By Deborah L. Bright
Nerd Nite SD’s latest gathering was nothing short of a cosmic adventure, blending the allure of science fiction with the rigor of scientific fact. I’ve been to a few of these now, and this one was no different from the others in that the speakers were not only experts in their fields but also possessed mind-boggling levels of charisma capable of captivating a room full of self-proclaimed nerds.
There is one thing that made this edition of Nerd Nite stand out: Comic-Con was in town. As a result, attendees had the distinct privilege of hearing from the science advisor for Star Trek, an all-female panel of stellar AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors (including a NASA climate scientist), and the husband-and-wife team that advises Disney animators on anatomy and movement. Read on for highlights from their stand-out presentations.
First up was Erin Macdonald, an astrophysicist and the science advisor for the Star Trek franchise. Macdonald, who holds a PhD in astrophysics, affectionately referred to her field of study as “timey whimey sh*t,” a nod to the whimsical nature of her work. Her presentation was a thrilling ride through the cosmos, touching on the lifecycle of stars, the enigma of wormholes, and the intersection of science and science fiction. She shared fascinating tidbits, such as the historical proposition of planet Vulcan and the coincidental timing of Star Trek’s “black star” reference with the scientific community’s description of black holes. Fun fact: Erin and Stephen Hawking are the only two to have ever played themselves in a Star Trek movie or TV show.
The night continued with a panel of AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors Beata Mierzwa, a molecular biologist and science artist whose fashion design work bridges the gap between the scientific and artistic worlds, Kimberley R. Miner, a climate scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, local organic chemist Chanté Summers, and computer scientist and environmentalist Gracie Ermi.
The AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors Program is an initiative designed to promote women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. The program brings together 100 women from diverse STEM careers to serve as high-profile role models for middle school girls. These ambassadors shared their stories and experiences to demonstrate the different career pathways scientists can pursue.
The final presentation of the evening was by Elizabeth Rega and Stuart Sumida, a dynamic duo whose expertise has shaped some of Disney’s most beloved animated films. Their work on classics like Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, and The Lion King has left an indelible mark on the animation industry. They delved into the intricacies of animating various creatures, emphasizing the importance of anatomical accuracy and the universal appeal of characters with childlike proportions. Their talk was peppered with personal anecdotes, including their influence on character designs such as Rafiki, whom animators had knuckle walking before Elizabeth had something to say about it! (Monkeys don’t knuckle walk.)
Don’t miss Nerd Nite SD’s next event on September 26! Ticket info here.
With the promise of more engaging speakers and enlightening conversations, it’s an event that’s sure to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning. More to come on the lineup soon.
Disclaimer: This blog post was curated with the help of AI.
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