Nerd Nite Rochester: January

Name: Nerd Nite Rochester: January
Start: 2026-01-29T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-29T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Boulder Coffee Cafe and Lounge

Schedule

Thu Jan 29 2026 at 06:30 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Boulder Coffee Cafe and Lounge | Rochester, NY

We all know that learning is more fun when you’re hanging with friends. Nerd Nite operates in 100+ cities around the globe, now including our city - Rochester! Several presenters totally geek out for 20 minutes each. Drink, eat, learn, connect, and talk about fun, interesting stuff with fun, interesting humans.
Presentations begin promptly at 7pm. Get there early to grab a seat, something to eat, and a drink.
@boulder coffee, 100 Alexander St, Rochester
Check out this month's speakers:
Al Uy presents - Survival of the fairest in birds: Risking life and wing to woo potential mates
Darwin’s theory of natural selection is colloquially described as survival of the fittest, the perpetual struggle to find food while also avoiding becoming food. However, plants and animals must ultimately reproduce after surviving. So, survival of the fittest really means first surviving then ultimately finding suitable mates. In this Nerd Nite presentation, Al Uy, a biologist from the University of Rochester, will discuss the crazy lengths that birds go through to win the admiration of potential mates. He will focus on his long-term work on the most flamboyant casanovas of the sky, the bowerbirds — a family of birds that have evolved dazzling creative displays solely to woo females.
For over 30 years, Al Uy has worked throughout the tropics to explore the evolution and ecology of birds, traveling to remote sites across the globe. He also translates his science into conservation initiatives by partnering with indigenous communities to establish conservation areas in threatened ecosystems. Al is currently Professor and Chair of Biology at the University of Rochester. For more information, check out his website (https://tropbiolab.org/JACU/) or documentary on his work streaming on Paramount+ (https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/eueKIhsVvaxyLjtcrtx2jm5XFBof8xv7/)
Megan Storm presents - A Simpler Time, Through Rose-Colored Glasses: A True Crime Podcasters Look at the "Good Old Days"
The past often feels safer, quieter, and easier to understand. Through real cases from decades ago, True Crime podcaster Megan Storm challenges that belief and examines how nostalgia and limited information shaped public perception of crime. This talk explores why the " good old days " weren't always safer, and how modern technology and investigative advancements are helping bring awareness to old cases while making today's society safer.
Megan Storm hosts a weekly True Crime Podcast named "A Simpler Time True Crime" where she shines a spotlight on older, unsolved cases. She is passionate about and committed to creating ethical content in the true crime space, often in partnership with victim's families. Megan also works full time as a program director at a local nonprofit. In her downtime she likes to travel, read, play the NYT Spelling Bee, and try new recipes that involve a million specialized ingredients she will only use once.
Laura Nespoli presents - Story as a salve in trying times
Everyday, we are steeped in stories that color our outlook on the world. But if we aren’t intentional about the attention we give to the stories around us, we forfeit the power to use them to fuel strength, resilience and empowerment. Your story can actually be a salve for hard times, not an underline to them. Learn how to use the neuroscience of storytelling and some simple story structures to rewrite your narrative and recolor your perspective.
Laura Nespoli’s purpose is to unite people and inspire movement through storytelling. As founder of story consultancy, Meshin Movement, creator of the upcoming Story For Growth app (launching Jan ‘26), and public speaker, she helps leaders bridge strategic narrative with personal and business growth, proving authentic leadership begins with knowing your story. Learn more at MeshinMovement.com