The world-famous NERD NITE** returns Thurs, May 7th at the Villain Theater. Doors at 6. The show begins promptly at 7pm. We’ll do a round of trivia in-between the talks. Beer and wine will be sold at concessions. Nerd Nite books will also be available.
Dr. Lisa Murphy Goes, Director of the Undergraduate Meteorology Program (University of Miami)
Dr. Michael S. Studivan, Associate Scientist (University of Miami/CIMAS), Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 7-9p (Doors at 6p) Villain Theater 5865 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
PRESENTATION #1: “Atmospheric Tease: Why Forecasts Don’t Always Deliver”by Dr. Lisa Murphy Goes
Dr. Lisa Murphy Goes is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Director of the Undergraduate Meteorology Program, and MPS Broadcast Meteorology Track Leader in the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences at the University of Miami. She holds a B.S. in Meteorology from the Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science from the University of Maryland.
At the University of Miami, she studies the drivers of past climate variability and teaches atmospheric science courses. She attributes her early fascination with weather patterns to growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, where she experienced extreme changes in weather, including hailstorms and blizzards. She has two children and in her free time enjoys outdoor activities such as running, stand-up paddle boarding, and camping.
PRESENTATION #2: “Sex on the beach: the mystery of “urban corals” in the Port of Miami” by Dr. Michael Studivan
Dr. Michael Studivan is an Associate Scientist with the Coral Program at the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. He is a coral molecular biologist, technical rebreather diver, and girl dad. He has a strange affinity for wanting to watch corals have sex.
Corals have been discovered in unlikely places in Miami – on artificial substrates inside the highly urbanized Port of Miami. These “urban corals” are living in proverbial and literal garbage, facing extreme thermal stress, UV radiation, sedimentation, and ocean acidification, yet are surviving, nay, thriving. The Coral Program at the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory have been studying these fascinating corals since 2017, and have learned much about the capacity for coral adaptation in extreme environments and under climate change stress. Come learn more about Miami’s urban corals, including their disgusting habitats, unusual sex lives, and how they may be the future of Florida’s Coral Reef.
**NERD NITE is an evening of entertaining and educational presentations. Our guest speakers present for 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. Special events include trivia, speed dating, among others. Nerd Nite operates in over a hundred cities around the world, including Toronto, Tokyo, Seattle, St. Petersburg, Pittsburgh, Orlando, New York, Miami, Memphis, Los Angeles, London, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Austin, and many more.
By now, you’ve heard the news. The legendary GRAMPS in Wynwood is closing. The very first NERD NITE** event in Miami was at GRAMPS and we can’t let GRAMPS go without doing it once more.
On December 18th, come through and learn something new one last time at GRAMPS. Click here to get your tickets today!
PRESENTATION #1:
“Re-discovering Rum: A Journey through Time, Taste, and Tradition” by John Gulla
Rum is one of the most complex and culturally rich spirits in the world — shaped by centuries of global history and produced in styles as varied as the places it’s made. Together, we will reveal rum’s diversity and history, demystify its classifications, dive into the nerdy details of how it is produced, and challenge the myths that have kept it in the shadow of whisky, tequila, and other spirit categories for too long. Rum carries centuries in every sip, and it’s time we re-discover it.
John is a local rum enthusiast, collector, and co‑founder of The Rumcast podcast, now in its sixth year. Through conversations with leading producers, bottlers, and industry voices, he has deepened and shared his knowledge of rum’s history, culture, and the science/art of its production. His collection of more than 400 rums spans the globe, and he delights in introducing newcomers to the spirit’s diversity. Most recently, he launched The Rumcast Reserve, two premium single cask rums brought to the U.S. market after a 10‑month journey from selection to bottling, meticulously chronicled on the podcast. rumcast.com
PRESENTATION #2:
“Beyond the Screen: How Camming Impacts Expression, Intimacy, and Well-Being” by Melissa Blundell-Osorio
Camsites, erotic online platforms where performers and viewers can interact in real time, have grown in popularity in the last several years. What exactly happens in these digital spaces? How do these virtual encounters blur the line between performance and real emotional connection? Research has shown that these platforms can be a unique space that impacts how people connect, express desire, and understand themselves, with individuals turning to camsites not only for pleasure, but also for affirmation and even friendship. This presentation will explore what camsites are and what they offer, how people are using them for emotional intimacy and self-exploration, and the surprising benefits that they may be able to provide.
Melissa Blundell-Osorio was a founding Nerd Nite Miami Boss from 2014 to 2021, before leaving Miami to pursue graduate education. After leaving Miami she earned her MS in Human Evolution and Behavior at University College London in the UK, and currently lives in Bloomington, Indiana, where she is a research scientist pursuing a dual PhD in Informatics and Gender Studies/Human Sexuality at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, where her research focuses on the use of technology in romantic and sexual relationships. She has also worked as the Director of Education for the World Erotic Art Museum in South Beach, and currently organizes Nerd Nite Bloomington, though there will forever be a place in her heart for Nerd Nite Miami.
PRESENTATION #3:
“The Story of Gramps, Wynwood’s best bar” by Liz Tracy
When people ask me where to go in Miami, I always say: Go to Gramps, the best bar in Miami. That’s because Gramps has been not only a cornerstone of the Wynwood Arts District, but one of those rare places where genuine community and culture thrive in style. As we near the closing date of this legendary bar, venue, and pizza joint, we’re going to take a look back at Gramps’ history, discuss our favorite drinks and performances, and maybe even shed a few nostalgic tears.
Liz Tracy is a journalist and editor whose articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Miami New Times. Though she now lives outside of Washington, D.C., she’s been covering culture in Miami for nearly two decades. If you’re looking to hire, she’s also a marketing and communications consultant for nonprofits and a digital fundraiser for political campaigns and ballot initiatives.
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 7-9pm (Doors at 6pm)
GRAMPS
176 NW 24th ST
Miami, FL 33127
**NERD NITE is an evening of entertaining and educational presentations. Our guest speakers present for 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. Special events include trivia, speed dating, among others. Nerd Nite operates in over a hundred cities around the world, including Toronto, Tokyo, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Los Angeles, London, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Austin, and many more.
The world famous NERD NITE** joins the Art Walk on Lincoln Road for a special edition of NERDIER THINGS trivia at LUMAS Gallery on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.
LUMAS Gallery is one of the world’s leading galleries for signed and limited art editions. Lincoln Road is Miami Beach’s world-renowned, outdoor pedestrian promenade.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7-9pm LUMAS Gallery 737 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
**NERD NITE is an evening of entertaining and educational presentations. Our guest speakers present for 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. Special events include trivia, speed dating, among others. Nerd Nite operates in over a hundred cities around the world, including Toronto, Tokyo, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Los Angeles, London, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Austin, and many more.
Nerd Nite Miami returns Thurs, August 7th at Gramps.
Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining and educational presentations. Speakers present for 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. Doors at 6. The show begins promptly at 7pm. We do a round of trivia in-between the presentations.
Guest speakers Dr. Kristen McConnell Victor Rodriguez-Ros Joshua “TechDev” Walker
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
PRESENTATION #1 “Fighting Cancer with Radiation: Precision, Power, and a Lot of Physics” by Dr. Kristen McConnell
Radiation gets a bad rap. From comic books to disaster headlines, but it’s also one of the most powerful tools in modern science and medicine. In this talk, we’ll explore where radiation shows up in your daily life (hint: it’s not just your microwave), how it’s used safely, and the surprising ways it helps us, especially in the fight against cancer.
We’ll dive into how radiation therapy works to target and destroy tumors with pinpoint precision, how physicists plan treatments to protect healthy organs, and what makes some types of radiation more effective than others.
Come curious—we’ll break down the science, bust some myths, and maybe even talk about glowing in the dark (spoiler: you won’t).
Dr. Kristen McConnell is a board-certified proton therapy physicist at Miami Cancer Institute. She holds a PhD in Radiological Sciences, with earlier degrees in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering from the University of Texas. Dr. McConnell completed her clinical residency at UC San Diego and has been a practicing medical physicist for the past six years. Her research focuses on how radiation interacts with the human body and how we can better exploit biology to enhance its effects in cancer treatment. She’s passionate about making complex science accessible—and maybe even a little fun.
PRESENTATION #2 “Teaching AI and Cloud Through Politics and Shitty Pop Culture” by Joshua “TechDev” Walker
Joshua “TechDev” Walker is what happens when you combine an Army vet, a self-taught cloud architect, a social impact pioneer, and just the right amount of caffeine—then hit “run.” He’s also the author of “Venti Fried Chicken,” a book that’s not about coffee or poultry, but might still leave you hungry for more.
When he’s not architecting clouds (no, not the ones in the sky—please stop asking), Joshua is out there serving clients, teaching tech, and giving talks that are 80% inspiration, 20% memes, and 100% likely to include at least one reference to Star Wars. His mantra? Train, inspire, and relate—because someone has to explain Kubernetes to your grandma. #cloudGang
PRESENTATION #3 “Joachim Meyer and the Fechtschule: Centuries-Old German Swordsmanship in the Modern World.” by Victor Rodriguez-Ros
Victor Rodriguez-Ros has spent the last seven years deeply immersed in the study and practice of the Art of Combat as instructed by Joachim Meyer. As Director of Assaults at Living Meyer and a licensed physiotherapist, he brings a unique perspective to the historical martial arts, bridging centuries-old German swordsmanship with modern understanding.
