What are you curious about this year? Here at Nerd Nite we are going to delve deep into the curiosities of all the diverse nerds that we have living in this country. We want to keep growing, and learning with you!
While Kaylee is away till Fall, we will be having guest hosts that will bring their own perspectives to each month, helping shape the curation of our speakers. This month we’re delighted to announce Educator, Improvisor, and former Nerd Nite speaker Amy Shostak will be co-hosting with Michael! www.amyshostak.ca
This month we have three amazing speakers, let’s start this year off right!
When: Wednesday January 24th; Doors @ 7
1. Machine Learning AKA When Robots Attack/Speak/Recognize Cats/Drive Cars
Curt Da Silva
Bio: Curt is a recent PhD graduate from the University of British Columbia in Applied Mathematics. He is a data scientist with a strong mathematical background and extensive experience with machine learning and large-scale optimization. He’s passionate about turning cutting edge research methods into scalable and well-designed software and providing adept and accurate data-driven analysis. His PhD thesis work has been in the areas of tensor completion, composite-convex optimization, and software design for large-scale inverse problems.
2. Dr. Who
Rachel Talalay
Bio: Rachel Talalay is a British-American film and television director and producer. She is also a University of British Columbia film professor. She has directed seven episodes of Dr. Who to date including “Twice Upon a Time” the premiere of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Dr. Who.
3. A History of Planet-Hunting (And How You Can Be a Part of It)
Michelle Kunimoto
This talk covers the past, present, and future of hunting for planets – within our own Solar System and beyond! Discoveries of exoplanets (planets outside the Solar System) have exploded over the last couple decades, and exoplanets have quickly become the Hot Topic of Astronomy today. Anyone can take part in the hunt – even you, from your comfort of your own home. I’ll be introducing you to how, and share my own independent search for planets as an undergraduate.
Bio: Michelle Kunimoto is a Star-Trek-inspired PhD student at UBC in Astronomy, under the supervision of Dr. Jaymie Matthews. Her exoplanet candidate discoveries as an undergraduate landed her on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Science, and she continues to independently search for planets to this day.
