Why Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: An Evolutionary Perspective
by Melissa Blundell Osorio, Nerd Nite Co-Boss
A look into the science of beauty and why we’re attracted to the things we’re attracted to, seen in the context of a Darwinian struggle for survival.

Mineralogy and Crystallography
by Kelsey Marzolf
A presentation on mineralogy and crystallography and how subtle differences alter the appearance of the mineral.

Diamonds Are For Everyone
by John Janik
A spirited conversation about how cultured diamonds are made and how they are advancing technology. “In addition to its perceived beauty, diamond is one of the most exciting engineering material and stands to revolutionize many facets of technology.” (John Janik)  For more info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEWpu3z3UBY#t=91

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1490743731182805/

Happy New Year!!!  May we suggest a few resolutions for you:  Resolve to be more nerdy, share your nerdiness with your friends at Gramps, and come to all the Nerd Nites in 2015!!

Another Nerdtastic event!!!

November 13, 2014 at 7:00pm

Gramps Bar
176 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

Be there AND be square!

The line up:

Waves
by Nathan Laxague, marine physics PhD student

Rather than come up with a clever title to describe his talk, Nathan has contented himself with a single word and a pair of quotation marks. Smart money says it’ll include an unnecessary introduction to waves in the broad sense, with the rest devoted to observation and analysis of ocean surface waves. Bring popcorn and foul weather gear.

The Psychology of Change
by Ivan Dynamo de Jesus, founder of Action Club, goal-setting/bucket-list achieving support group. 

Why do 92% of people fail to keep their their New Year’s resolutions? Why are we as humans naturally resistant to change and fall into old habits? This talk will examine how the hidden drives within each of us facilitate change in our lives or, more often, how these hidden factors prevent change from occurring, and how we can actively choose to re-program ourselves with the correct psychological tools.

Nursing coral reefs to recovery
by Stephanie Schopmeyer, coral restoration expert

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting incredible networks of life that stretch along the world’s tropical and subtropical coasts. Due to extensive worldwide coral reef decline, it is necessary to recover corals in underwater nurseries. Stephanie Schopmeyer takes us into the world of coral reefs and the methods that allow us to nurse these fragile structures back to good health.

The launch of Nerd Nite Miami!

Thanks for helping us celebrate the first ever Nerd Nite in the 305!

October 9, 2014  at  7:00pm

Gramps Bar
176 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

The line up:

“DIY BCI: Brain technology for everyday life”
Max Jackson, University of Central Florida Neuroscience graduate student and Nerd Nite Orlando veteran

Technology is rapidly advancing in its ability to fix our brains when they break – but what would it look like if we could extend our brains when they’re healthy? This talk will be looking at ways in which brain-computer interfaces can transform our everyday lives, improving our ability to engage with the world, with ourselves, and with each other. 

“Mysterious sounds from marine critters”
Erica Staaterman, Ph.D candidate, University of Miami RSMAS Physical-Biological Interaction Laboratory, working under Dr. Claire Paris

Have you ever wondered what the ocean sounds like? You may be surprised to learn that small marine critters such as shrimp, lobsters, and fish, produce an astonishing array of sounds. We will dive in and entertain our acoustic senses.

“Words of Power”
John Kirby, University of Miami Classics Professor

Humans use language constantly: most basically, just to assess or describe what they perceive, in the world around them or in their minds. But some uses of language are different: they seem to contain within them a source of actual power over reality. What is this all about? Professor Kirby breaks it down for you at Nerd Nite.