Nerd Nite XIII 11.12.15
Our speakers for Nerd Nite Miami’s November nite were the 6 amazing finalists for the CappSci Inventors prize at the Frost Science Museum. The scientists/inventors were competing for a $100,000 grant to support a 12-18 month installation at Frost Science, as part of the inventors-in-residence initiative. One for the best invention to restore coral reefs, and one for the best invention to help people reduce their exposure to carcinogens.
Our nerds heard from these talented inventors and helped decide which two should win. Thanks, nerds!
The winners are:
Coral Prize: Rivah Winter & Andrew Baker, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science – Stress hardening corals
Carcinogen Prize: Prasoon Diwakar, Purdue University – Cost effective carcinogen detector
Nerd Nite XII 10.8.15
Birthday Party!
Nerd Nite Miami turns 1 so we celebrated with birthday cake and party games!
“Invasive Species: What You Don’t Want To Know” by Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson is a UM Rosenstiel School alumnus, a marine scientist, and an invasive species expert. He will share the horrifying stories about the various invasive animals that live in South Florida…. It’s not good…it’s actually really bad.
“The Power of Body Language in Dating” by Virginia Jimenez
Body language trainer and coach Virginia Jimenez will present the body language cues that, when applied, result in a better understanding of your prospective date. She will present how (A)vailability + (C)onfidence = the X factor and the information available from behavior researchers on why these methods work.
“Everything I Need To Know In Life I Learned From Sharks” by David Shiffman
Marine biologist and science writer David Shiffman will share a series of life lessons learned from his studies of shark behavior, ecology and conservation. He has seen or interacted with thousands of sharks of more than 50 species on five continents. (Video of presentation available here)
Nerd Nite XI 9.10.15
The bosses led a fascinating game of Cards Against Humanity during our 6-7pm nerdy gaming session and set the mood for one of our most eclectic speaker line ups yet.
“Art, Craft, Beauty, Mingei and Malcolm Galdwell’s 10,000 hours” by James Herring
How skilled work, the creative process, the importance of beauty and intimacy with materials has evolved within this one persons practice. How learning through making can inform design, art, engineering, and a host of other fields while engendering a sense of satisfaction. James, a ceramic artist and past president of the Ceramic League of Miami, spun pottery on his wheel while giving the history of pottery and sharing his personal experiences.
“Why do passwords suck, and what you can do about it” by Alan Goldman
Alan is a computer programmer who thinks it is important for everyone to understand how security works as our lives become increasingly digital. Alan shared lots of tips and tricks for taking control of your own virtual safety.
“Sex Underwater: A Slightly Inappropriate Musical Revue” by Gary Bremen
Sex has a purpose. Sex can be violent. Sex can be a solo experience. Sex can be kinky. The really cool, nerdy connection is that all of these are happening RIGHT NOW in the waters off Miami. Marine science educator Gary Bremen shared a humorous (and maybe even inspirational) look at everyone’s favorite “hobby,” with a soundtrack to match. Amazing!
Nerd Nite X 8.13.15
Pre-Nerd Nite Periodic Table BINGO!
Amazing success and lots of fun! We played 3 rounds and each of our 3 winners received $15 Gramps gift certificates! Yum! Join us at 6pm in September for more nerdy games with the Nerd bosses.
A Look at the Uncanny Valley by Dean Lyon
A term coined in 1970 by the Japanese scientist who was involved in creating humanoid robots to describe the eerie sensation one gets when experiencing a “not quite right” representation of a human being. It turns out that it may stem from our basic primitive instincts of “fight or flight”, but it is unproven speculation. Hollywood visual effects and computer graphics filmmakers & highend computer game creators have made amazing headway in achieving onscreen digital “humans” but have consistently bumped into the “Uncanny Valley” thwarting them from the ultimate goal of believability.
The future of IVF: flirting with the limits by Amanda Butler
Butler took us on a mind-blowing journey that transforms a female skin cell into a functional, mature sperm. Science is closer than we realize to giving homosexual couples the possibility of having their own genetic offspring.
How Playing Board Games Can Save Your Life by John Gulla
Over the past two decades, board games have been enjoying a significant and steady increase in overall popularity worldwide, as well as a large rise in the amount of new and different games being created and played. Gulla discussed some of the reasons behind the phenomenon, introduced us to some excellent examples of modern board games that you should try, and finally, examined why board games may be more important to humanity now than ever before. One of our best presentations so far!
