December Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Marcy Young Illies
Ever wonder why Minnesotans are so gosh-darn nice (or at least seem to be)? This talk dives into the mysterious world of “Minnesota Nice”—that sweet-yet-passive-aggressive charm that’s practically an art form. We’ll unpack what it really means to be “Minnesota Nice,” how it stacks up against similar vibes in other regions (like Canada’s “sorrys” or the South’s “bless your hearts”), and whether this politeness is a case of evoked culture—innate responses triggered by the environment —or transmitted culture, where the niceness is learned and passed down like Grandma’s hotdish recipe at a potluck. Come for the insight, stay for the unspoken Midwest goodbyes!
December Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Coleman Henry
The St. Cloud Nutrient, Energy, Water (NEW) Recovery Facility is where your flush meets the future! Treating 10 million gallons of sewage daily, it ensures water from St. Cloud and surrounding communities that’s discharged into the Mississippi River is cleaner than what came in. Microorganisms work hard behind the scenes, munching on organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, while biogas from the process powers the facility with green energy—talk about a win-win! But moreover, captured solids are transformed into Class-A biosolid soil conditioners and phosphorus-packed fertilizers, giving farms a nutrient boost. The facility does so much, yet the only waste that leaves is a weekly dumpster of things that really shouldn’t have been flushed (looking at you, random toothbrushes). In short, the NEW facility turns waste into clean water, renewable energy, and fertilizers—proving that even sewage can have a second act!
October Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Jess Kowalke
In her presentation, aurora aficionado Jess Kowalke will explain the science behind the stunning displays mother nature periodically paints for us in the night sky. She’ll also explain how to prepare for a perfect viewing and how you’ll know it’s time to jump out of bed, put your pants on, and get out to your favorite sky-gazing spot!
October Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Carl Ferkinhoff
Modern cutting-edge astronomy takes more than setting up a small telescope in the back yard. Some observations require traveling to the most extreme locations on earth that have significant effects on the human body. In this talk Carl will summarize his research into these extreme galaxies, performed while being “drunk”!
August Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Angela Djoumbaye
A talk on privileges and social power that we hold and how to use them for good. Privilege is something that we all can relate to, this discussion will identify the different kinds of privileges from skin tone to religious practices and multiple others that you may not have considered. If you are open to hearing about the ways that you could have privilege, this talk is for you!
August Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Aria Harveland
As anti-LGBTQ sentiment continues to sweep the nation, it is more important than ever to be a good ally. In this short talk, Aria, a queer psychology student, will tell you how you can make a difference. Learn all about the science and history of the Alphabet Mafia, debunk harmful myths, and decipher ever changing terminology.
June Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Joan Hemker & Jacqueline Poepping
Get ready for a wild ride through the animal kingdom, where fur, feathers, and everything in-between come together in a fantastic fusion of fluff and finesse! From the sleek fur of prowling predators to the soft feathers of soaring birds, we’re exploring the diverse coverings that make each creature unique.
More on Hemker Zoo: What started as a modest dream in 1977 has expanded to offer families intimate encounters with over 75 different species from across the world. Hemker Park & Zoo’s mission is to showcase and promote animal species while fostering environmental conservation through collaborative partnerships and effective wildlife management strategies. The zoo is dedicated to conveying the marvel and significance of conservation, as well as the vital role animals play in our ecosystem. Visitors can anticipate gaining insights about our planet and enjoying the company of over 200 animals that reside at Hemker Park & Zoo.
June Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Peter Gillitzer
Co-founder of Milk & Honey Ciders, Peter Gillitzer, will discuss how cider making experts turn delicious apples into sparkling hard cider.
May Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Tami Kolbinger & Cristina Rodriguez
No single caregiver’s journey is the same when taking care of a loved one with dementia. Join D-CAN to get a better understanding of the stages of dementia caregiving and a discussion about anticipatory grief which can occur before the loss of the person who you are providing care.
May Nerd Nite on the Rocks
Kevin Peine
Bleeding is the number one killer of trauma patients. A person can die in 3-5 minutes, and it takes First Responders an average of 7 minutes to arrive in urban settings and even longer in rural and remote areas. Stop the Bleed is a training program that teaches civilians with little to no medical training to be immediate responders when tragedy strikes and someone needs bleeding control interventions. The skills taught in Stop the Bleed are the same skills that are utilized by combat troops to keep their buddies alive until help arrives.
