Moorman
Half of Canada is covered by glaciers or permafrost. What would happen if all that ice melted? What started out as a search for archaeological artifacts in the Subarctic, ended up with DNA sequencing and bringing ancient viruses back to life. This is the story of a research project that led to some interesting discoveries and more than a few surprises. See how scientists, archaeologists and First Nations elders worked together to understand how the northern environment has changed in the past and where it is currently headed. By the way, the ice is melting…fast, and there will be no zombie apocalypse…probably.
Canadian Music and New Media
Andrew Mosker, NMC President and CEO
Adam Fox, Program Director
National Music Centre
The digital revolution has created unprecedented options and opportunities for the public to curate their own channels of music and information. Building a home for music in Canada in this new era presents some novel challenges. Join NMC President and CEO Andrew Mosker, and Program Director Adam Fox, as they discuss Canadian music and new media.
Nerd Nite Phi – SOLD OUT
Nerd Nite Calgary Phi happens on Thursday, November 24th!
When: Thursday, November 24, 2016 – Doors open @ 6:30 – Event starts around 7pm
Where: The Wild Rose Brewery Taproom
Tickets: $10 online (waitlist) – SOLD OUT
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Feathers are flying: Birds are dinosaurs
Dr. Phil Currie, University of Alberta
Dr. Phil Currie, world renowned palaeontologist
The lives of T. rex and Triceratops were more than violent monster-on-monster clashes. For a long time dinosaurs were considered to be Nature’s greatest example of an evolutionary flop. As the story went, they terrorized the World for 150,000,000 years and then mysteriously disappeared 65 million years ago. Not so! Palaeontologists now believe that birds are dinosaurs, and therefore there are more than 10,000 living species of dinosaurs. Join Phil Currie as he talks about the transition of dinosaur duds into the most successful air-breathing vertebrates of all time.
Why 5 is the New 30 – Communicating With Millennials
Tyler Middleton, x 92.9
Tyler Middleton
In this presentation, Tyler will take a look at the millennial generation and how to effectively communicate with them. What makes them tick? What works and what doesn’t? Tyler shows how you can reach this generation more effectively, and WHY is this important.
Quantum technology for fun, profit, and discovery
Dr. Paul Barclay, University of Calgary
Quantum technology is rapidly transitioning from theory to practice. I will discuss some successes and challenges in deploying quantum technology, speculate on its potential to impact society, and highlight quantum development happening in Alberta.
Nerd Nite Upsilon – SOLD OUT
Tickets for Nerd Nite Upsilon go on sale Tuesday, September 20th at 6 PM.
When: Thursday, October 20, 2016 – Doors open @ 6:30 – Event starts around 7pm
Where: The Wild Rose Brewery Taproom
Tickets: $10 online (waitlist) – SOLD OUT
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Not your parents space program
How recent developments in the industry will impact the future of space exploration and Mars settlement
Bryan Versteeg, Spacehabs.com
Photo credit: Bryan Versteeg
Join us as Bryan Versteeg explains how recent developments in the industry will impact the future of space exploration and Mars settlement. Bryan is an internationally published futurist and conceptual designer for the space exploration industry. His images created for his website Spacehabs.com, are widely used to portray the potential for the future of human kind. He is also one of the co-founders of the asteroid mining company Deep Space Industries and is responsible for the conceptual images for the the Mars One Mission.
Krysta Dudar, linguist and speech pathologist
Krysta Dudar
Nerd Nite Tau – SOLD OUT
Tickets for Nerd Nite Tau go on sale Tuesday, August 23 at 6 PM. Topics include lightning, LSD research limitations, and the Internet of things. Be there and be square!
When: Thursday, September 15, 2016 – Doors open @ 6:30 – Event starts around 7pm
Where: The Wild Rose Brewery Taproom
Tickets: $10 online SOLD OUT
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Curing Alcoholism with LSD:
Mysticism and Myth in the History of LSD psychotherapy
Dr. Matthew Oram, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Calgary
Research exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is making a significant comeback in North America, and has been the subject of considerable media attention. Psychedelic research had its previous heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, but came to a close amid turmoil surrounding the increasing recreational use of the drugs. Psychedelic research is therefore a field in close conversation with its past. In this presentation, I will challenge some myths surrounding the history of LSD psychotherapy research, and explore the theory, method, and effectiveness of the most heavily researched form of treatment: “psychedelic therapy” for chronic alcoholism.
What is the Internet of Things?
Why do I need to connect cat poop to the Internet?
Dr. Steve Liang, Associate Professor, University of Calgary
In the near future, millions to billions of small sensors and actuators will be embedded in real-world objects and connected to the Internet forming the Internet of Things (IoT). The basic premise of the IoT is that everyday objects or devices can sense their environment, collect information, and communicate and interact with each other. The changing nature of smart, connected “things” is disrupting value chains and will force organizations to rethink and retool nearly everything they do internally in order to stay competitive. In this talk, Dr. Steve Liang will introduce the Internet of Things concept, example applications, and opportunities.
Lightning: What It Is And How Not To Get Killed By It
Simon Larter, Dobbyn Electrical Services Ltd.
Every year, lightning strikes Canada once for every ten or so Canadians, and the southern Alberta foothills region is one of the most lightning-prone in the country. It stands to reason, then, that educated Calgarians should know a little something about the phenomenon, and how to protect themselves from it (spoiler alert: don’t go outside during thunderstorms). This presentation explores the basics of lightning and lightning safety, and has the added bonus of including tons of really cool lightning photos.
Nerd Nite Sigma – Sold Out
Our last event of the season happens on June 16th. As always, we’ll have a great line-up of engaging speakers. See you there!
When: Thursday, June 16, 2016 – Doors open @ 6:30 – Event starts around 7pm
Where: The Wild Rose Brewery Taproom
Tickets: $10 online SOLD OUT*
This is an 18+ event.
SPEAKERS
Why wet is better!
Underwater archaeology’s contribution to the peopling of the Americas conundrum
Kelly Monteleone, PhD, University of Calgary
Underwater Archeology, Kelly Monteleone
Recent underwater archaeological surveys and excavations have started to reveal more information about how people first arrived in North America. What routes did these people take? What technology did they have?
Using design and technology to address challenges posed by special needs
Kathryn Simone, Tikkun Olam Makers, Canada
http://tomcalgary.com
More than 1 billion people in the world live with some kind of disability. Yet technological advances driven by market demographics have created an ‘accessibility gap’ that make it difficult for people with physical or developmental impairments to contribute. Harnessing a maker community is a powerful way to address those challenges that have been neglected by the private sector.
A Scientist’s View of Everest
Dr. Trevor Day, Mount Royal University
Dr. Trevor Day at Everest base camp.
In April 2015, a team of 17 people organized by MRU’s Dr. Trevor Day was set to depart to Nepal to trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m) to try and figure out who gets “acute mountain sickness’ (AMS) and why. Trevor wanted to test a new model of high altitude physiology research – fast and light. Unfortunately, a week before they were to depart, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, killing over 9000 people across the country, and 19 people at Everest Base Camp. The Everest climbing season was closed, the second consecutive year in a row. The country didn’t need tourists, they needed international aid. Trevor and his team canceled the trip. The resilient people of Nepal have worked tirelessly to recover since the earthquake, in the face of devastation, aftershocks and political conflict. Related to Trevor’s AMS research, hear about Kathmandu and how the Everest Base Camp trek is now safe and open for business.