February 8th, 2024 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Meet your presenters for February’s Nerd Nite:
Isaac Khaneles
GPS, and How Space Clocks Detect Nukes
GPS is a space-based service that is used by billions of people around the world for positioning, navigation, and timing. We will be learning about the beauty of how this infrastructure works, and discussing one of its lesser known features — detecting NUDETS (Nuclear Detonations).
Isaac is your typical “weird” Asheville resident, with a career and passion in the space industry. After five years of working as a Systems Engineer on the next generation of GPS ground control, he started a space industry engineering recruitment firm — finding niche people to work on special projects. Find him out and about in town, or on the trails.
Dr. Rider Barnum
Science Fails of The Dark Knight Trilogy
Whether you loved the comics or the movies, Batman is a classic superhero. And the Dark Knight trilogy was a brilliant piece of cinema history… with some TERRIBLE science moments! From microwave death rays to impossible physics and even fusion reactors, grab a seat and nerd out as we break down some visually amazing yet horribly inaccurate “cinema science” that has been living rent-free in my brain since the mid-2000’s.
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 Nerd Nite 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 and Pleasure
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 safari of all the intimate piercings, their functions in pleasure, and some funny stories from the piercing room. No piercings required to attend.
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, Von
Von’s Star Trek mini feature: “That’s Why I’m a Trekkie”: Star Trek’s Wokest Moments
After denouncing Star Wars for being “too woke and feminist”, Fox News personality Emily Compagno flashed a backwards Vulcan salute and proudly proclaimed, “That’s why I’m a Trekkie.” Actual Star Trek fans found this hilarious, considering that Star Trek broke some of media’s “wokest” barriers decades ago. Learn about some of these great moments while laughing at Fox News’s ongoing absurdity in this month’s mini-feature.
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)
January 11th, 2024 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
We have changed the start time for our events! The show will start at 7pm sharp. Early arrival recommended.
Meet your presenters for January’s Nerd Nite:
Sara Rivera
Life on the Ocean’s Surface
We know that the ocean hides secrets deep in its depths, but how much do we know about the creatures living on the ocean’s surface, on the precarious border between water and air? Join us as we learn about snails that build bubble rafts, barnacles with buoys, blue dragons that eat vicious man o’ war jellyfish, and other wild creatures that live in this unique habitat. How do they survive in this strange, upside down world? How are they affected by efforts to clean up ocean plastic? And how do they relate to Roman fashion choices?
Sara Rivera (they/she) is a Masters student at Western Carolina University studying tropical fireflies. Out of the lab, they perform nerdy drag as Rubella Werk (@rubela.werk) and Syd Phyllis (@syd.phyllis). They also have a science communication organization called THEM in STEM (@them.instem) with Science Storytimes and local firefly walks in Sylva.
Cris Bettis
The Archer’s Paradox
The Archer’s Paradox is a mesmerizing blend of physics and skill that archers navigate to hit their targets. We’ll talk about bows, arrows and all the funky things the arrows do when they are let loose.
Cris is a lifelong nerd, computer scientist, avid gamer, archer and artist. He likes spending his free time painting nerf blasters and cooking.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses lasers for deep space communication, and they need many large telescope mirrors to do it. Terry will tell you how researchers in South Carolina have contributed to this effort by spin-casting telescope mirrors using epoxy.
T. R. Richardson is Professor emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at the College of Charleston. He began teaching at the College as an adjunct instructor in 1978. He was promoted over the years and finally was appointed to the William Mebane Chair in Physics and Astronomy in 2005 and was presented with the campus wide Distinguished Teaching Award at the graduation ceremonies in 2006. He retired to West Asheville in 2022 where he resides with his cat Piccolo while conducting workshops for kids making a unique Safe Solar Viewer (SSV) of his design.
With your host, Von
Von’s Star Trek mini feature for December: The best celebrity guests of Star Trek.
Did you know Iggy Pop had a guest role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine? Well, he did, and it was hilarious. Find out more fantastic stars who trekked through space in Von’s favorite franchise.
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)
December 7th, 2023 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
We have changed the start time for our events! The show will start at 7pm sharp. Early arrival recommended.
Meet your presenters for December’s Nerd Nite:
Katherine Cutshall
Fictitious “Facts” of Asheville’s Past
If you’ve lived in Asheville very long, you’ve probably heard more than one eyebrow raising claim about the city’s history. In this talk Katherine will highlight three of these commonly repeated myths to examine their origins and set the record straight.
Katherine is an aggressively enthusiastic public historian and Asheville native (Yes! We exist!) currently managing the Buncombe County Special Collections library in Downtown Asheville. Almost nothing brings her more joy than engaging folks with the past and helping them to realize that history is more than dates and “important people” – it’s the foundation of our collective memory and a roadmap for our future. @yunz.are.sumthinelse @AVLHistory Specialcollections.buncombecounty.org
Alyssa Bolter, MS, PA-C, AAHIVS
How COVID Helped HIV Research: Modern Advancements in the Management and Prevention of HIV
While once a deadly disease that claimed the lives of most who were diagnosed, HIV is now considered a chronic condition. The past 30 years of scientific advancement has resulted in a “functional cure,” and the advent of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has provided a new approach towards one for HIV as well. Join me in learning about how these newest treatments work, options for prevention, and current progress towards a vaccine.
Alyssa Bolter is a Physician Assistant working at a community health center where she manages the care of those living with HIV, transgender individuals on hormone therapy, treatment for those with opiate addiction, and general primary care. She is passionate about identifying social determinants of health, harm reduction, increased access to care, and equity in health.
Rich Casella
The AirSynth
The AirSynth is a motion detection based musical instrument that reads the location of the player’s arms and attaches sounds to them using snazzy mathematics and computer coding. Prerecorded gestures will also activate sounds as well. Rich will demonstrate this fascinating math based instrument, accompanied by guitar loops and even some musical virtuosity.
Rich Casella is a professional touring musician and founder of the Guitar Den. He has 2000 live shows to date and took a deep interest in technology and how it influences and works with music. IG: @guitardennj guitar-den.com facebook: www.facebook.com/guitarden
With your host, Von
Von’s Star Trek mini feature for December: Remembering Nichelle Nichols’s final event
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)
November 9th, 2023 7:30pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Meet your presenters for November’s Nerd Nite:
Helaine Resnick, PhD MPH
What Kills You and What Doesn’t: News You Can Use from America’s Emergency Rooms
This talk will offer a humorous (and potentially informative) take on relative and absolute risk using national data on emergency department admissions. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: walking into walls, alligators, yoga, bungee jumping, and chickens.
Helaine Resnick earned a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Michigan, a Master’s degree in health policy from Yale University, and a Bachelor’s degree in history from Tufts University. She completed a three-year fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Resnick has published more than 130 book chapters, journal articles, and technical reports on topics including aging, chronic disease, health information technology, long-term care, and research design. She has served as the Principal Investigator of numerous federal grants and contracts, and she has been a co-PI, senior consultant, and adviser on many others. Dr. Resnick has extensive experience with analysis and publication of national public health data sets, clinical trials, and patient registries, and she has been an invited speaker at meetings in the U.S. and internationally. She splits her time between Asheville and Washington, DC. https://resnickchodorow.com/
Bill Kopp
The Mighty Mellotron, The British Sports Car of Musical Instruments
The Mellotron is a 1960s keyboard instrument; it’s the forefather of modern-day samplers, and its influence on popular music is massive. The thing is completely mechanical… and British; it shouldn’t (and often doesn’t) work, but people love it anyway. Come find out why!
Bill Kopp is an author, speaker, musician and freelance journalist. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and the site – home to over 4500 interviews, essays and features – has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). He hosts lecture/discussions including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock ‘n’ Roll at UNC Asheville’s College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues, more than 30 to date. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published in 2018. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021. His third book, What’s the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. The Mellotron is his favorite musical instrument. http://blog.musoscribe.com/
Von Infinity
A Night at Tacheles, Berlin
Kunsthaus Tacheles was a famous fixture of Berlin’s post-Soviet art and nightlife scene for two decades, until the mostly-destroyed building finally succumbed to the push towards a cleaner, more commercial Berlin. Von will take you on a tour of Tacheles from their time living in Berlin, and regale you with a story of the time a Belarussian resident artist’s manager performed a moon ritual.Just a typical night at Tacheles.
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 (including two years as a performer in Berlin), 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)
With your host and Nerd Nite Asheville Boss, Von! (up there ^)
October 12, 2023 7:30pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Meet your presenters for October’s Nerd Nite:
Robert “Lem” Lemery
A Pint Glass of Lies: Dispelling Untruths about Beer and Brewing
Oktoberfest is upon us! Millenia of translation and centuries of clever marketing are responsible for many untruths in the beer and brewing world. Together we will investigate the lies and uncover the truth. We will also touch on some strange-but-true factoids about everyone’s favorite beverage.
Lem has been a professional brewer since 2010. He has developed recipes and operating procedures for top-10 national craft brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, and Asheville’s most-visited brewpub, Wicked Weed. He opened his own taproom brewery in May of 2023. www.theradbrewco.com ig: @theradbrewco facebook.com/theRADbrewco
Knox Petrucci
A Seasonal Tale of Honey Bee Foragers
Are you ever curious about what a honey bee does during her day? What excitement awaits her the moment the sun rises until she rests her tiny head on her waxed comb pillow at night? We will discuss the many adventures that await a honey bee forager throughout the year. Focusing primarily on specific pollinator plants that attract honey bees throughout the seasons; we will explore the very short, yet full life of a Western Honey Bee living in Western North Carolina. Beeware! Bee puns await.
Knox (he/him) is the hive and store manager at Honey & the Hive in Weaverville, NC. Knox is the steward of the store apiary and is responsible for inspecting over 300 deep nucleus colonies in the early spring. He has been keeping bees for over 4 years. Beyond being found huddled over observing honey bees or collecting honey; Knox enjoys opening portals with his small collection of jaw harps and loves writing music on guitar and mandolin. IG:@honeyandthehivenc
Christian MacLeod
The Cryptid and Paranormal history of Asheville
Don’t let the gorgeous scenery fool you. Asheville is darker and more mysterious than you can imagine. Join the lead investigator of the American Cryptid and Paranormal Society to learn the secrets of this haunted city’s history.
Christian MacLeod, Director and Lead Investigator of the A.C.A.P.S., has over twenty-five years of experience investigating Cryptid and Paranormal activities and other legends: the Occult, UFO’s, Forbidden Archeology, The Freemasons, The Knights Templar, secret societies and many other governmental cover-up allegations and paranormal conspiracy theories, and a passion for studying and preserving Native American Tribe culture. Christian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in Criminology from the University of South Florida, and an advanced Masters of Arts and Teaching degree from Western Carolina University. He is currently finishing a second Master’s Degree in American History from Western Carolina University and plans to continue into a PhD program.
With your host and Nerd Nite Asheville Boss, Von!
This month’s mini-feature: The 5 Best and 5 Worst Aliens of Star Trek
Ah, Star Trek. It has boldly gone where no one has gone before for over 60 years, and in that time we have seen a *lot* of aliens. Some wondrous, some confusing, and some just downright goofy. See Von’s top picks for the 5 best and 5 worst alien costumes in the Star Trek canon.
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)
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)
August 10th, 2023 7:30pm at River Arts District Brewing Co:
Meet your presenters for Asheville’s inaugural Nerd Nite!
Dr. A. Rider Barnum
Congratulations, You Have Superpowers!
…It Won’t End Well.
Everyone dreams of having superpowers to fly, fight, and save the day. Let’s ruin your dreams with SCIENCE, as your powers will probably kill you before you ever get a chance to wear the mask and cape.
Rider Barnum (he/him) 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
Anna Diemer
The Science of Silly Voices
Ever wondered why your voice sounds like—well, you? Or how voice actors chameleon their voices to play a myriad of characters on the same show? Anna of Diemer Voice Studio will take Nerd Nite Asheville through a crash course in the science of voices and how to explore the gamut of voices you can make. Come prepared to make some silly sounds!
Anna Diemer (they/them) is a voice teacher, singing voice specialist, and professional singer based in Asheville, NC. Their studio’s mission is to empower voice users to have agency, command, and understanding of their voices so that they can speak and sing with their most euphoric sound. Anna works primarily with habilitation of avocational adult singers, many of whom come to the studio with complaints of vocal irregularities, tension, and fatigue, as well as with members of the queer and trans community seeking gender-affirming voice care. When Anna is not in the voice studio, you can find them cooking, hitting the stage as a drag performer, or crushing their to-be-read pile. Insta and Facebook: @diemervoicestudio Web: diemervoicestudio.com
Sara Rivera
Illuminating the Fabulous World of Fireflies
Ever been curious about the brilliant bioluminescent fireflies lighting up the night sky? Come be enlightened and learn about their crazy worlds filled with sex, deceit, cannabalism, and pure magic!
Sara Rivera (they/she) is a Masters student at Western Carolina University studying tropical fireflies. Out of the lab, they perform nerdy drag as Rubella Werk (@rubella.werk) and Syd Phyllis (@syd.phyllis). They also have a science communication organization called THEM in STEM (@them.instem) with Science Storytimes and local firefly walks in Sylva.
With your host and Nerd Nite Asheville Boss, Von!
This month’s mini-feature: Von’s five best so-bad-they’re-great episodes of Star Trek TNG-VOY
We thought space was the final frontier, but after hundreds of episodes, the Star Trek writers discovered there were WAY more f*cked up things in the universe to write about. Remember that time Riker tried to eat Captain Picard’s fish? Throughout the evening, Von will walk you through their favorite iconically absurd episodes of TNG through Voyager era Star Trek. Whatever you do, DINNAE LEIT THA CANDLE!
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)
