Science nerds of Vancouver unite! Our next nite will feature talks from the fields of Maths, Biology, and Engineering! To infinity… and BEYOND! Get your geek on and join us for a pint or two!
Where: The Fox Cabaret
When: Tuesday May 26th, Doors @ 7; Talks @ 7:30
Tickets: $5 Early Nerd Tickets on Eventbrite, $8 at the door
#1 Pascal’s Wager and Various Types of Infinity
Shaun Stewart
Blaise Pascal asserted that people should devote their lives to Christianity in order to maximize their expected outcome for the afterlife. The mathematics of infinity have progressed somewhat since then, which might just allow us to gain infinite reward and still live in sin. Wealthier attendees may consider purchasing eternal life from speaker Shaun Stewart at very reasonable rates.
Bio: Shaun Stewart is a mathematician who studied at the University of British Columbia. He is also a comedian, performing with The Critical Hit Show, The Gentlemen Hecklers, and The Vancouver Theatresports League. Shaun is currently in the process of becoming a secondary school math teacher, and will soon be teaching your kids.
#2 Bioblitzin’ the Flathead: Using Citizen Science to Promote Conservation
Dr. Peter Wood
Recently conservationists have taken to the concept of “bioblitzing” to further their work, drawing upon citizens to perform a rapid assessment of an area’s biodiversity, and using the results to engage the public, and lobby for protection. For the past four years this strategy has been used by several groups to highlight the importance of defending the Flathead River Valley, a gorgeous area in the southern BC rockies (see: https://vimeo.com/61579554). This talk will explore lessons learned in how to use this tool effectively to translate science into policy. It will also feature stunning visuals of the landscape, its charismatic megafauna, and enigmatic microfauna. We will then completely geek-out on the science behind why this area is one of the most biodiverse in all of North America, and why it is critical in light of climate change.
Bio: Peter’s conservation work over the past 15 years has taken him all over the world, including Borneo, the Congo Basin, the Amazon, and even the Okanagan. Through his work he aims to bridge the gap between science and policy, and make links between social justice and environmental protection. He completed his PhD on international law and forest conservation at the University of Toronto. He’s also really good at Doodle polls and email.
#3 The Search for a Beautiful Solution: Physics, Engineering, Superheroes, Demon Portals, and YOU
Grant Minor
What does “Physics” mean in our modern context? What about “Engineering”? Where do the fields overlap? Where does Canada fit in all of this? Will our physicists and engineers build the next mega-collider-thing that will create a black hole and swallow us all into a timeless nether-dimension? Will they open a portal to an alternate demon universe and unleash Hell on Earth? Or, will they develop the chest-mounted fusion reactor required to power our flying armour suits? How does this affect YOU? A Canadian engineer with a background in physics who has seen Iron Man and played DOOM, Quake, and Half-Life will attempt to answer all of these questions.
Bio: Grant Minor is originally from Ontario, but has been living in BC for 10 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Enginering Physics from McMaster University and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria. He is a practicing professional engineer licensed under APEGBC. Grant currently works at TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, and has held the position of Remote Handling Group Leader / Nuclear Engineer at the institution since 2010. He manages a group of engineers, technicians, and tradespeople who design, build and maintain particle accelerator equipment used in high-radiation environments. Grant has previously worked in the hydrogen fuel cell industry, as well as the nuclear power generation industry in Ontario. He also performs in several Vancouver bands on the punk and indie circuit, including Girlfriends and Boyfriends, Phoenix Thunderbird, and ACTORS.