September 14th, 2023 7:30pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Meet your presenters for September’s Nerd Nite:
James Simon
Aliens are real! …just not what we think
Aliens have always been a huge presence in nerd culture, wielding lightsabers, delivering packages across the galaxy, and telling us to “Live long and prosper”. Sadly we aren’t close to discovering humanoid aliens (yet), but there is hope that one day a blue TARDIS may appear at your door. The key? Microbiology! Get ready to learn how bacteria could be the key to discovering life on other planets, and what that means for the search for extraterrestrial life!
James (he/him) is a first-year Master of Science in Biology student at Western Carolina University. He primarily studies microbiology and the use of microbiology within brewing, mainly altering bacteria so that they can consume the compounds that produce off flavors in beer. In his off-time, he can be found either teaching others how to brew from his homebrewing rig, supporting local organizations such as UASWS (@uasws.wcu) which looks to unionize student workers within WCU, and playing soccer right here in Asheville!
Dr. Rider Barnum
You Won an Award for What?!
Have you ever thought, “Why the hell are scientists actually studying this?!” Well strap in to learn about the Ig Nobel awards which are designed to make you laugh, then make you think. Get ready to learn with our new gameshow “You Won an Award for What?!”
Rider Barnum holds a PhD in Chemistry as well as a BA in Theatre Arts. Originally from north Louisiana, he currently lives in northeast Tennessee with his wife and daughter. Professionally he has been an industrial research and development chemist for over ten years. In his spare time he enjoys doing science demonstrations for education outreach ever since grad school, as well as performing in community theatre productions. He is excited to be collaborating with NerdNite as part of spreading interest in STEM to a wide range of audiences in a way that is WAY more fun than your average class in school. IG: @dramaticchemist
G. Inez Figueroa
Piercing for Pleasure:
A journey through the intersectionality of sex and piercings
Come on a safari of the human body as we tour the more exotic piercings and learn how they affect intimacy.
Tired of partners not hittin’ your spot? Yearning for bedazzled privates? Or maybe you’ve always been curious about why people would ever pierce their junk in the first place! This is your opportunity to find out all the deets! Inez will take you on a tour of all the intimate piercings, their functions in pleasure, and some funny stories from the piercing room. No piercings required to attend. (Presentation will feature bad drawings of human anatomy, but no graphic images.)
Inez (They/Them) is a professional piercer and member of the Association of Professional Piercers with a background in anatomy and kinesiology. With an ambition to provide a safe space for all walks of life, they found their passion in piercing. Inez aspires to always place autonomy back into the client’s hands. Ready to adorn your body and soul? They are here to help. IG @inezwithsharps https://linktr.ee/inezwithsharps
With your host and Nerd Nite Asheville Boss, Von!
This month’s mini-feature: Ferengi or Alpha Bro
There’s a race in the Star Trek universe historically known for their misogyny, treachery, and unapologetic avarice: humans. There’s also the Ferengi, a race of goofy aliens who hold the same outdated values as the average alpha male podcaster. Can you tell them apart? Find out in this hilarious mini-game!
Von (they/them) is a local drag performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @von.infinity)