This Juneteenth we have an incredible lineup of Black speakers sharing their passions and work with you! Join us at 7pm on June 19th at the Rickshaw Stop to celebrate Black nerds in the Bay!
Why Can’t we Marvel at Marvel™ Men?: Character Design for Sl*ts
By Jepsen LaGuerre
How to sexualize men and why we should do more. We will take a look at some famously hot men and how they were designed, why their character design holds up so well, and… just appreciate some sl*ts (if permitted). A mix of character design principles and your presenter’s favorite fictional men.
Jepsen is a character designer, specializing in platform fighters and fighting games. Growing up in Sacramento, he enjoyed modding his own characters into games, as well as making tutorials for the modding and character design community. New to SF, he’s been doing freelance and contract work with his art, marketing, and or community management.
Who’s Invited to the Juneteenth Cookout!?: X-Men Edition
By: Arthur Jackson
The game show where someone (fictional/or IRL) is chosen and the audience votes yay, or nay. But, the final decision is up to the game master. In this iteration we will be building the guest in question from a lift of mutants. With each mutant we will dive into their power set, history, and character to make an informed decision. The goal is to have a guest list of Mutants who will appreciate this celebration without appropriating the moment, who will bring a delicious food/drink, and when asked know “WHATS MY FAVORITE WORD?!” And “WHY THEY GOTTA SAY IT LIKE $HORT?”. The mutants of the marvel comics/universe share a lot in common with black and queer folk when it comes to fighting for equal rights, experiencing discrimination, and thriving in spite of it.
Arthur Jackson V is a Bay Area poet – which is a funny way to spell hopeless romantic. A comic book obsessionist, and a dreamer. He’s also, a wicked kitchen witch. His sophomore collection of poetry, From Paris, Lost Vegas, Home Again, was published in February this year.
Between the Redlines: The New Bay Area
By: Osagie Oaiya
Redlining was an urban planning policy implemented across cities in the United States which divided communities along racial and socioeconomic boundaries, and the Bay Area was no exception to this. Despite San Francisco being touted as one of the diverse cities in America, it is also one the most segregated cities in America, and Black Americans in San Francisco have been heavily impacted by the aftermath of redlining throughout the 20th century. This talk seeks to explore the context of the current status of socioeconomic segregation in the Bay Area, ongoing gentrification of historically Black and minority neighborhoods, and the influence Black Americans have on the culture of the Bay Area.
Osagie is an East Bay native, born and raised, and currently a second year Master of Public Health in Epidemiology/Biostatistics student at UC Berkeley. He has a strong interest in reversing the impact of redlining on historically marginalized populations and has specifically focused his research on how freeways in cities uphold physical barriers between communities in the Bay Area. Osagie is an avid enjoyer of urban landscapes and has a strong appreciation for the unique beauty of San Francisco, along with a sincere appreciation for what the people of Oakland do for the culture of the Bay Area.
We would to invite you to our humble venue the 22nd day of May for another rousting installation of Night for Nerds. During the night, we will be lulled by the tunes of our house band for the event, Shell Space, and the compositions of our dearest in-house record composer, Lady &Jelly. Baroness Jackie Liu, will talk to us over the course of supper (you may provide your own, we fear we cannot do so for you), on the impacts and suitability of diets for the members of the ton. And, for those of peerage who are not wed or so engaged, we will receive advice on how not to become miserable spinsters at the ripe age of two-and-twenty or miserable wives from Jane Austen herself… via her proxy Sovereign Lark. There will also be a bit of gossip for those who relish the activity. We look forward to seeing you there. RSVP with your entry permits as soon as possible.
What’s For Dinner? – A One-Size Diet Truly Does Not Fit All By: Jackie Liu
It almost seems like every day there is a new diet being advertised as the ultimate way to eat. Whether it’s the carnivore diet, keto, or intermittent fasting — it can feel impossible to navigate. Lucky for us, tonight’s speaker is here to separate fact from fad.
Jackie Liu is a UC Berkeley and UCSF-trained Registered Dietitian who currently provides medical nutrition therapy in the inpatient and outpatient settings at Stanford Hospital. In the inpatient setting, she cares for patients in the ICU, surgical, transplant, medicine, and oncology units and in the outpatient setting, she works in the Digestive Health Clinic, caring for patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions from IBS to inflammatory bowel disease to long-term tube feeding and IV nutrition. She is also an incoming medical student at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and is passionate about bridging nutrition and medicine, in a current world and society that seems to do anything to keep these two apart.
Fun With Dorks and Jane By: Lark
Jane Austen has held the western world in a literary chokehold for 250 years. However, the field of Austen studies has shied away from the most hard-hitting topics. Today, we will ask and answer the question: what is the sexiest Jane Austen film adaptation? While this may not sound like the deepest intellectual inquiry, be prepared for an in depth exploration of aesthetics, affect theory, and historicist close reading to explain why we Yearn
Lark is a lifelong lit nerd with the BA in English and MA in Humanities to prove it. This fall, she will continue developing her nerd cred by beginning a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. Her field of study has primarily focused on 20th century American Literature and Cultural Studies, and striving to be the cutest person in Berkeley Bowl.
Special Musical Guest: Shell Space!
Shell Space is a six-piece indie rock band birthed in Berkeley. Their songs reference Tilden Park, rectangles, and feldspar.
It’s the Nerd Nite SF Sesquicentennial and we’re ready to celebrate! This month we commemorate one-hundred and fifty (150!) boozy, nerdy shows at our beloved venue, in our beloved city of San Francisco. Since we’re in a reflective mood, we’re excited to share a talk about the origins of the universe (Just how big was this “big bang”, anyway?), the banality of evil (How do “evil empires” start?), and vital truths about pelvic health! (What even is a “kegel” and how do you exercise one?) Come to the Rickshaw Stop at 7pm on April 17th and party down with us!
The Beginning and End of the Universe (And Some Things in Between)
By: John Groh
A crash course in modern cosmology: catch up on what we do, don’t, and might soon know about our universe. Along the way, learn how the cosmic microwave background – the afterglow of the Hot Big Bang – is helping us unearth our cosmic origins.
Dr. Groh is an experimental physicist who develops technologies and builds instruments to precisely measure the cosmic microwave background, understand our universe, and search for new physics. His studies and research have taken him from Penn State to UC Berkeley to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he now leads a small group and collaborates with other scientists on a variety of cosmology and dark matter experiments.
The Banality of Evil
By: Parsa Moein
We all feel it. There is a darkness spreading like rust that is often indistinguishable from the other pillars of our lives. Modern evil isn’t what the Disney movies portray, it’s infinitely more malicious and worst of all, it’s so boring that we cannot even bring ourselves to pay attention to it. Join us for a succinct dissection of modern evil: how to identity, fight, and succeed against it.
Parsa Moein is a Bay Area native who has no idea how to code (oooo scandalous). She loves history and the dissemination of it, which encouraged her to become a high school social science teacher – and loves almost every second of it! In addition to working towards dismantling oppressive systems, she enjoys cooking, biking, LEGO, and Helldivers 2.
Pelvic Perceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction
By: Dr. Karah Charette
Join Dr. Karah for a fun and informative session where we tackle common misconceptions about pelvic health. Through a lively ‘Fact or Fiction’-style talk, we’ll separate myth from reality, exploring everything from pelvic floor exercises to bladder control. Whether you’re a pelvic health pro or just curious, this talk will leave you with practical tips and a better understanding of your body!
Dr. Karah Charette is a doctor of physical therapy with a specialization in pelvic health. She co-owns a clinic in Oakland called Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness and she has a focus on somatic approaches towards care.
Spring has sprung and here at Nerd Nite SF headquarters, we’re preparing – as so many critters in the natural world do – to strut our stuff in the sunshine. We’ve put together a program to help you look and feel your best as the weather warms and longer days urge us from our hibernation (and doomscrolling) to socialize once more! This month, we’re tackling the art, science, and history of nail polish and piercings, and taking a look behind the veil at some of the fashion world’s dirtiest secrets. It’s all kicking off at 7pm on March 20th, at our beloved Rickshaw Stop, so shine those shoes and break out the lint roller: it’s time to get fashionable!
Nailed it: The Science Behind the Perfect Manicure
By Julie Cushen
Ever wonder what’s in your nail polish? What’s the difference between nail lacquer, gel, and acrylics, and where did all of these products come from? Join us as we discover the history and fascinating materials science behind some of the most underappreciated highly engineered functional formulations that are both loved – and hated – by people who paint their nails.
Julie Cushen earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2013 and since then has led UV curable formulation projects at various startups for a wide variety of applications ranging from 3D printing to display coatings to nailcare. In 2021 she launched her plant-based nailcare company Lilaque, introducing the world’s first soy-based gel nail polish and plant-based press-on nails.
Piercings 101: Holes, Poles, and the Art of Stabbing Yourself on Purpose
By Teo Lin-Bianco
Let’s talk about the basics—how piercings actually heal, why placement and jewelry matter, and what’s really happening when your body decides to fight back. Is a $50 piercing really worth it, or is a dorm room safety pin just the same? (Spoiler: probably not.) Expect a history of piercing culture, a little ear anatomy, and, for the freaks, a dive into some more NSFW placements—plus plenty of audience participation.
Teo Lin-Bianco is a former piercing staff member who spends way too much time thinking about the perfect hole. Having successfully healed dozens of piercings (and just as successfully taken out about as many), Teo is an expert in both good decisions and bad ideas. When not talking about skin and steel, they choreograph dance works exploring identity, intimacy, and the weirdness of being human.
You’re Dressing Like SH*T! – The Not-So-Fabulous Secrets of Fashion
By: Corey Goodman
A deep dive into the messy, often not-so-fabulous world of the garment industry—where style meets scandal, innovation clashes with exploitation, and the price tag rarely tells the whole story. I’ll share some tips and tricks to ‘possibly’ avoid contributing to the beast we call the fashion industry.
Cody Goodman (He/They), a fashion industry insider with a BFA in Apparel Design from The Academy of Art, a Luxury Sales certificate from Parsons, and a track record of selling millions at Neiman Marcus, Todd Snyder, and APC, and wherever else my day job continues to bring me. Whether dressing San Francisco’s finest or building my own brand, I bring an eye for style and a sharp critique of the industry that shapes what we wear. Let’s unravel fashion’s dirty little secrets—together. I’m on instagram media as @cashmere.Cody
Greetings beloved nerds, and welcome to the 2025 Season of Nerd Nite SF! Get ready for your monthly dose of nerdy delight starting with our inaugural show! Seek refuge from the chaos of 2025 with fun, funny, inspiring talks about the art of a classic Nawlins dish, the future of healthcare, and the power of collective action.
Lawrence Mckendell – The Art of GumboThe origin, influences and styles of a delicious, metaphorical cuisine. Lawrence created this gastro-ed talk as an homage to his late mother, Helen McKendell, and the vibrant city of New Orleans. The talk explores gumbo’s origins, cultural influences, and why it serves as an iconic metaphor for the region.
Bio: Lawrence McKendell traces his roots back to New Orleans’ 7th Ward, a predominantly Creole neighborhood on the edge of the now-famous French Quarter. As an Army brat, he was raised in many states, but Louisiana. However, thanks to his mom’s culinary magic—boiled crawfish and shrimp, red beans and rice, étouffée, stuffed mirliton, and, of course, the crown jewel, seafood gumbo—frequently graced the family dinner table, allowing his taste buds (and waistline) to fully embrace his Creole heritage. When he’s not dreaming of New Orleans cuisine, Lawrence is an award-winning graphic designer based in Oakland, CA, and coaches Ultimate Frisbee at Albany High School in Albany CA. He’s lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 50 years.
Barbie Klein & Rosalyn Plotzker – The Virtual Approach to Gynecology
Whether or not you’ve had a Pap test yourself, have you ever stopped to wonder, “How do people learn how to do that before they start seeing patients?” The Virtual Approach to Gynecology Project was created for healthcare trainees to practice the steps of a gynecologic exam in virtual reality. Come learn how VR is being used to help future healthcare providers deliver sexual health services.
Bio: Roz Plotzker is the UCSF Baum Family Simulation Scholar, and an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. After doing a Preventive Medicine residency in New York City, Roz came to San Francisco for a fellowship in Sexually Transmitted Infections which led to her current non-monogamous job of teaching, research, clinic and public health work.
Ivy Anderson & Devon Angus – Red Light Revolt! How Sex Workers Fought Gentrification in 1917 San Francisco
1906: San Francisco has been leveled by earthquake and fire. As the city rose again from the ashes, opportunistic speculators and moral reformers sought to mould the city in their own image. This included the erasure of the Barbary Coast, the city’s legendary vice district. In 1917, 300 sex workers stormed the church of the Rev. Paul Smith, a notorious anti-vice crusader. Kicking the man of the cloth off of his pulpit, they pleaded with his congregation, demanding better wages for working women and a cessation of the mass evictions they faced. Join historians Ivy Anderson and Devon Angus as they discuss a brief history of sex work, suppression and resistance in San Francisco from 1849 to today.
Bio: Ivy Anderson and Devon Angus are historians, writers, and filmmakers based in San Francisco. Their book, Alice: Memoirs of a Barbary Coast Prostitute, won the California Historical Society Book Award, and compiles previously unseen first-person narratives from sex workers and other working women living in San Francisco circa 1913. They are currently adapting this work into a feature-length film.
Our speaker Stepy Kamei will not be able to make it for this month’s show due to unforeseen circumstances; HOWEVER, the brilliant and generous Sahil Bansal will be stepping in to give a talk about SPACE, the celestial objects in it, and the people who have pursued them throughout history:
“Chasing Shadows – Tales of the Greatest(?) Eclipse Chasers”
From ancient civilizations to modern day American presidents, solar eclipses have fascinated us all. This talk is about those people who dared to go beyond the ordinary, running across the surface of the Earth in epic quests to chase our Moon’s shadow. Want to know about these fun/whimsical/ill-advised voyages and how they informed our modern sense of wonder and curiosity about space? Let’s dive right in!
About Sahil:
Aside from being an amateur solar eclipse chaser, Sahil works by day trying to make the internet a better place as a product manager in cloud storage. You can talk to him about all that goes into orchestrating a synchronized dance of electrons to bring you cat videos anytime, anywhere. Care to become a fellow eclipse chaser? Come say hi!
