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)
