Nerd Nites are a global phenomenon, with events held in over 120 locations across the world. Nerd Nite Calgary launched in May 2014 with a simple formula: three ~20 minute nerdy presentations in a friendly, public environment (in other words, at a pub, with drinks). As we say, “it’s like discovery channel(tm), with beer.”
Calgary Bosses
Frank Koutis
Frank Koutis
It may surprise you to learn but Frank has only been a nerd since starting Nerd Nite in Calgary in May of 2014. Prior to that he always identified as a geek and this conflict has weighed heavily on him. You can see the tragedy of this when he forgets what’s he’s talking about during his opening remarks of a Nerd Nite. Besides that, Frank is an ‘IT’ guy where he spends all his days figuring out ridiculous command lines in an attempt to avoid typing out ridiculously longer command lines. Yet, he still finds time to read up on sciency things, keep up to date on trending memes, debate online and consume as much of the Internets day-to-day life to be able to say … Yeah, I saw that already … when anyone brings up a new exciting story. He can be reached directly at frank (at) nerdnite.com
To contact us please email us at
Calgary Nerd Squad
We’re grateful to our awesome team of volunteers — the Nerd Nite Calgary squad!
Joey Windsor
Joey Windsor
When Joey got an email about presenting at Nerd Nite in 2016, he couldn’t believe he didn’t know about a regular event heralded as “like the Discovery channel, with beer.” After presenting “Inventing a Fantasy Language ~or~ The History and Theory of Klingon” at Nerd Nite Omicron in March of 2016, he was hooked. Joey received his PhD in Linguistics in 2017 from the University of Calgary; now, he’s a Knowledge Translator in the Cumming School of Medicine where he works to make science around chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases accessible to everyone. Not nerdy enough for you? Okay, he’s also President of the international not-for-profit Language Creation Society—and yes, he does speak a little Klingon.
Lisa Amos – Photography
Lisa Amos is a photography enthusiast, supporting local businesses with event photography. Having attended Nerd Nite Calgary several times in 2017, she met Frank and Erika. Instantly in love with their business model and guest speakers, Lisa offered to provide photography for Nerd Nite on an ongoing basis. She is currently an Event and Real Estate Photographer for Calgary and area, offering personalized, small business service in this amazing city. Other than business photography, she loves attending concerts to capture bands in action, discovering beautiful moments in nature while on hikes and camping, building community with the amazing people she meets, participating in teaching opportunities, and enjoying the nerdy moments with beer loving Calgarians. You can reach her at and www.CaydencePhotography.com.
Past Bosses
Erika Smith
Erika Smith – 2014 to 2019
Erika has been a Nerd Nite enthusiast since 2012, after becoming a regular attendee in YEG…but don’t hold that against her. She was excited to become co-boss of Nerd Nite Calgary with Frank shortly after moving to Calgary in 2014. Erika completed her PhD in Education at the University of Alberta, with a focus on educational technology in higher education, and is currently an Assistant Professor and Faculty Development Consultant at Mount Royal University. She loves teaching, knitting, hiking, yoga, and of course the occasional beer.
Lisa Fahey
Lisa says she’s half nerd, half geek – which makes her all dork! She’s been going to Nerd Nite Calgary events since the very first one and has made it her mission in life to always have a crazy purse that matches one of the topics being presented. Lisa has a degree in Journalism and is currently working as a Technical Writer in Oil & Gas. As she describes it, she ”translates engineer speak into common English”. Which comes in handy at Nerd Night sometimes!
Jason Curtis Droboth
Jason grew up in a high-control religious cult that was not just ‘anti-science’ but ‘anti-any ideas that contradict the cult’s doctrine.’ His insatiable curiosity and love of science beckoned him to leave in his early 20’s and pursue a life dedicated to freely exploring and sharing knowledge. He’s attended and hosted hundreds of public educational events to do just that and hopes to continue with Nerd Nite. In his professional and personal life, he focuses on public science communication, specifically within the Earth Sciences. He works with Scientists and research institutions, helping them generate meaningful productive engagement with the general public. He holds a B.Sc. in Geology from Mount Royal University.